CASS RIVER - MICHIGAN
WATER QUALITY DATA
1965 SURVEY
Clean Water Series DPO-14-C
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Water Pollution Control Adtnlnlttratlon
Great Lakes Region
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CASS RIVER - MICHIGAN
WATER QUALITY DATA
1965 SURVEY
Clean Water Series DPO-14-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
Page No.
INTRODUCTION ................................... 1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . ...... . ...... 6
Area Description
Climate
Hydrology
WATER USE 20
Municipal Water Supply,
Industrial Water Use
Water-Related Recreation
SOURCES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WASTES
Municipal
Industrial
POPULATION AND WASTELOAD PROJECTIONS . . . . . . 31
WATER QUALITY DATA ... ... 36
Reconnaissance Survey
Regular Tributary Sampling
Dissolved Oxygen Profile Study
Rural Runoff Studies
Biology
WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS 7-1
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LIST OF TABLES
Table No. . Page No.
1 Drought Flows 10
2 Sampling Stations 18
3 Municipal Water Supplies 22
Owner and Treatment Code (for-Table 3) 23
Ii Projected Water Use 21;
5 Municipal Waste Treatment Plants
1965 Effluent Characteristics 29
6 Industrial Waste Inventory 30
7 Waste Flow Projections 33
8 BOD5 Projections 3U
Notes for Water Quality Tables 1;5>
9 Water Quality Data - Reconnaissance Survey k£>-h7
10 Water Quality Data I|8-li9
11 Water Quality - Seasonal Variation 50-51
12 Water Quality - Seasonal Nutrient Variation 52
13 Water Quality - Seasonal Coliform Variation 53
lit Water Quality - Radioactivity 5U
15 Intensive Dissolved Oxygen Survey 55-56
16 Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Fluctuation 57-58
17 Rural Runoff 59
18 Physical Observations 67
19 Benthic Macroinvertebrates 68
20 Phytoplankton 69
Explanation List for Predominent Phytoplankton
Genera (Table 20) 70
ii
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LIST OF FIGURES
• Figure No. Page No,
1 Drainage Basins of the Great Lakes 3
2 Lake Huron Basin l\.
3 Cass River and Tributaries £
k Cass River 11
5 Mean Daily Flow - Cass River at Frankenmuth 12
6 Flow Duration Curve - 13
Cass River at Cass City
7 Flow Duration Curve - . lit
Cass River at Vassar
8 Flow Duration Curve - l£
Cass River at Frankenmuth
9 Drainage Area Versus River Miles 16
10 Location of'Sampling-Stations 17
11 Municipal and Industrial Waste Outfalls 28
12 Population and Municipal Waste 3?
• Flow Projections
13 Dissolved Oxygen Profile 60
August lj.-$ Survey
lii Nitrate Concentrations 61
August li-5 Survey
15 Total Phosphates 62
August l|-5> Survey
16 Total Solids and Chlorides 63
August U-5> Survey
17 Total Coliform Densities 6h
August U-5> Survey
111
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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 lie, 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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DETROIT PROGRAM OFFICE
DRAINAGE BASINS OF THE
GREAT LAKES
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
GREAT LAKES REGION OROSSE ILE, MICHIGAN
SCALE IN MILES
' • '
SO IOO ISO 200
QUEBEC
PENNSYLVANIA
o
c
m
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FIGURE 2
I . SAOINA W RIVER
Z. CA S3 RIVER
3. FLINT RIVER
4. SHIAWASSEE RIVER
B. TITTABAWA33EE RIVER
6
9
IO
I I
MICHIGAN TRIBUTARIES
TO SAOINAW BAY
MICHfGAN TRIBUTARIES
TO LOWER LAKE HURON
AU SABLt RIVER
THUNDER" BAY RIVER
CHE BOYGAN RIVER
ST. MARYS RIVER AND
MICHIGAN UPPER PENINSULA
TRIBUTARIES TO LAKE HURON
12.
13 .
14.
IB.
16.
17.
IB.
10.
20 .
21 .
MISSISSAOI RIVER
SPANISH RIVER
WANAPITEI RIVER
FRENCH RIVER
MAOANATAWAN* RIVER
MUSKOKA RIVER'
SEVERN RIVER
SAUOEEN RIVER
MAITLAND RIVER
AU SABLE
SO
DETROIT PROGRAM OFFICE
LAKE HURON BASIN
U.3. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
GREAT LAKES REGION GROSSE ILE, MICHIGAN
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LEGEND
\/\ Coss River Basin
DETROIT PROGRAM OFFICE
DRAINAGE BASIN
SAGINAW RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
U.i. DtFUtTHIIIT Of THI HtTI»IO»
VIDIRAL *ATI* rolLUTION COHTIIOL *DyI»IITII«IIOH
•••AT i««e» DIIIOII
• noise IK, IIICKH»N
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Area Description
The Cass River Basin is located in the Thumb Area of'Michigan's
lower peninsula. The basin drains a total area of 9U8 square miles.
The major portion of the basin lies in Tuscola and Sanilac Counties.
The lower reach, from Frankenmuth to the mouth, lies in Saginaw County.
Small portions of Huron,. Lapeer, and Genesee Counties make up the
remainder of the area drained by the Cass River.
The basin is irregularly shaped, varying in width from 15 to
35 miles, and measuring 55 miles at its longest point, v-^he Cass River
has three branches. The South Branch, originating in Lapeer and
Sanilac Counties, flows in a northerly direction converging with the
East Branch in the northwest section of Sanilac County. .The East
Branch joins the North Branch in Tuscola County to form the main stem.
The Cass River flows southwesterly to Frankenmuth, then westerly to
its mouth at the Saginaw River.
