SHIAWASSEE RIVER - MICHIGAN
WATER QUALITY DATA
1965 SURVEY
Clean Water Series DPO-12-C
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fed»rot Water Pollution Control Administration
Greet Lokes Region
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SHIAWASSEE RIVER - MICHIGAN
WATER QUALITY DATA
1965 SURVEY
Clean Water Series DPO-12-C
JULY 1968
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Great Lakes Region
Detroit Program Office
U.S. Naval Air Station
Grosse lie, Michigan
48138
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Page No.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Area Description
Climate
Hydrology
WATER USE 18
Municipal Water Supply
Industrial Water Supply
Water-related Recreation
SOURCES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WASTES 23
Municipal
Industrial
POPULATION AND WASTE LOAD PROJECTIONS 29
WATER QUALITY DATA ................. 34
Reconnaissance Survey
Regular Tributary Sampling
Shiawassee Dissolved Oxygen Profile Study
Biology
WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS 69
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LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Page No.
1 . Drought Flows 10
2 Sampling Stations 17
3 Municipal Water Supplies 20
Owner and Treatment Code (for Table 3) 21
4 Projected Water Use 22
5 Municipal Waste Treatment Plants - 1965 26
Effluent Characteristics
6 Industrial Waste Inventory 27
7 Industrial Waste Characteristics 28
8 Waste Flow Projections . 31
9 BOD Projections 32
Notes for Water Quality Tables 43
10 Water Quality Data - Reconnaissance 44, 45
Survey
11 Water Quality 46, 47
12 Shiawassee River Water Quality - 1965 48, 49
Seasonal Variation
13 Shiawassee River Basin Water Quality - 50
1965 Seasonal Nutrient Variation
14 Shiawassee River Basin Water Quality - 51
1965 Seasonal Coliform Variation
15 Shiawassee River Basin Water Quality - 52, 53
1965 Radioactivity
16 Intensive Dissolved Oxygen Survey 54
17 Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Fluctuation 55
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LIST OF TABLES
(cont *d)
Table No. Page No.
18 Physical Observations - Shiawassee 64, 65
River - October 1964-September 1965
19 Benthic Macroinvertebrates - Shiawassee 66
River - October 1964-September 1965
20 Phytoplankton - Shiawassee River - 67
October 1964-November 1965
Explanation List for Predominant 68
Phytoplankton Genera (Table 20)
111
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No. , Page No.
1 Drainage Basins of the Great Lakes 3
2 Lake Huron Basin . 4
3 Saginaw River and Tributaries 5
4 Shiawassee River Basin 11
5 Mean Daily Flow - Shiawassee River 12
near Fergus
6 Flow Duration Curve - Shiawassee 13
River at Owosso
7 Flow Duration Curve - Shiawassee 14
River near Fergus
8 Drainage Area vs River Miles 15
9 Location of Sampling Stations 16
10 Municipal and Industrial Waste Outfalls 25
11 Population and Municipal Waste Flow 33
Projections
12 Dissolved Oxygen and 5-Day BOD - 56
August 18-19 Survey
13 Nitrate Concentration - August 18-19 57
Survey
14 Total Phosphate - August 18-19 58
15 Total Solids and Chlorides - August 18-19 59
16 Total Coliform Densities - August 18-19 60
IV
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INTRODUCTION
The water quality data contained in this report are the results
of field investigations and other studies conducted in 1965 and 1966 to
provide information for a water pollution control plan for the Lake
Huron Basin. The Lake Huron Basin Study is a part of the Great Lakes-
Illinois River Basins Project, directed by the Great Lakes Region,
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration (FWPCA) and under
authority of Public Law 84-660 (33 U.S.C. 466 et seq.).
Sec. 3. (a)' The Secretary shall, after careful investigation,
and in cooperation with other Federal agencies, with State
water pollution control agencies and interstate agencies, and
with the municipalities and industries involved, prepare or
develop comprehensive programs for eliminating or reducing the
pollution of interstate waters and tributaries thereof and
improving the sanitary condition of surface and underground
waters. In the development of such comprehensive programs due
regard shall be given to the improvements which are necessary
to conserve such waters for public water supplies, propagation
of fish and aquatic life and wildlife, recreational purposes,
and agricultural, industrial, and other legitimate uses. For
the purpose of this section, the Secretary is authorized to
make joint investigations with any such agencies of the con-
dition of any waters in any State or States, and of the
discharges of any sewage, industrial wastes, or substance
which may adversely affect such waters.
Total water quality planning begins in the headwaters of the
individual river basins and continues downstream through the major
tributaries to and including the Great Lakes. The extent and complex-
ity of the Great Lakes and tributaries are shown on Figures 1, 2,
and 3.
Water quality standards for interstate waters (Lake Huron) have
been adopted by the State of Michigan and approved by the Secretary
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of the Interior. Intrastate standards for Michigan are being implemented
by the Michigan Water Resources Commission. These standards will form
a basis for long-range plan for controlling pollution and maintaining
water quality for Lake Huron and its tributaries.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The principal agencies taking an active part in providing assistance
in the preparation of the report are as follows:
State Agencies - Michigan Water Resources Commission
Michigan Department of Public Health
Federal Agencies - U.S. Department of Commerce
Weather Bureau
Office of Business Economics
Bureau of Census
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Commercial Fisheries
Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Geological Survey
For further information, contact the following:
Detroit Program Office
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
U.S. Naval Air Station
Grosse He, Michigan 48138
Michigan Water Resources Commission
Reniger Building
200 Mill Street
Lansing, Michigan 48913
Michigan Department of Public Health
3500 N. Logan
Lansing,.Michigan 48914
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ONTARIO
DETROIT PROGRAM OFFICE
DRAINAGE BASINS OF THE
GREAT LAKES
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
GREAT LAKES REGION GROSSE ILE, MICHIGAN
SCALE IN MILES
SO
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QUEBEC
MINNESOTA
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FIGURE 2
S A 01 N AW RIVER
CASS RIVER
FLINT RIVER
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
TITTABAWASSEE RIVER
MICHIGAN TRIBUTARIES
TO SAOINAW BAY
MICHIGAN TRIBUTARIES
TO LOWER LAKE HURON
AU SABLE RIVER
THUNDER BAY RIVER
CHEBOYGAN RIVER
ST. MARYS RIVER AND
MICHIGAN UPPER PENINSULA
TRIBUTARIES TO LAKE
HURON
I 2 .
13 .
14.
19.
16.
17.
16.
I 9.
20.
21 .
MISSIS SAG I RIVER
SPAN!S H RIVER
WAN APITE I RIVER
FRENCH RIVER
MAGANATAWAN RIVER
MUSKOKA RIVER
SEVERN RIVER
SAUGEEN RIVER
MAITLANO
AU SABLE
RIVER
RIVER
LAKE
SUPERIOR
GEORGIAN
L A KE \ HURON
SCALE IN. MILE S
DETROIT PROGRAM OFFICE
LAKE HURON BASIN
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
GREAT LAKES REGION GROSSE I L £ . Ml CHIGAN
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DETROIT PROGRAM OFFICE
DRAINAGE BASIN
SAGINAW RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
U.S. DEPARTMENT OP THC INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POL LOT ION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
REAT LAKE} RE9ION 9ROSSE ILE, MICMIflAH
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Area Description
The Shiawassee River drains an area of 1,201 square miles and is
one of the major tributaries to the Saginaw River. It contains parts
of Gratiot, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Geneaee, Oakland, Livingston, and
Midland Counties. The basin is shaped like an hourglass, approximately
65 miles long and 30 miles wide at each end, and narrows to 5 miles
wide near Corunna.
The Shiawassee River flows in a generally northerly direction for
about 110 miles and then joins the Tittabawassee, Flint, and Cass Rivers
to form the Saginaw River. The major tributaries are the South Branch,
which rises in central Livingston County, North Ore Creek, and the Bad
River.
The Shiawassee River Basin is bounded on the north by the
Tittabawassee River Basin, on the southwest by the Grand River,Basin,
on the southeast by the Huron River Basin, and on the east by the Flint
River Basin.
The southern half of the Shiawassee River Basin is characterized
by areas of rolling and hilly country composed of till pla:j_n, with
numerous small lakes. Soils in the northern half are mainly lake plain '
and drainage is artificially provided.
The cities of Howell, Owosso, Corunna, and Chesaning are the
centers of agricultural and industrial activity.
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Climate
As is typical of the entire lower Great Lakes Region, the Shiawassee
River Basin has a moderate climate. The water masses that surround
Michigan cool the air in the summer and warm it in the winter. This
action results in a climate that can be generalized as having a wide
seasonal temperature variation, many storms, and a relatively constant
yearly precipitation distribution. During the winter months, this pre-
cipitation is usually in the form of snow. At Owosso, in the center of
the basin, the mean annual temperature is approximately 48°F, with
average summer and winter temperatures of 70 F and 26°F respectively.
The average yearly precipitation at Owosso is 29 inches. The growing
season averages about 145 days.