The Cass River Basin is bounded on the north by land adjacent to
Lake Huron, on the east by the Black River Basin, on the south by the
Flint River Basin, and on the west by the Saginaw and Flint River Basins.
There are no major population centers in the Cass River-Basin.
Caro, the largest community, had a population of 3}600 in I960.
. The Cass River Basin above Frankenmuth consists of moraine, sandy
lake plains, outwash and till plain in equal portions. The till plain
lies in the eastern headwaters region, and is flanked on the north and
southwest by outwash-morainal sequences. The lake plain lies in the
northern half of the Cass River Basin.
6
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Climate
The climate of the Cass River Basin conforms to the general weather
•pattern that exists over the entire lower Great Lakes area. This climate
is a result of the modifying influences' of the large masses of water-that
nearly surround the region, . These water masses tend to cool the air in
the summer-and warm it in the winter, • The resulting climate can be des-
cribed as one having many storms} wide seasonal temperature variation,
and a constant yearly precipitation distribution. The precipitation in
'winter is usually in the form of snotyj At Caro, the largest community./
in the Cass River'Basin, average yearly temperature if U7°F, with average
summer and winter temperatures of 69°F and 2f>0F, respectively, . The average
: yearly precipitation at Caro is 28 inches. The growing season has a
length of Ili5 days,
Hydrology
f" . Location of '11,3,. Geological Survey Gages
There are four U.S, Geological Survey stream gaging stations in the
Cass River Basin,.three of which were utilized by the Federal Water ..<
%-~
^.Pollution Control Administration, .. .';>
. The first of these gaging stations is Cass River at Cass City,
Michigan, It has a drainage area of approximately 370 square miles, and
is located £00. feet downstream from the Cemetery Road bridge, one mile i
south of 'Cass City, It has been in operation from October 19k7 to the
present. Federal ¥ater -Pollution Control Administration sampling station
X688 is located at the Cemetery Road bridge - mile point59.2,
The second gaging station is Cass River at Vassar,. Michigan. It is
located on the downstream side of M-=l5 bridge in Vassar, has a drainage
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area of approximately 700 square miles and has been in operation since
October 19U7° • M-15 bridge, mile point 28.15. is the Federal Water Pollution
Control Administration sampling station X6£0°
The third gaging station is Pass River at Frankenmuth, Michigan, . It
is located at mile point 17.0 on the right bank of the river, one-half
mile downstream from.Frankenmuth. The drainage- area for this gage is
8U8 square miles and has been in operation continuously since June 1.939s
although discontinuous records exist for other time periods.
.The ranges of observed discharges at these gaging stations are
as follows;
. Cass River at Gass City Maximum - 8|U60 cfs
Average - 192 cfs
Minimum - Q.£ cfs
Cass River at Vassar Maximum ~11,UOO cfs
Average - 373 cfs
Minimum - 11 cfs
Cass River at Frankenmuth Maximum 17,700 cfs
Average - U£0 cfs
Minimum•- .l.£ cfs
Drought Flow
The one-day and seven-day low flows (once-in-ten years) have been
calculated for the Cass River at two of the U.S.. Geological Survey stations
by use of Gumbel Extremal Probability Paper. . Stations used were Cass River
/
at Frankenmuth and Cass River at Vassar. The flow at the remaining-points';
along the river-was estimated by comparison of respective drainage areas
with that of the U.S. Geological Survey stations (Table -!)„
. Because the dams on the Cass River at Frankenmuth and Caro had a
pronounced effect on the one-day flow prior to 19U6,' only those flows in
8
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the period 19U8-1963 were used in this analysis. This results in a
seven-day flow at Frankenmuth that is slightly higher than would have
been expected had the entire period of record been used but also yields
a one^day flow that is meaningful„
Figure 5 shows the mean daily flow at the U,S, Geological Survey
gage at Frankenmuth for the period June through September 1965° Figures
6 through 8 are flow duration curves for the U.S. Geological SurVey
gages at Cass City,. Vassar^ and Frankenmuth,, Figure 9 shows the river
*
mile vs,, drainage area relationship.
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TABLE 1. .DROUGHT FLOWS
CASS RIVER
Location
X6£0 USGS-* gage at Vassar
Above Goodings Creek
Below Goodings Creek
Above Perry Creek
Below Perry Greek
Frankenmuth USGS-* gage
X620
Above Dead Greek
Below Dead Creek
X610
Mouth
Drainage Area
(sq. miles)
700
703
760
802
8UO
8U8
868
872
910
918
933
9U8
l^Day Flow
(cfs)
16.0
16.1
17. h
18.0
18.7
19.0
19. k
19.?
20. h
20.6
20.9
21.2
7-Day Flow
(cfs)
19oO
19.1
20.. 7
22.3
23.7
2U.O
2U.6
2U.7
25.8
26oO
26. h
26. a
-"- U..S. Geological Survey
10
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MEAN DAILY FLOW
CASS RIVER AT FRANKENMUTH
zoo,
180
160
140
u
•I
120
100
O
z
<
bJ
SO
60
20
M/L
::
O
c
m
in
10
I5l 20
JUNE
29
10
9 lOl 15 20 25
AUGUST
10' IS1 20' 29
SEPTEMBER
1965
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FIGURE 6
FLOW DURATION CURVE
CASS RIVER AT CASS CITY
1948-1964
37O Square Miles
10,000
1,000
0
z
o
o
LJ
cc
LJ
0.
Ul
LU
U.
O
CQ
o
z
LU
O
IT
X
O
100
10
I.O
\
\
\
O.OI O.OS O.I O.I 0.9 12 9 10 2O SO 40 90 60 7O 80 9O 95 98 99 99.8 99.9 99.99
TIME IN PERCENT OF TOTAL PERIOD
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FIGURE 7
FLOW DURATION CURVE
CASS RIVER AT VASSAR
1949-1964
700 Square Miles
10,000
1,000
a
2
O
o
IU
CO
cc
u
iii
u.
o
ffi
u
z
LU
cc
1.
o
tn
100
10
s:
\
N
A
X
\
i.o
O.OI O.09 O.I 0.2 O.B If 9 IO 2O 30 «O 60 «0 TO 80 90 98 9B 99
TIME.IN PERCENT OF TOTAL PERIOD
99.8 99.9 99.99
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FIGURE 8
10,000 f^
1,000
o
z
o
o
Ul
a:
LJ
a.
Ul
Ul
U,
O
m
o
z
bJ
CC
•t
O
o
100
10
1.0
FLOW DURATION CURVE
CASS RIVER AT FRANKENMUTH
1936, 1940-1964
848 Square Miles
\
\
V
\
0.01 O.O5 O.I O.Z 0.6 It 8 IO ZO SO 40 SO 60 TO »0 »0 99 98 99
TIME IN PERCENT OF T-OTAL PERIOD
»» 8 99.9 99.99
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DRAINAGE AREA VS. RIVER MILES
CASS RIVER
1000
o
c
X
m
70
60
50
40 30
RIVER MILES
20
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•HURON CO.
" -. SANILAC CO.
LEGEND
A US6S Oegtng Stc
DETftOIT PftOO**M OFFICf
LOCATION OF SAMPLING STATIONS
CASS RIVER BASIN
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TABLE 2. . CASS RIVER SAMPLING STATIONS
Mainstream Stations
Station
X605
>X609
X610
X615
X620
.X628
X630
X6U0
X6U7
X650
X655
. X668
X670
. X678 *
X680
X682
X681i
X686
. X689
X688
Mile Point
2.3
5.0
7.8
11.7
15,2
17.0
17.2
22. h
27.8
28.1
32.0
37.1
38.0
Ul. 6
U2.1
U6..0
50.3
5U.8
58.9
59.2
Location
Bridge on M-13 East Rd.
Bridgeport sewage treatment plant
Bridge on Fayette St. in Bridgeport
Bridge on Dixie Highway
Bridge on S.. Beyer St.
Frankenmuth sewage treatment plant
(USGS gage #U-l5l5)
Bridge on S. Main St. in Frankenmuth
Bridge on Bray St. in T us cola
Vassar1 sewage treatment' plant
Bridge M-15 in Vassar (USGS gage #U-l5f10) *
Bridge on Waterman Rd.
Caro State Hospital sewage treatment plant
Bridge on Walk Rd.
Caro sewage treatment plant
Bridge on . M-2U in Caro
Bridge on Deckerville Rd.
Bridge on Kurds Corner Rd.
Bridge on N,. Dodge Rd.
Cass City sewage treatment plant
Bridge on Seeger -St. (Cemetery Rd.. )
(USGS gage #U-l505 at Cass City)
18
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TABLE 2. CASS RIVER SAMPLING STATIONS
(cont'd)
Tributary Stations
Station Mile Point On Tributary
X61|2 .1 Perry Creek
X6U9 1.0 Goodings Creek
X681 1.6 Sucker Creek
X683 .8 White Creek
X695 3-9 South Branch
Confluence
Mile Point
22.7
27-0
U3.2
U7.6
59.3
Location
Bridge on Loren Rd.
near Tuscola
Bridge on Vassar Rd.
Bridge on Albin Rd.
Bridge on Murray Rd.
U.2 mi. southeast of
Cass City off Cable
Corner. Enter on
Lamton Rd. 1.5 mi.
north of Severence
Rd. (USGS gage
19
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WATER USE
Municipal Water Sapply
The Cass River Basin has a population served by public water supplies
of approximately 20,000 people. Except for the City of Frankenmuth (1,700),
which obtains its water from the Cass River, all of this water comes from
local wells.
Total municipal water use in the basin is approximately 3-0 million
gallons per day (MGD). Projected water use is expected to be 12 MGD in
the year 2020. .Table 3 lists the present water supplies and source.
Projected municipal water uses for the years 1990 and 2020 are shown
in Table k-
Industrial Water Use
Michigan Sugar Company is the only large water user-in the basin, and
uses approximately lj.,0 MGD from the Cass River during the late fall and
winter season. The projected industrial water use shown in Table U is
based on this use, but is intended to imply the expansion of water-using
industries in general; not necessarily this single industry.
Water-Related Recreation
Water-related recreation resource base in the Cass River Basin is
limited by the nature of the basin and the fact that population corridors
do not at present cross the basin. The river is narrow and shallow except
behind the lowhead dams at Frankenmuth and Caro. . There are no large
impoundments or natural lakes in the basin. Water quality of the river
is impaired. These factors limit the amount of boating, swimming,
20
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and water skiing;activity. • The number of boats registered in the basin
was 2,000 in 1965, most of which were under 20 feet in length. -Most of
the length of the Cass River has been designated a canoe trail by the
Michigan Department of Conservation and'Michigan Tourist Council. .Fishing
upstream of Frankenmuth has been described as good, for warm-water gamefish
although the less desirable fish are also taken. .Downstream from Franken-
muth, degraded water quality limits fishing. . In addition to the four-State
Game areas, there are a number of local and^private recreation areas. .The
local areas which provide boating,, fishing, and'picnicking range in size
from 20 to 60 acres. -Particularly in Frankenmuth, the levee system,
utilized for flood control purposes,'"provides an excellent vantage point
for picnicking, family outings, and esthetic enjoyment of the river. . A
more detailed discussion of basin recreation is contained-in the Bureau
of Outdoor Recreation publication "Water-Oriented Outdoor Recreation
Lake Huron Basin (196?)."