Hydrology
The Shiawassee River, in the reach covered by this report, has a
varied profile. Between Corunna and Chesaning, the river has a slope of
about five feet per mile. From Chesaning to Fergus, the river levels
out. Below Fergus, the slope is nearly zero, this area being the begin-
ning of the Shiawassee Flats.
Location of U.S. Geological Survey Gages
There are three U.S. Geological Survey stream gaging stations on
the Shiawassee River, two of which were utilized by the Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration.
The first of these gaging stations, Shiawassee River at Owosso,
Michigan, is located on the right bank of the river, on the grounds of
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the sewage treatment plant. It has a drainage area of 538 square miles
and has been in operation since March 1931, longer than the other two
stations on the river. The sewage treatment plant, mile point 40.0, is
the site of the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration's sampling
station X345.
The second gaging station maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey
is Shiawassee River near Fergus, Michigan. It is located on the down-
stream side of the bridge on Fergus Road, 1.2 miles east of Fergus.
The Fergus Road bridge is the site of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration's sampling station X320, at mile point 13.5. The
drainage area for this gage is 637 square miles.
The range of observed daily discharges at these gaging stations
are as follows:
Shiawassee River at Owosso - Maximum - 6,240 cfs
Average - 312 cfs
Minimum - 2 cfs
Shiawassee River near Fergus - Maximum - 7,500 cfs
Average - 405 cfs
Minimum - 29 cfs
Drought Flow
The seven-day low flow (once in ten years) for the reach of the
Shiawassee River studied by the Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration has been calculated at each of two of the U.S. Geologi-
cal Survey stations by use of Gumbel Extremal Probability Paper. The
stations used were Shiawassee River at Owosso and Shiawassee River near
* Flow formerly regulated by power plant at Shiawasseetown. Regulation
to this extent is no longer practiced.
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Fergus. The flow at the remaining points on the river was arrived at
by comparison of their drainage areas with that of the U.S. Geological
Survey stations.
Figure 5 is a hydrograph of the average daily flow of the Shiawassee
River during the months of June, July, August, and September 1965 at
the U.S. Geological Survey gage near Fergus. Figures 6 and 7 are flow
duration curves for the period of record at the gages at Owosso and near
Fergus. Figure 8 indicates the relationship of drainage area to river
mile for the section of the Shiawassee River studied in 1965. Figure 9
and Table 2 locate and describe the sampling stations.
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TABLE 1. DROUGHT FLOWS
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
Drainage Area 7-Day Flow
Location (square miles) (cfs)
X350 520 21.2
X346 532 21.7
USGS* Gage at Owosso 538 22.0
X341 564 26.2
-X340 576 28.3
X336 598 32.3
X334 618 36.1
X330 627 37.9
X320 - USGS* Gage near Fergus 637 40.0
* U.S. Geological Survey
10
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FIGURE 4
_MIDLAND_ CO. f . f
GRATIOT CO~TT
SHIAWASSEE RIVER BASIN
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MEAN DAILY FLOW
SHIAWASSEE RIVER NEAR FERGUS
200,
180
160
140
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120
100
80
60
40
20
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10
15 20
JUNE
25
10 15 20
JULY
25
10 15 20 25
AUGUST
10 15 20 25
SEPTEMBER
1965
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FIGUR E 6
FLOW DURATION CURVE
SHIAWASSEE RIVER AT OWOSSO
1931-1964
538* Square Miles
10,000
1,000
100
10
1.0
\
\
\
\
\
\
33
\
\
0.01 C.05 O.I O.2 O.S 12 8 IO ZO SO 4O SO 60 TO 80 9O 99 96 99
TIME IN PERCENT OF TOTAL PERIOD
8».8 99.3 99.99
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FIGURE 7
. FLOW DURATION CURVE
SHIAWASSEE RIVER NEAR FERGUS
1941-1964
637 Squore Miles
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O.OI O.OS O.I 0.2 0.5 12 5 IO 2O }O 4O 50 6O TO BO 90 95 98 99 49.6 94.9 $9.95
TIME IN PERCENT OF TOTAL PERiOO
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(/) O
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400
70
65
60
55
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RIVER MILES
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FIGURE 9
LOCATION MAP
DETROIT PR06RAM OFFICE
LOCATION OF SAMPLING STATIONS
8HIAWASSEE RIVER 8A3IN
U.I. OfPAMTIICrr OF THI IMTCftlOH
FCDCRAL VATIH POLLUTION CONTROL AOMIKISTXATIOIt
CAT LAKES HffllOH tHOItC ILC. HICMMAH
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TABLE 2. SHIAWASSEE RIVER -SAMPLING STATIONS
Mainstream Stations
Station
X310
X320 ..
X330
X300
X331
X332
X334
X340
X341
X342
X345
X346
X349
X350
Station
X343
Mile Point
7.2
13.4
17.3
20.3
20.6
21.0
26.2
32.9
34.0
36.4
40.0
40.3
43.5
43.7
Mile
Point On
Location
Bridge on S. Miller Road
Bridge on Fergus Road, USGS gage #4-1450
150 yds. downstream from old bridge at corner
of Gary and Corunna Roads.
Farmer Peet
Chesaning sewage treatment plant
Bridge on M-57 Road
Bridge on Niver Road
Bridge on U.S. 47 Road
Bridge on Henderson Road
Bridge on Juddville Road
Owosso sewage treatment plant, USGS gage #4-1445
Bridge on W. Oliver Street and W. Clark Road
in Owosso
Corunna sewage treatment plant
Bridge on N. Shiawassee Road
Tributary Stations
Tributary Mile Point Location
.3 Hook Drain 33.9 50' E. of bridge on
X301 .01 Chipman Drain 40.5
X366 3.6 Holly Creek 52.6
17
Chipman Road
Culvert near M-21 and
Chipman Road
Durand sewage treat-
ment plant
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WATER USE
Municipal Water Supply
It is estimated that about 54,000 people in the Shiawassee River
Basin were served by public water supplies in 1965. This figure has
been projected to be 85,000 in 1990 and 120,000 by 2020. At the
present time, all of the water sources in the basin are local wells,
but as the basin grows, wells may not be able to fulfill the demand and
other sources will have to be sought. The quantity of water used by
municipalities in 1965 was estimated to be approximately 7 million gal-
lons per day (MGD).
Table 3 lists the public water supplies in the basin and gives
their sources. Projections of municipal use are shown on Table 4.
Industrial Water Use
Very few of the Shiawassee River Basin's 40 industries use water
directly from the river. The GM Feet Packing Company in Chesaning
uses about 150,000 gallons per day from the river, depending on the
number of animals they are processing. This water is used for both
cooling and processing. The Autolite Battery Company in Owosso obtains
its water from the city. They use about 200,000 gallons per day. The
Telfer Packing Company near Owosso uses about 100,000 gallons per day
from their own well system. Most of the other industries in the basin
obtain their water from municipal sources. Over 2 MGD are used for
cooling process machinery.
Projected water use for the basin is shown on Table 4.
18
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Water-related Recreation
The Shiawassee River Basin has a limited number of public facili-
ties for the estimated 5,500 boats registered by residents in 1965.
The river and tributaries are shallow and narrow throughout most of the
basin, limiting use for recreational boating. There are over 400 lakes,
ponds, and impoundments which are used for swimming, fishing, water
skiing, and other water-related forms of recreation. A special use
of the Shiawassee River is the annual festival of the Village of
Chesaning. A replica of a river steamboat gives excursion rides in
backwaters created by a dam in Chesaning. This use of a water resource
represents a financial, as well as a recreational, value to the commun-
ity.
In addition to the National Wildlife Refuge in the Shiawassee
Flats near the mouth of the river, there are a number of Stage game
and recreation areas in the basin. Local and private facilities are
more numerous, particularly in the headwaters of the basin. The poten-
tial in the headwaters area is increased by the nearby urban Detroit
area and the active use made of facilities of the Huron-Clinton
Metropolitan Authority whose recreation areas in the Huron and Clinton
Basin headwaters are but a short distance over the basin divide. A
more detailed discussion of basin recreation is contained in the
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation publication "Water-Oriented Outdoor
Recreation, Lake Huron Basin (1967)."
19
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TABLE 3. MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLIES
SHIAWASSEE RIVER BASIN
Municipality
Fenton
Holly
Howe 11
Linden
Ga ine s Twp .
Byron
Durand
Corunna
Owosso
Chesaning
St. Charles
Hemlock
Thomas Twp.***
Ithaca
1960
Pop.
6,142
4,220
4,861
1,146
870
542
3,312
2,764
17,006
2,770
1,959
900
4,631
2,611
Owner
M
M
M
P
M
M
M
M
M
M
T
T
M
Source Treatment'
Well in rock 213' deep; 5
wells in drift 60' to 70'
deep
Wells in drift 105' deep; 4
wells in rock 210' deep
Wells in drift 92' to 94' 3, 4, 5, 6
deep; well in rock 425"
deep
Well in rock 96" deep
Wells in drift 60' to 65' 4, 5
deep
Well in rock 173" deep
Well in drift 55' deep 4
-
Wells in rock 220' to 260' 4, 5
deep and in drift 82' to
93' deep
Wells in rock 400" deep
Infiltration lines and wells
in rock 235 ' deep
Wells in drift 171' deep
Wells in drift 145" deep
Wells in drift 126' to 175'
deep
* Taken from "Data on Public Water Supplies in Michigan," Engineering
Bulletin No. 4 by the Michigan Department of Public Health.