21
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Municipality
Bridgeport Twp.
Frankenmuth
Millington
Vassar
Mayville
Caro
Cass City
Gage town
I960
Pop.
U,ooo
1,728
1,159
2,680
896
3,531;
1,9U5
376
Owne
T
M
-M
P
M
M
M
M
TABLE 3. MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLIES*
CASS RIVER BASIN
Source
Indianfields Twp.
Kingston 1;56 M
Marlette 1,61;0 M
Ubly 819 M
Wells in rock 116' to ll;0'
deep and in drift 63' to
71' deep
Cass River 50' of 10"
intake 8' deep
Wells in rock 370' to
390' deep
Wells in rock 260' to
270' deep
Wells in rock 272' to 327'
deep
Wells in rock 120' to 166'
deep, wells in rock 226'
to 2^0' deep
Wells in rock
Wells in rock 85' to
185' deep
Wells in drift 77' to 80'
deep, wells in rock
300' deep
Wells in rock 215' to
331' deep
Wells in rock 170' to
300' deep
Wells in rock l^O1 to
175' deep
Treatment-*!-*
2 & 6
* Taken from "Data on Public-Water'Supplies in Michigan,." Engineering
•Bulletin No. U by the Michigan Department of Public-Health.
** See Owner and Treatment Co.de page 23.
22
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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
k Iron removal
.5 Chlorination
6 Fluoridation
* Implies at least chlorination, chemical coagulation,
and rapid sand filtration.
** lime softening includes filtration.
23
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TABLE U. . PROJECTED ¥ATER-.USE
(million gallons per day)
Cass River -Basin
Municipals-
Industrial
1965
3
k
1990
7
9
2020
12
16
Total 7 16 28
Includes water used by small industries,
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SOURCES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WASTES
Municipal
The Cass River has seven sewage treatment plants along its length
that contribute a flow of 3 MGD from approximately 18^000 people. . The
areas served by municipal sewage treatment plants are Bridgeport,
Frankenmuth,. Caro,. Caro State Hospital, Vassar, Cass City, and Marlette.
. Millington,. with 1,160 people in Tuscola County, has sewers but no
treatment facilities. .Plans are underway for a waste stabilization lagoon.
, Mayville, also in Tuscola County, has neither collection nor treatment
system for its 900 residents but is expected to have facilities by 1970.
Marlette sewage treatment plant has a sand filter that is used during
the period of low stream flow and substantially reduces the BOD£ load
to the stream. The yearly average effluent BQD£ was ll| mg/1, but during
the period the sand filter was in operation, the effluent BOD£ averaged
less than 3 mg/1, Caro State Hospital plant has been plagued with equip-
ment problems. This plant is currently being improved. The Frankenmuth
sewage treatment plant was constructed in 195? as a trickling filter-type
plant which proved to be unsatisfactory for'handling the waste from the
1,700 residents and two breweries. .The plant was converted to activated
sludge in 1961, installing mechanical aerators. . These aerators were re-
placed in 1965. Operation is still not fully satisfactory. -The city
is working on the problem. The major problem is created by the Carling
Brewing Company which discharges a waste with a population equivalent of
approximately 30,000 people based on BfflD^. This waste load fluctuates
in volume and strength which makes treatment difficult.
25
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Chemical data on this plant are not readily available due to continuously
changing procedures in an effort to obtain an efficient operation.
.Municipal waste treatment plants are described in Table 5- The in-
formation is based on 1965 records of the Michigan Department of Public
Health. Prior to January 1967, all plants were required to practice dis-
infection from May l£ to September 15. Since that date, continuous year-
round disinfection is required by Department of Public Health regulation.
Effluent characteristics based on the 1965 plant operating records are
also listed in Table 5 and outfall locations are shown on Figure 11.
Industrial
The Cass River drains a rich farming area. .The only large industry
in this basin, other than the brewery wastes handled by the Frankenmuth
sewage treatment plant, is the Michigan Sugar Company. The industries
are rated annually by the Michigan Water Resources Commission on
adequacy of treatment.
Outfall locations for the industrial plants are shown on Figure 11.
Industrial waste inventory information is shown on Table 6.
The W.N. Clark Company in Caro operates a cannery which has a
waste flow of 0.1 MOD. .This flow is not discharged to the river-but
is spray irrigated.
The Michigan Sugar Company in Caro processes sugar beets into sugar.
The waste flow is 1; MOD during the fall and winter processing season and
contains BODcj and solids. Treatment consists of screens and lagoons.,
with the lagoon discharge controlled so that no waste enters the river
during low-flow conditions.
26
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The Crown Foods,. Inc.. j Division of Vlasic Foods is located in
Bridgeport. -The waste containing BODtJ^ suspended solids, acids, and
chlorides is placed in a controlled-discharge lagoon,
• The Nestles Company, Inc. in Ubly is "a milk processing plant which
has a waste flow of 0.3 MGD containing milk waste.
27
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- HURON CO.
'. SANILAC CO.
MUNICIPAL 8 INDUSTRIAL WASTE OUTFALLS
CASS RIVER BASIN
o
c
3)
PI
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TABLE 5. MUNICIPAL WASTE TREATMENT PLANTS
1965 EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS*
CASS RIVER BASIN
ro
Vol.
Susp. Susp.
Community
Bridgeport
Frankenmuth
Vassar
Caro
Caro State
Hospital
T^ass "City
Marlette
Millington
Mayville
Type
secondary
secondary
secondary
secondary
secondary
secondary
secondary.
**
•JBBf-
Percent
Removal
85
90
73
75
70
90
87
.Pop.
Served
5,000
1,700
2,700
3,500
1,900
1.500
1,160
Flow (MGD)
Avg . • Max . . Min .
O.Ul 0.67 0.27
1.10
0.35
0.23
0.20
0.22 0.26 0.18
0.36
Temp. BUU
°F. Avg.
37
-
57
60 56
68 1U6
69 23
58 111
'5 img/
Max.
1|3
-
7k
92
300
55
-
L> Solids . Solids
Min. (mg/l) (mg/l)
30
_
1|0 27 22
35 58 U8
78 86 70
6 19 16
21 11
a
-
7.3
7.8
7.1
7.6
7.5
* Based on monthly averages of daily plstnt operation records submitted by plants
to Michigan Department of Public Health
•ins- Sewers but no treatment
-SHBS- No collection or treatment
-------
TABLE 6. INDUSTRIAL WASTE INVENTORY
Cass River Basin
Industry
W. N. Clark Company
Michigan Sugar Company
Crown Foods, Inc.,
Div. of Vlasic Foods
Nestles Company, Inc.
Location
Caro
Caro
Bridgeport
Ubly
Receiving
Stream
ground water
Cass River
Cass River
Cass River
Waste
Constituents
general cannery
BODc;, solids
BOD^, SS, acids,
chlorides
milk wastes
Waste
Flow
(MGD)
0.1
k
0.3
Treatment
Provided
spray
irrigation
screens &
lagoons
lagoon
_
-------
POPULATION AMD WASTELOAD PROJECTIONS
Demographic studies were conducted by the Great Lakes-Illinois River
Basins Project,. Chicago,.Illinois for the Lake Huron Basin- Population
trends on a national, regional, and county basis were analyzed, and popu-
lation projections were developed for the various areas of the Lake Huron
Basin. . In I960, approximately 1,2 million persons lived in the U.S.. portion
of the Lake Huron Basin - double the 1920 population. By the year 2020,
it is estimated that the population of this watershed will be approxi-
mately 3»2 million.
The areas of Marlette,. Caro,. Cass City, Frankenmuth,.Vassar, and
Bridgeport were analyzed separately, assuming that by 2020 each area will
be urbanized and served by water and sewer systems, . Then data from the
individual areas were added together to yield the total population served
for the basin, . The 1965 population served by sewerage systems was estima-
ted-to be I8,,i|00, and projected to be 28,£00 by 1990 and 1|0,100 by the
year 2020. These projections are for population served and do not neces-
sarily represent the total population figures for the basin.
. Table 7 and Figure 12 show"the estimated-waste flow in MOD for the
Cass River Basin,
. BOD£ projections were based on present-day inventory information
obtained from the Michigan Water- Resources Commission, Michigan Depart-
ment of Public-Health,, and the U.S. Public Health Service. .Municipal
and industrial water use growth rates and BOD£ production in terms of
population equivalents were determined from studies on Lake' Michigan
Basin and applied to the inventory data obtained for the Cass River Basin.
31
-------
The results of these projections are shown on Table 8. . For example,
in 1965 a total of 16,900 pounds per day of BGD£ was produced in the basin,
of which 72 percent was removed by treatment leaving 6,35>0 pounds of BOD£
discharged to the river. . By the year 2020 with the same percentage of
treatment, 21,800 pounds would reach the river. In order to show an
improvement over present water quality, 90 percent removal will be
necessary at that time.
32
-------
TABLE 7- WASTE FLOW PROJECTIONS
(MOD)
Cass River Basin
1965 ' 1990 2020
Municipal
Residential
Industrial
Total
Industrial
(direct to river)
Total to River 7.0 ll|.5 2U-7
2.3
0.6
2.9
U.i
U.8
0.7
5.5
9.0
8.1
1.0
9.1
15.6
33
-------
TABLE 8. BOD£ PROJECTIONS
(#/day)
Cass River Basin
1965 1990 2020
Municipal
Residential 3,583 5,090 7,872
Industrial 6,171 8,030 10,800
Total 9,75U 13,120 18,672
With present removal I,3li9 1,913 2,783
•With. 90$ removal 976 1,312 1,867
With 95% removal U87 656 933
With 99$ removal 98 131 187
Industrial
(direct to river) 7,1^0 15,700 27,100
With present 30$ removal ,5,000 11,000 19,000
With 90$ removal 7llj. 1,570 2,710
With 95$ removal 357 785 1,355
With 99$ removal 71 157 271
Total in the Basin 16,891; 28,820 U5S772
Total to the river
With present removal 6,3h9 12,913 21,783
With 90$ removal 1,690 2,882 It,577
With 95$ removal 8hh 1,1*^1 2,288
With 99$ removal 169 288 U58
3k
-------
FIGURE 12
POPULATION AND MUNICIPAL
WASTE FLOW PROJECTIONS FOR THE
CASS RIVER BASIN
,000,000
tr.
UJ
tO
z
o
3
a.
o
0.
100,000
10,000 I I I I I I I I I i i i i i i i i i I i i i i i i i i i _£
pO£
100
10
{£.
UJ
0.
CO
z
o
o
z
o
_J
-I
iteo I9TO leao 1990 tooo
YEARS
1010
8080
I
8030
-------
• ¥ATER QUALITY DATA
The Detroit Program Office conducted surveys of the Cass River during
1965 to determine the quality of this watercourse. Station locations are
shown on Figure 10 and described in Table 2.