** See Owner and Treatment Code page 21.
*** Also part of Tittabawassee River Basin.
20
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OWNER AND TREATMENT CODE
Owner Code
M = City or Village
T = Township
P = Private
D = District
C = County
S = State
U.S. = Federal
Treatment Code
1. Std. Filtration*
2. Lime softening
3. Zeolite softening
4. Iron removal
5. Chlorination
6. Fluoridation
* Implies at least chlorination, chemical coagulation, and rapid
. sand filtration.
** Lime softening includes filtration.
21
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TABLE 4. PROJECTED WATER USE
(million gallons per day)
Shiawassee River Basin
1965
1990
2020
Municipal
Industrial
6.8
0.5
12.8
1.1
19.6
2.5
TOTAL
7.3
13.9
22.1
* Includes water for small industries and commercial use,
22
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SOURCES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WASTES
Municipal
In 1965, the Shiawassee River Basin had 12 sources of municipal
waste from about 49,000 people. The communities were: Chesaning,
Ithaca, Corunna, St. Charles, Breckenridge, Caledonia Township, Durand,
Fenton, Holly, Howell, and Howell State Hospital. Except for St.
Charles, Breckenridge and Caledonia Township, all towns had facilities
for treating their wastewater.
Municipal waste treatment plants are described in Table 5. The
information is based on 1965 records of the Michigan Department of
Public Health. Prior to January 1967, all plants were required to
practice disinfection from May 15 to September 15. Since that date,
continuous year-round disinfection is required by the Department of
Public Health regulation. Effluent characteristics based on 1965 plant
operating records are also listed on Table 5, and outfall locations are
shown on Figure 10.
On October 31, 1967, a new treatment plant was dedicated in the
Shiawassee River Basin. This plant, serving the Genesee County
Sewage Disposal District No. 3, is located west of the Village of
Linden in Fenton Township. District No. 3 includes the Village of
Linden, City of Fenton, and the remaining unincorporated areas of
Fenton Township. The existing plant at Fenton was replaced. The new
plant uses the biosorption modification of the activated sludge process
and is designed for a population of 15,500, with a design flow of 1.5
MGD average and 4.0 MGD maximum. It is designed for 90 percent
23
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removal of BOD and suspended solids. Treated effluent is discharged to
the Shiawassee River west (downstrdam) of Linden and Lake Ponemah.
The former Fenton plant discharged upstream of Lake Ponemah.
Industrial
The industries presently existing in the Shiawassee Basin are
small and use very little water. The Michigan Water Resources Commis-
sion rates these plants annually on the facilities provided and effluent
quality. Figure 10 shows the locations of the industrial waste dis-
charges to the Shiawassee River. Industrial waste inventory is listed
on Table 6 and industrial waste survey data are listed on Table 7.
The GM Peet Packing Company is a meat-packing operation located
in Chesaning. During the 1965 survey, no treatment facilities existed
for the 0.2 MGD flow of organic wastes. Treatment facilities were
constructed during 1967.
The Ford Motor Company, Autolite Battery Division, located in
Owosso, discharges acid wastes to a drain which flows into the Shiawassee
River. Waste flow is approximately 0.2 MGD. The treatment facilities
were rated as unreliable during the 1965 studies.
The Telfer Packing Company in Owosso has a trickling filter plant
for treating 0.1 MGD slaughterhouse wastes, which reach the Shiawassee
River "by way of a drain.
24
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FIOURE 10
LOCATION MAP
MUNICIPAL 8 INDUSTRIAL WASTE OUTFALLS
SHIAWASSEE RIVER BASIN
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TABLE 5. MUNICIPAL WASTE TREATMENT PLANTS
1965 EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS***
Shiawassee River Basin
Community
Owosso
Corunna
Durand
Fenton
Holly
Howe11
Howell State
Hospital
Chesaning
St. Charles
Ithaca
Breckenridge
Caledonia Twp.
Percent
Type Remova 1
primary 46
primary 31
secondary 88
primary 40
secondary 76
secondary 93
Pop.
Flow (MGD)
secondary
primary
*
**
97
74
Served Avg. Max. Min.
18,000 2.54 2.90 2.30
2,900 0.23 0.34 0.14
3,500 0.33 0.58 0.25
6,000 0.65 0.96 0.52
3,400 0.44 0.73 0.33
5,200 0.39 0.49 0.33
0.06 0.07 0.06
2,800 0.24 0.40 0.15
2,900 0.10
1,130 0.12
3,400
Temp.
°F
51
55
27
56
60
BOD (rag/l)
Avg.
60
94
27
105
51
10
8
241
Max.
81
110
38
122
88
17
11
409
Min^
41
63
19
84
28
8
4
146
Susp.
Solids
(mg/1)
57
87
32
114
53
14
21
155
Vol.
Susp.
Solids
(mg/1)
42
74
22
91
43
5
15
136
£H_
7.4
7.0
7.6
7.1
-
-
7.8
6.8
* Sewers discharge raw and semitreated wastes.
** Septic tank and sand filters.
*** Based on monthly averages of daily plant operation records submitted by
plants to Michigan Department of Public Health.
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TABLE 6. INDUSTRIAL WASTE INVENTORY
Shiawassee River Basin
Industry
Location
Dow Corning Corp. Hemlock
Ford Motor Co. Owosso
GM Peet Packing Co. Chesaning
N> Telfer Packing Co. Owosso
Receiving Stream
McClellan Run Dr.
Shiawassee River
Shiawassee River
Shiawassee River
Waste
Constituents
Waste
Flow
(MGD)
Treatment
Provided
Acid 0.2
BOD5, Susp. Sol- 0.2
ids, Vol. Susp.
Solids
BOD5, Susp. Sol- 0.1
ids, Vol. Susp.
Solids
Secondary
Secondary
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TABLE 7. INDUSTRIAL WASTE CHARACTERISTICS
(rag/1)
Shiawassee River Basin
Solids
Ni
oo
Industry
Ford Motor Co.
GM Peet Packing Co.
Telfer Packing Co.
Industry
Ford Motor Co.
GM Peet Packing Co.
1964
1965
6/65
8/65
1965
1964
1965
6/65
8/65
Flow Temp. Vol.
(MGD) °C Susp. Susp. Total Sett.
0.07
0.21 670 130
0.155 24 595 490
0.20 700 600 2,170 600
0.32
BODs COD DO NH3-N Fe P04
13 120
770
680 1,120 4 20
Total
Vol. Chlorides pH
30 1.9
11.6
7.2
900 7.3
S04 Pb Grease
1,860
30
62
Telfer Packing Co.
1965
6.8
-------
POPULATION AND WASTE LOAD PROJECTIONS
Demographic studies were conducted by the Great Lakes-Illinois River
f
Basins Project, Chicago, for the Lake Huron Basin, Population trends,
on a national, regional, and county basis were analyzed, and population
projections were developed for the various areas of the Lake Huron
Basin. In 1960, approximately 1.2 million persons lived in the Lake
Huron Watershed - about double the 1920 population. By the year 2020,
it is estimated that the population of the watershed will be approxi-
mately 3.2 million.
The population centers in the Shiawassee River Basin are: Owosso
(17,006), Corunna (2,764), Ithaca (2,920), Fenton (6,142), Chesaning
(2,770), St. Charles (1,959), Durand (3,312), Howell (4,861), and
Holly (3,269), according to the 1960 census figures. For this report,
each area was analyzed, assuming that by 2020 the area will be urbanized
and served by water and sewer systems. Then the individual areas were
added to yield the total population served. For the basin, the 1965
\
population served by sewerage systems was estimated to be 46,650, and
projected to be 80,000 by 1990 and 115,000 by the year 2020. These
projections are for population served by sewer and water systems, and
does not necessarily represent the total population of the basin.
Table 8 shows the estimated waste flow in million gallons per day
for the Shiawassee River Basin.
8005 projections were based on 1965 inventory information obtained
from the Michigan Water Resources Commission, the Michigan Department
of Public Health, and the U.S. Public Health Service. Municipal and
29
-------
industrial water use growth rates and BOD,- production in terms of
population equivalents were determined from studies on the Lake Michigan
Basin and applied to the inventory data obtained for the Shiawassee
River Basin.
The results of these projections are shown on Table 9. For
example, in 1965 a total of 9,165 pounds per day of BOD^ was produced
in the area, of which 49 percent was removed by treatment, leaving 4,665
pounds of BOD- discharged to the river. By the year 2020, with the
same percentage of treatment, 15,620 pounds would reach the river. In
order to show an improvement over present water quality, 70 percent or
more removal will be necessary at that time.
30
-------
TABLE 8. WASTE FLOW PROJECTIONS
(MGD)
1965 1990 2020
Municipal
Residential 3.5 7.4 11.2
Industrial 1.4 3.2 7.0
Total 4.9 10.6 18.2
Industrial (direct to river) . 0.5 1.1 2.5
Total to River 5.4 11.7 20.7
31
-------
TABLE 9. BOD PROJECTIONS
1965 1990 2020
* Estimated
Municipal
Residential 7,900 14,400 23,000
Industrial 200 450 1,000
Total 8,100 14,850 24,000
With 30% removal - 10,400 16,800
With present 57% removal . 3,500* 6,400 10,300
With 90% removal 810 1,485 2,400
With 95% removal 405 740 1,200
Industrial (direct to river) 1,065 2,400 5,320
With 30% removal 745 1,685 3,720
With present removal 1,065 2,400 5,320
With 90% removal 106 240 532
With 95% removal 58 120 266
Total in the Basin 9,165 17,250 29,320
Total to River
With 30% removal - 12,085 20,520
With present removal 4,665 8,800 15,620
With 90% removal 916 1,725 2,930
With 95% removal 460 860 1,460
32
-------
FIGURE II
POPULATION AND MUNICIPAL
WASTE FLOW PROJECTIONS FOR THE
SHIAWASSEE RIVER BASIN
1,000,000
a
UJ
LJ
z
D
a.
o
a.
100,000
IO,OOO I I I I 1 I 1 I I I I 1 I I I I 1 1 1 I I I I I I I I | I I I I 1 I 1 1 1 I I I I 1 1 1 I i I I 1 I 1 I 1 I I I I I 1 I 1 I I 1 I I 1 I |
i960 i97O iSSO 1330 2000 2OJC 2020 2030
IOO
10
o
cc
a.
CO
z
o
z
o
YEARS
-------
WATER QUALITY DATA
The Detroit Program Office conducted surveys of the Shiawassee
River during 1965 to determine the water quality of this watercourse.
Station locations are shown on Figure 9.
A reconnaissance survey was conducted on February 18, 1965.
Single grab samples were collected at many locations and analyzed for
alkalinity, chlorides, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and total
coliform concentrations (Table 10).
On the basis of this survey, a number of locations were selected
for routine sampling, which was conducted approximately twice a month.
Two of the initial stations were relocated at points of similar charac-
teristics. Samples collected were analyzed for many physical, chemical,
microbiological, and biological parameters.
An intensive survey was conducted August 18 and 19, 1965 to
determine the effect of waste loading on the lower 30 miles of the
Shiawassee River from Corunna to below Fergus. Seven locations at
five-mile intervals along the river were sampled every 4 hours for 24
hours. Tributaries were also sampled. Dissolved oxygen and temperature
were determined on each sample. Composites were prepared for other
parameters and analyzed. Samples for bacteriological analysis were
collected on two of the six runs. Samples of waste effluents were also
collected and analyzed.
The results of these various surveys are described in the following
sections. Data tabulations and graphical presentations for the surveys
are included on Tables 10 to 17 and Figures 12 to 16.
34
-------
Reconnaissance Survey
The survey of the Shiawassee River from Byron to Fergus (Table 10)
indicated moderate coliform pollution. Excessive levels below Owosso
indicated gross contamination. This high level of bacterial contamina-
tion persisted throughout the remainder of the stream. No significant
difference throughout the stream length was apparent for alkalinity,
chloride, conductivity, and pH levels. There were minor differences in
dissolved oxygen levels in the stream but no well-defined depressions.
The high streamflow, coupled with the presence of numerous dams, was
believed to account for the lack of definitive indication of pollution.
Regular Tributary Sampling
Five locations on the Shiawassee River - X350 above Corunna, X340
and X341 both below Owosso, and X330 and X320 both below Chesaning -
were sampled on a periodic basis during 1965. The stations are described
in Table 2 and located on Figure 9. Tables 11 to 15 list the water
quality data obtained during the 1965 survey. The data for stations
X340-X3.41 and X330-X320 were combined to result in an annual profile
of data.
Dissolved oxygen levels on an annual basis were high throughout
the basin at the routine stations (Table 11). The minimum level above
Corunna was 5.3 mg/1 (58 percent saturation) during the warm weather
months and indicated there was moderate residual pollution in the
stream at this point. Minimum level observed during regular tributary
sampling was 4.5 mg/1 (54 percent saturation) about 10 miles below
Chesaning. Significantly lower levels were observed during the round-
35
-------
the-clock dissolved oxygen profile study. Seasonal variation in the
dissolved oxygen levels is apparent at all regular locations (Table 12).
Variation at the different locations is not apparent during the spring
months due to high streamflows. In the remainder of the year, the
stream gets progressively worse in a downstream direction, based on
average and minimum dissolved oxygen levels. Super saturation during
the summer season near Montrose is apparent from maximum dissolved
oxygen levels.
Organic matter expressed in terms of five-day BOD (BOD,.) and
ammonia and organic nitrogen (Table 11) was not significant at the
regular sampling stations. Average BOD,- increased from 2 mg/1 to 5
mg/1 from above Corunna to below Chesaning. Maximum level ^observed
was 6 mg/1. Ammonia levels were, in general, low with an average
of 0.5 mg/1 and a maximum observed of 1.1 mg/1. These levels are not
indicative of concentrated sources of pollution. There was a minor
increase in level in a downstream direction, indicating minor assimi-
lation. The intensive survey did indicate increases below the various
waste sources. On an overall basis, organic levels indicated residual
pollution remains at moderate levels throughout the stream.
Nutrient levels expressed in terms of nitrate-nitrogen and
total and soluble phosphorous as phosphate (Table 11) increased con-
siderably from above Corunna to below Chesaning. The levels above
Corunna, 0.9 mg/1 of nitrate and 0.4 mg/1 of phosphate, indicate
residual nutrients from upstream sources. These levels increased to
1.3 mg/1 of nitrate and 1.1 mg/1 of phosphate below Owosso, and remained
36
-------
at this level below Chesaning. Seasonal variation was apparent
(Tables 12 and 13). Nitrate level decreased in the summer period and
phosphates increased. The levels were higher in the fall season than
in the spring.
Chlorides and other dissolved solids indicate minor pollution
throughout the stream (Table 11), even above Owosso. The average
level above Corunna was 31 mg/1 and increased 30 percent below Owosso
to a level of 40 mg/1 and remained at this level below Chesaning.
Seasonal variation (Table 12) was apparent. The average concentration
in the summer and fall months was double the spring concentrations at
all three locations. This seasonal variation was not as much for
total solids concentration or in the other mineral concentrations.
Sodium was the only other mineral that indicated significant increases
below the major waste sources.
Bacterial quality of basin waters was grossly impaired (Table 11).
Median total coliform density above Corunna was 7,100 organisms/100 ml.
This level increased to 56,000 organisms/100 ml below Owosso and
remained relatively high, 34,000 organisms/100 ml below Chesaning.
Maximum densities were 50,000, 440,000, and 250,000 organisms/100 ml
at the three locations. Fecal coliform medians were 860, 6,900,
and 5,300 organisms/100 ml, with maximums of 4,900, 41,000, and 19,000
at the same three locations. The minimum levels, particularly below
Chesaning, indicated the effect of disinfection. Seasonal variation
(Table 14) indicated the effect of the then practiced disinfection
season, May 15 to September 15. The levels during the summer months
37
-------
were considerably Lower than the nondisinfection period with one excep-
tion - maximum and median total coliform levels were highest below
Chesaning during the summer, although the minimum was lowest during
this season. In general, levels were highest during the spring season
with its associated flood flows and surface runoff.
The other parameters listed on the tables confirm the quality of
the basin waters as indicated in the previous discussion. Suspended
and volatile suspended solids and phenols indicate moderate amounts of
pollution. No variation of a seasonal nature is apparent, and only a
minor increase in average concentration is noted below the waste sources.
Radiochemistry data based on the 1965 regular tributary sampling
program are listed on Table 15 for the Shiawassee River. The data are
listed in picocuries per liter (pc/1) of water sample. The sample is
reported in terms of suspended (nonfiltrable) and dissolved (filtrable)
portions. Alpha emitters and beta emitters were measured. Composites
of regular tributary samples were analyzed in most cases rather than the
individual, sample. Maximum levels of alpha emitters were 2.1 pc/1
dissolved and 1.3 pc/1 suspended. Maximum levels of beta emitters
were 13.0 pc/1 dissolved and 3.0 pc/1 suspended. The maximum generally
occurred at the most downstream location (below Chesaning). For most
samples the standard counting error exceeded the level of the sample,
indicating a very low level of radioactivity in the sample.
Shiawassee Dissolved Oxygen Profile Study
Data collected during the intensive survey, August 18 and 19,
1965, are listed on Table 16 and shown on Figures 12 to 16. During
38
-------
this survey, water quality was more degraded than the yearly average
data indicates. This was especially true in terms of dissolved oxygen,
nutrients, and chlorides.