A reconnaissance survey was conducted on January 26-28, 1965- Single
grab samples were collected at many locations and analyzed for alkalinity,
chlorides, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and total coli'form" con-
centrations .
On the basis of this survey, a location was selected for routine
sampling-which was conducted approximately twice a month. A second
location was also sampled during the latter part of the year. Samples
collected were analyzed for physical, chemical, microbiological and
biological parameters.
An intensive survey was conducted August k-5, 1965 to determine the
effect of waste loading on the 60 miles of river from Cass City to the
confluence with the Saginaw River. Thirteen locations at 5-mile inter-
vals along the river were sampled every h hours for 2h hours. Tributar-
ies were also sampled. DO and temperature were determined on each
sample. Composites were prepared for other parameters and analyzed.
Samples for bacteriological analysis were collected on one of the six
runs. Samples of waste effluents were collected and analyzed.
As part of the Lake Huron Program, special studies were conducted on
the East Branch of the Cass River to determinp the characteristics of
runoff in the rural area. '•
36
-------
The results of the various surveys are described in-the following
sections. Data tabulations and graphical presentations for the surveys
are included on Tables 9 to 1? and Figures 13 to 1?.
Reconnaissance Survey
The survey of the Cass River-from Cass City to Bridgeport (Table 9)
indicated that bacterial pollution occurred below the many municipal
sources: Cass City, Caro,. Vassar, Frankenmuth, and Bridgeport. Below
Frankenmuth, the levels indicated gross contamination with all samples
in excess of 200,000 coliform organisms/100 ml. These levels reached
a maximum of £10,000 org/100 ml below Bridgeport. DO levels varied
throughout the stream with minor depressions below the various communities.
Below• Frankenmuth, the depression was significant,reaching.a minimum DO
level of 2.6 mg/1. Chloride concentration increased below the confluence
of the East Branch Cass River which receives the waste from Marlette
sewage treatment plant. .Levels varied through the remainder of the
stream}decreasing-below the various tributaries - White and Sucker Creeks
- and increasing-below the waste treatment plants. Below Frankenmuth,
the chloride .level indicated a moderate amount of pollution.
Regular•Tributary Sampling
.One location on the Cass River, X610 at Bridgeport ten miles below
the Frankenmuth sewage treatment plant outfall, was sampled on a periodic
basis during 1965. A second location, X6?0 below Caro, was similarly
sampled during the latter part of the year. The stations are described
on. Table 2 and located on Figure 10. . Tables 10 to lit. list the water
quality data obtained during 1965-
37
-------
Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration at Bridgeport averaged 8.9 mg/1
throughout the regular sampling-period. Minimum level was 3-k mg/1
with a maximum of 12.6 mg/1 (Table 10). These results were exclusive of
diurnal values obtained during the intensive DO profile study. Seasonal
variation (Table 11) indicated a significant decrease in percent sat-
uration during the summer months. • Levels below Caro, observed during the
fall season, were similar to the levels at Bridgeport for the same time
period. .The levels at Bridgeport indicated supersaturation does not occur
and active oxidation of organic matter occurred in this stream reach.
Organic matter expressed in terms of 5-day BOD and ammonia and or-
ganic nitrogen (Table 10) was not extremely high with average yearly
concentration of h mg/1 BQD£, 0.£6 mg/1 ammonia, and 0.27 mg/1 organic
nitrogen. Maximum levels were 6 mg/1, 0.93 nig/1, and O.?0 mg/1,
respectively. As indicated in Table 11, there was only minor seasonal
variation. . As also indicated by the low dissolved oxygen levels at this
location, rapid oxidation of organic wastes occurred in the 10-mile
stream reach from the Frankenmuth outfall. Levels of organic matter
•below Caro were similar-to this location during the latter part of the year.
Nutrient levels expressed in terms of nitrate-nitrogen and total and
soluble phosphorous as phosphate (Table 10) were indicative of moderate
pollution. -Nitrate-nitrogen averaged 1.0 mg/1 and total phosphate was
0.5 mg/1. There was significant seasonal variation (Table 12) with the
nitrate low in the summer season and phosphate levels doubled during
this season. Nitrate levels below Caro were one-third the levels at
Bridgeport during the fall season although phosphate was the same.
38
-------
Chloride and other dissolved solids indicated a moderate amount of
municipal pollution in the Cass River. Average chloride level below
Frankenmuth was hi nig/1 (Table 10) and total solids level was U?0 mg/1.
Seasonal variation.was apparent, (Table 11) with the summer chloride
level at 72 mg/1 - nearly triple the spring level (26 mg/l). The fall
level (3>8 mg/1) was considerably higher than the spring level but less
than the summer level. . This parameter appeared tq be most influenced
by stream flow,.being lowest in spring floods and highest during summer
droughts. Maximum yearly levels of both total solids and chlorides
occurred during unusually low flow of the intensive DO profile study.
These levels were 630 mg/1 and 131 mg/1, respectively.
Bacterial quality of the Cass River at Bridgeport indicated severe
degradation with a median value of 6k,000 total coliform organisms/100 ml
(Table 10). Median fecal coliform density was 1,UOO org/100 ml. Maximum
levels of total and fecal coliforms were greater than 3,000,000 org/lOOml
and 28,000 org/100 ml. . These maximum levels occurred on the same day dur-
ing the summer disinfection season. -Maximum levels during the non-disin-
fection season were 9k,000 total coliform org/100 ml and 3,600 fecal
coliform org/100 ml. With the exception of the unusually high values on
the single day, seasonal variation (Table 13) indicated that bacterial
quality was considerably better du*"ing the disinfection period. Median
summer levels were 9,000 total coliform org/100 ml and 600 fecal coli-
form org/100 ml compared with median spring and fall levels of 6i|,000
org/100 ml and 2,000 org/100 ml, respectively, total and fecal coliforms.
ar
The bacterial quality below Caro during the fall season was considerably
39
-------
better than that at Bridgeport with maximum levels of 73800 total coli-
form org/100 ml and UOO fecal coliform org/100 ml; median levels of
2U5 total coliform org/100 ml and 60 fecal coliform org/100 ml. These
regular locations were not the points of highest density as indicated by
the reconnaissance and intensive surveys.
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 indicated moderate amounts of
pollution. The suspended solids levels were higher during the spring
high-flow period. The water quality below Caro was similar during
the fall season.
• Radiochemistry data based on the 1965 regular tributary sampling
•program is listed on Table lij. for the Cass River. The data are listed
in picocuries per liter of water sample. The sample was reported in
terms of suspended (non-filtrable) 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. Also included is the result of analysis at a rural runoff
station en the East Branch Cass River below Marlette. -Maximum levels of
alpha emitters were 3.60 pc/1 dissolved and 0.60 pc/1 suspended. Maximum
levels of beta emitters were li|..0 pc/1 dissolved and 2.1|. pc/1 suspended.
. For most samples, the standard counting error exceeded the level of the
sample indicating a very low level of ..radioactivity in the sample.
1*0
-------
Cass.River"Dissolved Oxygen Profile Study
Data collected during the intensive survey en August k-5, 1^65 are
listed on Table 15 and shown on Figures 13 to !?• During this survey,
water quality differed from the average annual water quality, indicating
a greater amount of pollution for most parameters except coliform densities.
DO profile (Figure 13) indicated a highly varied oxygen level through-
out the stream. .Above Frankenmuth, the level was high, with minimum levels
greater than 5 mg/1 and an average level greater than 8 mg/1. - Maximum
levels at many locations exceeded- 10 mg/1, indicating -supersaturation.
Below-Frankenmuth,. DO level changed dramatically with zero levels found
2 miles below the sewage treatment plant outfall. .For ten miles below
the outfall, the average level remained below 5 mg/1. Five miles-further
downstream, the minimum level increased to near saturation with a maximum
level of 21.7 mg/1 or' 256 percent of saturation.
Diurnal variation throughout the stream was high. .Maximum variation
above Frankenmuth was 7-5 mg/1 or 88 percent of saturation above the
Vassar sewage treatment plant outfall. Minimum variation of l.U mg/1 or
17 percent of saturation occurred just above the Frankenmuth sewage treat-
ment plant outfall. Below the outfall, the minimum variation was 1.7 mg/1
(0.0 mg/1 to 1-7 mg/1) or 20 percent saturation (0 to 20 percent). At
*
this location, 5 of 6 samples were less than 1 mg/1 and 2 were 0 mg/1.
Maximum variation occurred fifteen miles below the outfall and two miles
above the confluence of the Cass River with the Saginaw River. Variation
was 13.2 mg/1 or 163 percent of saturation (93 to 256 percent). -Table 16
lists the diurnal variation at a number of'locations in the Cass River.
.ill
-------
Included are the results obtained during studies of the Saginaw River
which indicated diurnal variation on a seasonal basis. Diurnal variation
was not as significant during the cooler season and no supersaturation
was observed in the fallo
Organic'-matter expressed as 5-day BOD (Figure 13 )* and organic and
ammonia nitrogen were at moderate levels above Frankenmuth. These levels'
increased below the waste source - then gradually declined^ . Maximum
5-day BCD level was 5 mg/1 with an average level of 3 mg/1. . Maximum
ammonia level was O.lt? mg/1 with an average of .2 mg/1. Below the
Frankenmuth sewage treatment plant outfalls BQD^ level increased to 13 'mg/1.
Ammonia nitrogen increased to a maximum of 1.7U mg/1. These levels were
indicative of high organic pollution. The stream levels declined} in-
creasing again below the Bridgeport sewage treatment plant outfall.
Rapid oxidation of these organic materials was indicated by the change in
level of the parameters and the severe DO depression (anaerobic conditions
were noted)"*,, The intensive survey levels were similar to the average
annual concentration.
. Nutrient levels in terms of phosphates and nitrate-nitrogen
(Figures llj. and 15) were indicative of moderate pollution. Nitrate-
nitrogen above Frankenmuth ranged from 0.1 mg/1 to 0.2 mg/1. Below
Frankenmuth, the level increased-to O.U mg/1. Phosphate level was
1.0 mg/1 near the confluence of the- East Branch Cass River (which
carries residual wastes from the Marlette sewage treatment plant) increas-
ing to 1.8 mg/1 below Cass City sewage treatment plant. The level de-
clined to 0.1| mg/1 increasing in the Frankenmuth area. There was a con-
siderable increase below the Frankenmuth sewage treatment plant with level
-------
in excess of 1 mg/1 throughout the remainder of the stream. The nutrient
levels were similar to annual average levels, although below Frankenmuth
the phosphate level was the annual maximum level and the nitrate level
was near the minimum level.
Chloride and dissolved solids levels (Figure 16) indicated moderate
residual, pollution below the Cass City sewage treatment plant and below
the confluence with the East Branch which carries the wastes from the
Marlette sewage treatment plant. .These levels, especially chlorides,
decreased noticeably as more tributaries entered the Cass River down-
stream. At Frankenmuth the chloride level increased from lj.8 mg/1 to
Ill2 mg/1 below the sewage treatment" plant then decreased to 121 mg/1
near the confluence with the Saginaw River. Dissolved solids followed
a .similar-pattern although the change was not as great. Chlorides and
dissolved solids levels were near the maximum of the annual values;
below -Frankenmuth the intensive survey levels were the maximum recorded
for the year.