The dissolved oxygen profile (Figure 12) indicates that a depres-
sion occurs below Corunna, below Owosso, and below Chesaning. Average
depletion was about 3 mg/1 from the levels found above Corunna. The
minimum level found was 1.9 mg/1 below the Owosso sewage treatment
plant. Recovery of the stream is indicated by the increase in both the
average and minimum dissolved oxygen levels about 15 miles below the
sewage treatment plant. Recovery below the outfalls of Chesaning sewage
treatment plant and G.M. Feet Packing Company was not indicated in the
reach under study. Similar studies of the Saginaw River, which included
a location 10 miles further downstream on the Shiawassee River, indi-
cated that the dissolved oxygen level recovered somewhat.
Diurnal variation in dissolved oxygen level was significant.
Maximum variation was 7.1 mg/1 from 3.8 to 10.9 mg/1 in the recovery
zone below the Owosso sewage treatment plant (Table 16). Variation in
terrms of percent saturation was from 44 to 133 percent. A special,
more intensive dissolved oxygen study, which included hourly dissolved
oxygen determinations from midmorning (0800) to early evening (1800),
indicated that peak variation was greater - 9 mg/1. Diurnal variation
below Chesaning was minimal - 1 mg/1, with a range from 45 to 56
percent saturation. Table 17 lists the diurnal variation at three
locations: below Owosso (X341), below Chesaning (X320), and at the
location near the Shiawassee Flats, which was sampled during the
39
-------
intensive studies of the Saginaw River (X310). It is apparent that
during warm weather months photosynthetic activity increases the
dissolved oxygen level and results in stream recovery. During the
cool weather months, there is no similar recovery and the dissolved oxy-
gen level in the lower Shiawassee River remains depressed.
Organic material expressed as 5-day BOD (Figure 12 and Table 16)
and ammonia and organic nitrogen (Table 16) indicated that moderate
amounts of pollution were present throughout the stream. There was no
significant change in stream passage, indicating that additional wastes
added to the stream replaced those which decayed in stream passage.
Levels of both carbonaceous and nitrogenous materials were not at levels
which cause extremely high oxidation rates as from large single point
waste flows. Residual levels 10 miles below Chesaning on this survey,
and confirmed even further downstream on other surveys, indicate that
considerable organic material remains unoxidized in the river. The
levels during this intensive survey were similar to the average annual
values observed during regular tributary sampling.
Nutrient levels in terms of nitrate-nitrogen and total and soluble
phosphorous as phosphate (Figures 13 and 14, and Table 16). Nitrate
levels were low during this survey, with a maximum level of 0.5 mg/1
below the Owosso sewage treatment plant. The levels were considerably
lower than the average yearly levels which were about 1 mg/1 at the
stations routinely sampled. The reduction of nitrate in the stream
recovery area below Owosso indicated an uptake of nitrate-nitrogen
probably by the algae in active photosynthesis. Phosphorus levels were
40
-------
high during this survey, increasing below the sewage treatment plants,
with an average level of 2 mg/1 total phosphate below the Owosso sewage
treatment plant. The levels were also at the maximum yearly levels for
those locations routinely sampled.
Chloride and associated parameter levels (Figure 15 and Table 16)
indicated substantial residual pollution even above Corunna. Chloride
levels were at the maximum yearly level found throughout the year at
those locations routinely sampled. Increases occurred below the waste
sources, although this increase was masked by the high initial level of
chlorides found above Corunna. Total solids levels were similar to the
yearly average level and increased below the waste sources, although
the relatively high initial concentration masked the effect of the
various sources.
Total coliform densities (Figure 16 and Table 16) indicated gross
contamination below Corunna, Owosso, and Chesaning, with moderate
pollution in the recovery area ten to twenty miles below Owosso. The
maximum values, in general, occurred during the latter part of the
survey, and may be due to the effect of stormwater overflows caused by
a rainstorm during the survey. The maximum values observed were among the
highes± .to occur throughout the year, even though the survey was conducted
during the summer disinfection season for the treatment plants. The
wastes from the G.M. Peet Packing Company near Chesaning were not
chlorinated during 1965.
The remainder of the data in Table 16 indicated moderate amounts
of pollution throughout the entire reach. Conservative substances such
41
-------
as chlorides and the semiconservatives, such as phosphates, increased.
Nonconservatives such as BOD,., nitrogenous demands, phenols, and
bacteria increased after the waste sources, then decayed, resulting in
the same level as the initial pollution.
42
-------
NOTES
FOR
WATER QUALITY TABLES
NS - Number of Samples
Chemical Parameters
Cl
Fe
so4 -
Si
Ca
Chloride
Iron
Sulfate
Silica
Calcium
Mg
Na
K
co3
HC03
Magnesium
Sodium
Potassium
Carbonate
Bicarbonate
Total hardness: reported as CaCO.,
Nitrogens: ammonia (,NH~) , organic, nitrates (NOn),
and nitrites (NO,,) reported as nitrogen
equivalent (N)
Phosphates; reported as PO,
Total phosphates include; ortho, poly, biological, and
organic.
Total soluble phosphates include: soluble ortho,
soluble poly, and soluble organic.
pH: reported in standard units
All results recorded in milligrams per liter (mg/1) except:
phenols and iron - micrograms per liter (ug/1)
conductivity - micromhos per centimeter (jimhos/cm)
Microbiological Parameters
Total Coliform )
Fecal Coliform ) reported as organisms(MF)/100 ml
Fecal Streptococcus )
Total Plate Count: number of bacteria/ml
Median value is used for "average" statistic except as
noted.
Indeterminate values (less than ^ or greater than > ) not
used in calculating average,,
43
-------
TABLE 10. WATER QUALITY DATA - RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
February 18, 1965
Station
X390
X386
X384
X380
X376
X370
X365
X360
X350
X348
X346
X344
X342
X340
River
Mile
69.8
67.4
64.4
61.5
59.1
54.4
51.4
47.2
43.7
42.4
40.3
38.6
36.4
32.9
Alkalinity
520
410
420
420
430
430
440
440
440
440
450
450
450
450
Dissolved
Oxygen
10.4
10.4
10.4
9.6
10.4
10.4
10.4
10.4
10.8
10.4
10.4
10.4
10.4
10.4
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
7.8
8.0
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.9
Total
Colif orm
1,300
20,000
2,000
1,300
2,500
2,400
3,200
4,100
3,600
4,200
6,000
32,000
45,000
56,000
Conductivity
520
410
420
420
430
430
440
440
440
440
450
450
450
450
Chloride
20
18
19
19
19
19
20
18
19
20
19
20
22
21
-------
TABLE 10. WATER QUALITY DATA - RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY (cont'd)
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
February 18, 1965
Station
X336
X334
X332
X330
X320*
River
Mile
28.9
26.2
21.0
17.2
13.4
Alkalinity
450
450
440
440
440
Dissolved
Oxygen
11.3
11.3
11.3
11.3
12.6
£H_
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.8
Total
Coliform
44,000
78,000
33,000
25,000
23,000
Conductivity
450
450
440
440
440
Chloride
20
20
19
20
20
* estimated flow 700 cfs at X320
-------
TABLE 11. WATER QUALITY
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
1965
X350 - Above Corunna
X340-X341 - Below Owosso
X330-X320 - Below Chesaning
Parameters
Dissolved Oxygen
5- Day BOD
NH3-N
Org-N
N03-N
N02-N
Total PO^
Total Sol. P04
Total Solids
Suspended Solids
Vol. Susp. Solids
Cl"
Phenol
pH
Temperature
% Saturation
NS
12
7
14
12
14
10
14
14
14
14
13
16
15
16
18
12
10.7
2
0.35
0.21
0.9
0.02
0.4
0.3
388
17
7
31
3
8.0
6.5
88
Low
5.3
2
0.14
0.01
0.1
0.01
0.2
0.1
267
3
0
14
0
7.6
0.0
58
High
13.6
3
0.66
0.61
2.0
0.03
0.8
0.7
447
47
15
. 55
6
8.6
22.5
108
NS
13
7
14
14
14
10
14
14
14
14
13
16
15
16
18
13
Avg.
9.9
4
0.49
0.26
1.3
0.04
1.1
0.9
442
17
7
40
5
7.9
8.0
83
Low
4.7
2
0.12
0.11
0.2
0.01
0.4
0.2
238
2
1
14
0
7.6
0,0
54
High
14.3
5
1.00
0.85
2.0
0.18
2.2
2.2
517
46
13
81
14
8.6
22.0
122
NS
13
7
14
14
14
10
14
14
14
14
13
16
15
16
18
13
Avg.
9.5
5
0.53
0.26
1.2
0.03
1.1
0.9
488
41
10
39
4
8.0
7.5
80
Low
4.5
4
0.23
0.12
0.2
0.01
0.3
0.2
265
3
1
15
0
7.5
0.0
54
High
13.2
6
1.10
0.41
2.8
0.10
2.2
2.2
570
194
26
75
19
8.6
24.0
104
-------
TABLE 11. WATER QUALITY (cont'd)
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
1965
X350 - Above Corunna
X340-X341 - Below Owosso
X330-X320 - Below Chesaning
Parameters
Total Iron
Sodium
Potassium
Calcium
Magnesium
Sulfate
Total Hardness
Conductivity
Total Coliform
Fecal Coliform
Fecal Strep
NS
14
12
12
14
14
14
14
17
15
13
13
Avg.
1,400
20
7
65
27
72
257
520
7,100
860
260
Low
100
4
1
39
13
40
150
310
700
20
10
High
5,900
65
12
80
42
106
322
640
50,000
4,900
3,400
NS
14
12
12
14
14
14
14
17
15
13
13
Avg.
1,200
33
9
72
27
80
276
580
56,000
6,900
1,100
Low
100
7
3
34
15
40
136
280
2,300
100
20
High
4,000
106
18
86
40
115
354
740
440,000
41,000
6,100
NS
14
13
13
14
14
14
14
17
15
13
13
Avg.
1,700
33
9
70
27
84
271
580
34,000
5,300
800
Low
100
8
3
30
12
38
118
260
500
200
60
High
6,400
97
17
90
40
139
326
740
250,000
19,000
4,400
-------
TABLE 12.. SHIAWASSEE RIVER WATER QUALITY
1965 SEASONAL VARIATION
oo
Season/
Location
Jan.-April
X350
X340-341
X320-X330
May-Sept.
X350
X340-X341
X320-X330
Oct.-Dec.
X350
X340-X341
X320-X330
Annua1
X350
X340-X34-1
X320-X330
Dissolved Oxygen
Avg. Max. Min. BODC
12.1 13.4 10.5
12.2 13.4 10.2
12.2 13.2 10.5
7.0 8.6 5.3 2
7.9 12.6 3.8 4
4.5 8.9 3.4 4
12.7 13.6 11.9 2
11.5 14.3 8.1 3
9.6 12.1 6.8 4
9.4 13.6 5.3 2
9.9 14.3 3.8 3
9.5 13.2 3.4 4
NH3-N
.44
.58
.64
.33
.38
.54
..20
.30
..28
.35
.49
.53
Org-N
.24
.29
.20
.16
.36
.38
.24,
.18
.30
.21
.26
.26
N03-N
1.4
1.6
1.6
.2
.6
.4
.5
1.6
1.5
.8
1.3
1.2
Tot.
P04
.44
.74
.89
.50
1.74
1.68
.27
1.23
1.33
.43
1.10
1.10
Tot.
Sol.
P04
.31
.67
.64
.36
1.48
1.46
.17
.90
1.07
.30
.90
.90
I
Total
Sol.
374
397
391
412
471
516
377
494
504
387
442
448
Susp.
Sol.
18
17
31
18
20
33
11
14
79
16
17
41
Vol.
Susp.
Sol.
7
6
8
4
6
11
5
6
15
5
6
10
Cl
23
27
28
42
53
58
43
59
55
32
59
39
Phenols
3
4
3
3
6
3
1
4
7
3
5
4
-------
TABLE 12. SHIAWASSEE RIVER WATER QUALITY (cont'd)
1965 SEASONAL VARIATION
Season/
Location
Total
Iron
Sod ium
Potassium
Calcium
Magnesium
Sulfate
Total
Hardness
Jan.-April
X350
X-340-X341
X320-X330
May-Sept.
X350
£ X340-X341
X320-X330
2,300
1 , 900
2,600
520
620
900
20
34
32
20
29
33
8
9
9
4
7
7
65
68
67
64
72
68
23
24
25
33
32
31
79
85
86
74
79
89
244
252
250
214
294
289
Oct. -Dec.
X350
X340-X341
X320-X330
130
170
300
20
36
34
6
10
10
67
78
77
27
29
28
50
70
73
274
305
296
Annua 1
X350
X340-X341
X320-X330
1,300
1,100
1,600
20
33
33
7
9
9
65
72
70
27
27
27
72
80
84
257
276
271
-------
TABLE 13. SHIAWASSEE RIVER BASIN WATER QUALITY
1965 SEASONAL NUTRIENT VARIATION
(mg/1)
Season/
Location
Nitrate-Nitrogen
Avg. Max. Min.
Total Phosphate
Avg. Max. Min.
Soluble Phosphate
Avg. Max. Min.
Jan.-April
X350
X340-X341
X330-X320
1.4
1.6
1.6
2.0
2.0
2.6
0.5
1.1
1.0
0.44
0.74
0.88
0.80
2.10
2.10
0.30
0.40
0.60
0.31
0.67
0.64
0.70
2.20
2.00
0.20
0.20
0.30
Ln
O
May-Sept.
X350
X340-X341
X-330-X320
0.2
0.6
0.4
0.3
1.5
0.7
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.50
1.74
1.68
0.70
2.70
2.70
0.30
0.80
0.30
0.36
1.48
1.46
0.50
2.50
2.20
0.30
0.50
0.20
Oct.-Dec.
X350
X340-X341
X330-X320
0.5
1.6
1.5
1.2
2.0
2.8
0.1
1.1
0.8
0.27
1.23
1.33
0.30
1.30
1.70
0.20
1.10
1.10
0.17
0.90
1.07
0.20
1.20
1.80
0.10
0.60
0.50
Annua1
X350
X340-X341
X330-X320
0.8
1.2
1.2
2.0
2.0
2.8
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.43
1.17
1.24
0.80
2.70
2.70
0.20
0.40
0.30
0.30
0.99
1.00
0.70
2.50
2.20
0.10
0.20
0.20
-------
TABLE 14. SHIAWASSEE RIVER BASIN WATER QUALITY
1965 SEASONAL COLIFORM VARIATION
(organisms/100 ml)
Season/
Location
Median
Total Coliform
Low
High
Median
Fecal Coliform
Low
High
Jan.-April
X350
X341-X340
X330-X320
20,000
73,000
30,000
3,600
32,000
19,000
50,000
440,000
250,000
1,100
11,000
4,300
310
6,000
860
4,900
41,000
19,000
May-Sept.
X350
X341-X340
X330-X320
1,500
6,000
64,000
700
2,300
500
25,000
41,000
580,000
290
2,000
1,800
20
100
200
1,400
2,900
6,800
Oct.-Dec.
X350
X341-X340
X330-X320
1,300
36,000
39,000
1,000
31,000
39,000
1,600
40,000
39,000
300
5,000
14,000
90
3,800
6,200
570
50,000
21,000
Annua1
X350
X341-X340
X330vX320
3,600
47,000
34,000
700
2,300
500
50,000
440,000
580,000
815
7,300
5,000
20
100
200
4,900
50,000
21,000
-------
TABLE 15. SHIAWASSEE RIVER BASIN WATER QUALITY
1965 RADIOACTIVITY
Ol
ho
X320
Parameters
Dissolved
ALPHA
Error
BETA
Error
Suspended
ALPHA
Error
BETA
Error
NS
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
Avg.
1.08
2.1
7.0
3.6
1.0
0.8
1.8
2.1
Low
<0.05
2.0
2.9
3.5
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.9
High
2.10
2.1
11.0
3.7
1.3
0.8
2.6
2.3
NS
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
X330
Avg.
<0.05
1.5
6.53
3.3
<0.05
0.4
0.98
1.9
Low
<0.05
1.3
<0.05
3.1
<0.05
0.4
<0.05
1.6
High
<0.05
1.7
13.00
3.4
<0.05
0.4
1.90
2.2
NS
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
X340
Avg.
0.88
1.6
9.8
2.9
0.43
0.7
3.0
2.0
Low
<0.05
0.8
9.5
2.6
<0.05
0.5
3.0
1.9
High
1.70
2.3
10.0
3.1
0.80
0.8
3.0
2.0
-------
TABLE 15. SHIAWASSEE RIVER BASIN WATER QUALITY (cont'd)
1965 RADIOACTIVITY
Oi
OJ
X341
Parameters
Dissolved
ALPHA
Error
BETA
Error
Suspended
ALPHA
Error
BETA
Error
NS
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
Avg.
<0.
1.
6.
3.
0.
0.
0.
2.
05
0
0
5
53
7
68
0
Low
<0
0
0
3
-------
TABLE 16. INTENSIVE DISSOLVED OXYGEN SURVEY
SHIAWASSEE RIVER BASIN
August 18-19, 1965
Station
X350
X346
X342
X341
X334
X332
X320
Avg.
Temp.
(°C)
25
24
24
24
24
25
24
Dissolved
Oxygen
Avg.
6.9
5.5
4.1
7.1
7.4
8.4
4.0
Max.
7.5
6.3
7.0
10.9
8.5
9.9
4.7
Min.
6.4
4.6
1.9
3.8
6.2
6.6
3.7
Percent
Saturation
Avg.
84
66
49
85
89
102
48
Max.
94
75
85
133
102
118
56
Min.
77
55
23
44
74
79
45
BOD5
4
5
6
6
4
5
5
Nitrogen
NH3
.44
.46
.98
.05
-
.20
.65
Org.
.34
.32
.07
.74
-
.13
.61
NO^
.1
.3
.4
.5
.2
.0
-
Phosphates
Total
0.7
1.0
1.7
2.7
1.8
1.0
2.7
Soluble
0.3
0.8
1.5
2.5
1.4
0.8
2.2
Phenols
2
2
7
4
5
2
2
Ui
p-
Solids
Station Total Suspended Volatile Chlorides Conductivity
Total Coliform
X350
X346
X342
X341
X334
X332
X320
390
381
425
438
505
465
534
19
33
16
21
16
14
54
0
5
4
5
4
3
26
58
56
67
66
65
70
94
610
560
680
680
760
720
780
Alkalinity
214
179
205
214
220
218
202
£S_
8.2
7.8
8.0
7.9
8.2
8.4
8.0
Iron
.1
.3
<:.i
.1
.2
.1
.2
Max.
1,500
730,000
150,000
6,900
2,200
4,500
580,000
Min.
700
5,400
3,900
4,200
1,300
100
32,000
-------
TABLE 17. DIURNAL DISSOLVED OXYGEN FLUCTUATION
SHIAWASSEE RIVER BASIN
Station
Date
1965
Time
DO
(mg/1)
Percent
Saturation
X341
8/18
8/19
0850
1246
1701
2105
0105
0500
23
25
25
24
23
23
5.4
10.7
10.9
6.9
5.0
3.8
64
129
133
82
59
44
X320
8/18
8/19
1000
1340
1830
2220
0230
0630
25
25
24
24
25
23
3.7
4.1
4.7
4.1
3.7
3.9
45
50
56
49
45
46
X310
7/20
7/21
7/21
7/22
10/26
10/27
10/27
10/28
0900
1255
1710
2110
0150
0435
1105
1505
1910
2305
0245
0650
0835
1235
1635
2040
0040
0430
1055
1520
1915
2250
0235
0645
20
23
24
22
20
19
22
25
25
22
23
22
8
9
9
9
7
7
8
9
8
6
7
6
7.2
11.1
14.6
13.7
10.6
6.6
10.3
10.3
12.3
11.0
8.4
6.1
4.1
3.8
3.5
3.4
4.1
5.0
5.9
5.5
4.7
4.9
6.7
4.8
80
131
175
158
118
72
118
126
150
127
99
70
34
33
30
30
34
41
50
48
39
39
55
38
55
-------
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
DISSOLVED OXYGEN AND 5-DAY BOD
AUGUST 18-19, 1965 SURVEY
9
6
3
0
LEGEND
MAXIMUM y
AVERAGE 6
MINIMUN 1
*z
ir"
0Q
yz
-j w - O * (\
a.
r-
-------
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
NITRATE CONCENTRATION
AUGUST 18-19, 1965 SURVEY
25 '
Zrt
\J
1.5
'
0 8
0.0
*£
E"
>z
OD
zo
1 1 1 1 l°~i 1 1 1
A
0.
01 * *^
4 rf"*"^
Z ^^
r ^ o
« f *"
0 »
0 0
1 1 1 L° 1 i 1 -°l 1
^
10
X
1
o
10
X
1
<
t-
o
0
111
z
ffi
s
o
o
.^
*Jf
K
X
X
X
1. 1 1 J J 1 1 1 1
a
m
e
z
X :
\Ui
X. x
i. t i i i N*P 1 i
1
i
o
IO
10
X
1
o
IO
X
1
4
t-
^
O
0
UJ
z
5
o
o
LEGEND
A ^^
MM «^Ql« WBW
MAXIMUM -r
AVERAGE 0
MINIMUM *
- 1 1 1 L 1 1 1 1 1
COMPOSITE SAMPLE
AUG. 18-19, I96S S
AVERAGE a RANGE
OF 1965 SAMPLES
- 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 °l 1
80 70 60 50 " 40" JO
ON ° £ 2 ~ 2 « N o 0 o SHIAAASSEE
mVVTT^ IO fOioN ~ Q 1 1' r D
10 « 10 mm 10 10 n 10 10 RIVtR
x x x x x x xxx x*
URVEY
1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 L
20 10
SAGINAW
RIVER
^
E
I
z
i.
LJ
I-
<
OL
I-
m
S TATlON
NOS.
RIVER MILES
-------
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
TOTAL PHOSPHATE CONCENTRATION
AUGUST 18-19, 1965 SURVEY
IU.U
1.0
O.I
0.01
e
ION
5.
SC 0.
H"
>> z
O 3
TO
1 1 1 1 1° 1 j [ J.
V1
s*x
^
,
0.
1-
W (L
4 in
z
z o
z> n
ir o
0 *
0 ' 0
1 1 1 -° 1 1 1 -°l 1
.
/
x
<
P"-^^
COMBINED DA
X340-X34I
.:
F.
1. 1 1 J
0 70 60
O U) CM -
0 » «J *
J 1 | (' |
r>\./
ILi
0-
1-
n
0
z
hi
X
0
l-l 1 1 1 1 -p 1 1
m
'
^
COMBINED DATA
X320-X330
LEGEND
6
MAXIMUM y
AVERAGE j>
MINIMUM *L
. 1 1 , 1 l. l 1 1 i 1
COMPOSITE SAMPLE
AUG. 18-19, 1965 S
AVERAGE a RANGE
OF 1965 SAMPLES
-1 1 1 1 L 1 1 °| |
50 40 30
2 S w?° OSHI AWA s s E f
" " n " W "~DI\»V:D
1" »O »O fO IO 1^ " 1 V C. «
URVEY
1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
20 K
S A G 1 N A W
RIVE R
*
o
0.
o>
E
I
UJ
I-
<
I
Q.
tn
o
X
0.
NOS.
RIVER MILES
-------
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
TOTAL SOLIDS AND CHLORIDES
AUGUST 18-19, 1965 SURVEY
1000
X Q-
HI
>- z
-ice
OP
TO
1 1 1 1 1° i 1 [ t
1
0 i H>"" -
1
1
. --
» iflr"
LEGEND
~^ -
MAXIMUM
MINIMUM J
i
»
. 1 1 l l. i 1 i 1
0 70 60 50 40
O <0 01 O » MOO
-------
1,000,000
E
o
o
V.
v>
5
O
cc
o
I
V)
5
_J
O
o
100,000
10,000
1.000
100
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
TOTAL COLIFORM DENSITIES
AUGUST 18-19, 1965 SURVEY
°0
> z
-J K
O o
X O
i i i i i" T
J L
A
o
o
80
70
I I I," i I I ,°l I
COMBINED DATA
X320-X330
LEGEND"
MAXIMUM -T-
MEDIAN '
MINIMUM
I I . i I, i I I i I
SAMPLES TAKEN AU3. 18, 1965
SAMPLES TAKEN AUG. 19, I96S
MEDIAN fi RANGE
OF 1965 SAMPLES
I I I I I I ' ' I
O
c
CO
50
40
30
TAT ION
N OS.
N
«r
K>
10 10
X X
O SHIAWASSEE
i^ RIVER
zo
SAG IN AW
RIVER
lO
m
RIVER MILES
-------
Biology
Biological investigations on the Shiawassee River were conduc-
ted from October 1964 through November 1965 as part of a comprehen-
sive study of the Saginaw River Basin. Four stations, X320, X330,
X340, and X350, were sampled for benthic fauna and phytoplankton
(Figure 9). Physical observations were also recorded. These
observations included transparency, as measured by secchi disc,
bottom conditions, depth, and odors.
The physical observations in the Shiawassee River are listed in
rj
Table 18. Transparency, as measured with a secchi disc,; was always
low, ranging from only 0.3 to 2 feet. At the three downstream
stations, the water was very turbid and muddy, with very little
flow. Sewage odors were noted at station X330, below Chesaning.
The water at station X350 in Corunna appeared of better quality,
moved more rapidly, and had no odor. The bottom at station X350
was of the sand-gravel-rock type; progression downstream was to a
softer, silted bottom with accumulations of organic detritus.
The kinds and numbers of aquatic animals inhabiting a partic-
ular stream and the bottom beneath it reflect the quality of water
that has generally prevailed in the area for an extended period of
time. Table 19 shows the kinds and numbers of animals found in the
Shiawassee River. The predominant forms are the bloodworms
(Tendipedidae) and sludgeworms (Tubif icidae.). Both are examples of
pollution-tolerant forms that exist in decaying organic sediment,
which builds up from settleable organic solids present in most
61
-------
waste discharges. At the downstream stations, X320 and X330, these
two organisms constituted over 80 percent of the benthic fauna,
with a maximum of 4 species represented. Further upstream, the
benthic community becomes markedly more varied in species. From
the benthic invertebrates, found at the Shiawassee River sampling
stations, the river appeared to be in a degraded condition as it
nears the mouth of the river.
The Shiawassee River algal population was dominated by centric
diatoms and green flagellates. These algae are the common forms in
many nutrient-enriched midwestern streams. Phytoplankton populations
are presented in Table 20; predominant genera on page 68.
In 1965, the highest phytoplankton counts at stations X320,
X330, X340, and X350 were found during the summer months. The pop-
ulations numbered: 1,954/ml (August); 14,630/ml (July); 11,690/ml
(July); and 11,340/ml (August), respectively. The range for all
stations during the sampling period was 525/ml to 14,630/ml, with
an average value of 5,255 organisms/ml.
In the proper nutrient conditions, algal populations increase
in numbers. Nuisance algal blooms can be expected to develop when
the concentrations of soluble phosphate equals or exceeds 0.03 mg/1
as phosphate, and that of inorganic nitrogen equals or exceeds 0.3
mg/1 as nitrogen. From the data in the preceding section, Chemical
Water Quality, and Table 13 it can be shown that those nutrients in
the Shiawassee River exceeded the critical values for algal growth.
The high concentration of algal populations and enriching
62
-------
nutrients, as well as the absence of certain pollution-sensitive
forms, is evidence of the degraded condition of the river.
Filamentous attached algae was observed only at stations X340
and X350 (Table 20). Generally, these forms are supported by the
same nutrients as the planktonic forms, but specifically require
sufficient light penetration for photosynthesis and a suitable sub-
strata. The lack of this algal form can be correlated with the low
transparency of the water which affects light penetration, and the
silted-sand bottom, which is an unstable substrata for the rooted
plant.
The most abundant vegetation was observed at station X350 and
diminishes toward the mouth of the river. At the downstream
station, X320, no vegetation was observed. This decrease corresponds
with the changing substrata and water quality.
Benthic fauna and phytoplankton analysis indicated that the
Shiawassee River is highly enriched, and degradation will continue
as long as organic material accumulates in the downstream reaches.
Dense standing crops of phytoplankton such as those found during
this study are indicative of high nitrogen and phosphorous concen-
trations. The low transparency values were a reflection of the high
phytoplankton populations in addition to waste discharges.
63
-------
TABLE 18. PHYSICAL OBSERVATIONS
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
OCTOBER 1964-SEPTEMBER 1965
Station
X320
X330
Date
10/8/64
10/20/64
4/24/65
7/8/65
Depth
(ft. ) Bottom Type
1.5 Silt, sand
3.0 Silt, sand
Sand
Ooze, silt,
detritus
Bottom
Odor
Norma 1
Normal
Sewage
Norma 1
Secchi
Disc
(ft.)
To Bottom
1.5
2.0
1.5
Remarks
Muddy. Virtually no flow; no
vegetation; steep clay banks.
Virtually no flow; no vegetation
Dark tea color.
Turbid water, swift.
Very turbid and muddy water.
No apparent flow.
9/18/65
Silt, sand
0.5 Very muddy; a few Potomogeton
(broadleaf) at the edge.
X340
4/24/65
7/8/65
9/18/65
6.0
1.5
3.0
Sand, gravel,
rock
Sand, gravel,
rock
Normal
2.0
Normal To Bottom
1.5
Water seems of fairly good
quality. Rocks are covered with
a slimy brown algae.
Water is tea colored; slight
current. Spirogyra,Valisnaria
and Potomogeton are very abundant,
Fairly muddy. New bridge con-
struction. No emergents or
algae on rocks.
X350
4/24/65 1.5 Sand, gravel,
rock
To Bottom Turbid and swift. Water good
quality. No new vegetation.
-------
TABLE 18. PHYSICAL OBSERVATIONS (cont'd)
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
OCTOBER 1964-SEPTEMBER 1965
Station
X350
Date
7/8/65
9/18/65
Depth
1.0
Bottom Type
Sand, gravel,
Bottom
Odor
Secchi
Disc
(ft.)
Normal To Bottom
Remarks
Shallow and well aerated. Abun-
dant filamentous algae on bottom
and Potomogeton (broadleaf) and
arrowhead along the shore..
Shallow, clean,- clear water
with few emergents and much
Potomogeton (broadleaf) on the
bottom.
-------
TABLE 19. BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
OCTOBER 1964-SEPTEMBER 1965
Station
Date
X320 10/20/64
Organisms per Square Foot
Tubifi-
cidae
100
Tendi- Simu-
Sphae- Coleop- May Caddis
pedidae liidae Pulmonata riidae tera
17
Flies Flies Others
Total
119
X330 4/25/65 176 24
9/18/65 25 10
x
(a) 1 201
(h) x, (i) x 35
X340 7/8/65 - 58
9/18/65 7 350
24
x
3 4 (b) 1, (c) 2 70
10 167 (a) 2, (d) 2, 571
(e) 1, (f) 5,
(1) x
X350
7/8/65
9/18/65
45
69
16
19 15 25 135 (d) 14, (f) 4, 270
(j) x, (e).x,
34 25 11 38 (a) 1, (g) 4, 217
(f) 15,. (e) x,
(k) x, (l).x
x = present in non-quantitative sample
"£f
Others: a. Zygoptera
b. Helobdella
c. Oligochaeta
d. Dugesia
e. Decapoda
f. Diptera
g. Gamnarus
h. Corixidae
i. Placobdella
j. Hyalella
k. Pleurocera
1. Stratiomyiidae
-------
TABLE 20. PHYTOPLANKTON
SHIAWASSEE RIVER
OCTOBER 1964-NOVEMBER 1965
Algal Types per Milliliter
Centric
Station
X320
X330
X340
X350
Date
10/21/64
4/3/65
6/2/65
6/30/65
8/18/65
9/8/65
10/7/65
11/2/65
2/23/65
3/22/65
4/5/65
4/24/65
7/8/65
4/5/65
4/22/65
7/8/65
9/18/65
4/5/65
4/22/65
7/8/65
8/18/65
9/8/65
10/7/65
11/2/65
11/30/65
Diatoms
2
2
2
2
4
1
9
2
3
7
1
2
1
264
780
,058
,562
,068
,100
672
420
294
756
273
,494
,750
294
483
,380
,394
231
504
,654
,560
,722
,982
,470
273
Pennate
Diatoms
682
1,932
378
504
252
168
294
147
63
63
273
882
700
462
189
350
588
441
294
'840
560
168
420
294
189
Blue-
Green Green
Coccoids Coccoids
330 44
924
3,696
378
5,628
4,620
630
294
21
21
21
504
3,010
84 42
63
910
378
84
-
588
910
252 42
294
462
21
Blue- Green Green Brown
Fila- Flagel- Flagel-
mentous lates lates
22
1
2
42
2
1
1
-
3
21 2
3
-
9
1
63 2
1
1
2
84 3
1
2
-
-
42
-
594
,302
,142
756
,016
,260
,006
147
,738
,205
,150 21
546
,170
,806
,688
,050
,050
,793
,780
,260
,310
798
378
252
42
Predominant
Genera*
(10% or
Total
1
4
8
4
9
8
2
1
4
3
3
6
14
2
3
11
4
3
4
6
11
2
4
2
,936
,938
,274
,242
,954
,148
,604
,008
,116
,066
,738
,426
,630
,688
,507
,690
,410
,549
,662
,342
,340
,982
,074
,520
525
a,
a
a,
a,
a,
a,
a,
a,
i
a,
i
a,
a,
a,
a,
a
a,
a
a,
a,
a,
a,
a
a,
a
more)
c, e, i
h, i
i
e, f, i
e, f, i
i
e
i
i
e, i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
b, e
* see explanation list, page 68.
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EXPLANATION LIST FOR
PREDOMINANT PHYTOPLANKTON GENERA (Table 20)
Centric Diatoms
a. Cyclotella-Stephanodiscus
Pennate Diatoms
b. Navicula
c. Nitzschia
d. Synedra
Greens
e. Ankistrode sinus
f. Scenedesmus
g. Selenastrum
h. Unidentified green coccoids
Green Flagellates
i. Unidentified green flagellates
68
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WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS
The 1965 survey shows that water quality on the main stem of the
Shiawassee River Basin is in general poor. Nutrient levels throughout
the entire stream are excessive. This is especially true of the
nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the main stream below the communities
of Owosso and Corunna. High levels of coliforms occur below all the
major municipal waste sources. There are dissolved oxygen depressions
below the communities. Chloride levels indicate a moderate amount of
pollution throughout the stream.
Pollution above Corunna was evidenced by moderate chloride, nutrient,
BOD, and bacterial levels. This pollution was due to the residual
wastes of the Durand, Fenton, Holly, Howell, and Howell State Hospital
sewage treatment plants and periodic discharges from Bancroft, Byron,
and Linden.
The pollution level increased below Owosso-Corunna due to the
primary treatment plants of Corunna and Owosso and the industrial treat-
ment plants of Telfer Packing Company and Ford Motor Company. The phos-
phate level increased 250 percent. Bacterial contamination was
excessive due to the then summertime-only disinfection practices of the
municipalities. Below Chesaning, pollution levels increased moderately
from those found below Owosso due to the primary waste treatment plant
of Chesaning and the then untreated wastes of the G.M. Peet Packing
Company.
Water quality problems in the basin are not caused by a single
large waste flow as in other streams; rather, a combination of
69
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relatively minor (except Owosso) effluent flows, coupled with low drought
flow yield of the basin, results in high levels of conservative and semi-
conservative pollutants which carry throughout the stream, increasing
with each waste source. Since the FWPCA survey, a new treatment plant
has come onstream. Treatment level for nonconservative wastes is much
higher than the plant replaced; however, the service area and contributing
population is larger and projected to increase. Drought flow at the
point of discharge is very low. The problem of bacterial pollution in
the Shiawassee River is expected to decrease during dry-weather flows as
a result of the Michigan Department of Public Health requirement for
continuous year-round disinfection after January 1967.
70
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