Total coliform densities (Figure 1?) indicated moderate to minor
pollution above Frankenmuth with levels of less than 1,000 org/100 ml
at all but one location. -Median density was 5>60 org/100 ml in this
reach. Densities increased below the Frankenmuth sewage treatment plant
outfall to 370,000 org/100 ml and then rapidly decreased to 1,000 org/
100 ml. Intensive survey levels were the minimum.measured for the year
at the two areas sampled on an annual basis.
The levels of the other parameters indicated moderate to minor
pollution above Frankenmuth with major pollution occurring-in the Franken-
muth area. During this special study, the flow at the U.S. Geological
U3
-------
Survey gage at Frankenmuth was extremely low = less than one-day low flow
with a recurrence of ten years.
Rural Runoff Studies
As part of the Lake Huron Basin comprehensive studies, locations
throughout the basin were sampled on a monthly basis during the summer
and fall of 1965 to determine the characteristics of rural runoff. One
location was in the Cass River-Basin on the'South Branch of the Cass
River 2k miles downstream from the community of Marietta at the U.S.
Geological--Survey gaging station (X695). The drainage area is 251 square
miles. Mean flow was 90.1 cfs and yield was .359 cfsm during calendar
year 1965 which was 25 percent less than the average yearly flow-of the
preceding 18 years. Stream flows-preceding the sampling dates were
constant and considerably lower than the mean yearly flow except for
the late spring sample in May.
As indicated on Table 17, data for this location reflects the
residual pollution of the conservative and semi-conservative wastes
from the Marlette sewage treatment plant. Little correlation was evident
among the various samples although chloride concentrations were consider-
ably lower during the high flow period. Suspended solids were higher
during this-period. The mineral concentrations in general followed the
chloride levels. -Nutrient levels indicated a minor amount of pollution.
-------
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
HCOo
Magnesium
Sodium
Potassium
Carbonate
Bicarbonate
Total hardness: reported as
—/
Nitrogens: ammonia (NH_), organic, nitrates
and nitrites -(N0?) 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 (jag/1)
conductivity - micromhos per centimeter (umhos/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.
45
-------
TABLE 9- WATER QUALITY DATA - RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY
CASS RIVER
January 26-28, 1965
Station
X690
X688
X68?
X686
X681i
X682
X680
X6?0
X665
X660
X655
X650
X6U5
X6UO
River
Mile*
62.3
59.2
57.0
51;. 8
50.3
U6.0
U2.1
38.0
36. k
31;. 2
32.1
28.1
2U-7
22. U
Alkalinity
265
25U
267
2U6
238
221;
193
220
207
231;
171;
198
191;
19U
Dissolved
Oxygen
-
8.0
6.7
8.1
7.6
8.3
11.1
9.9
8.0
10.2
8.6
5.6
8.7
7.7
pH
7.U
7.7
7.5
7.8
7.6
7.6
7.8
7.8
7.6
7.9
7.0
7-6
7.7
7.6
Total
Coliform
100
250
2li,000
2', 800
Ii80
3kO
1,UOO
16,000
1,UOO
U90
2,100
210
6,700
5,1;00
Conductivity
820
1,000
960
8UO
820
760
600
750
720
620
660
700
670
680
Chloride
19
50
38
39
U
25
18
26
28
20
29
37
36
Ul
tfMiles above confluence with Saginaw River.
-------
TABLE 9» WATER QUAHTY DATA - RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY (cont.)
CASS RIVER
January 26=28,,
Station
X630
X620
X615
X610
X608
X6C5
River
Mile # Alkalinity
17.3 195
15.2
11=7
7,8
5.7
2.3
195
222
180
19U
200
Dissolved
. Oxygen
7.5
9.8
7.3
5.U
2,6
U.9
&.
7.6
7.5
7.5
7.U
7oU
7o5
Coliform
2,UOO
2 30 ,,000
390,000
210S000
5iosooo
2U03000
Conductivity
690
7UO
800
820
7UO
750
Chloride
Ui
55
60
=
53
52
* Miles above confluence with Saginaw River,
-------
TABLE 10. -WATER QUALITY
CASS RIVER
1965
00
Parameters
Dissolved Oxygen
5-day BOD
NH3-N
Org-N
N03-N
N02-N
Total PO^
Total Sol.. PO,
Total Solids
Suspended Solids
Vol.-Susp,- Solids
Chlorides
Phenol
pH
Temperature
% Saturation
X695 East Branch
X670 below Caro
X610 at Bridgeport
NS
0
0
k
k
$
k
5
5
k
5
2
5
0
5
5
0
Avg.
-
-
0.20
0.27
0.1
0.01
-
-
593
1*
2
52
-
7.9
19.0
_
Low
-
-
0.07
0.13
0.0
0.00
<0.1
< 0.1
511;
0
0
28
-
7.3
8.0
. ..
High
-
-
0.3k
0.66
0.3
0.02
1.0
0.9
667
12
it
76
-
8.6
21;. 0
_
NS
6
6
6
5
6
• l
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
Avg.
10.2
6
0.59
O.U7
0.3
0.01
0.1;
0.3
k60
11
5
"l*i
k
8.0
7.5
8U
Low
5.8
k
0.00
0.19
0.1
-
0.3
0.2
1*30
5
0
37
3
7.8
1.0
56
High
11;. 7
11
1.10
0.66
0.6
-
o.5
0.1;
U93
17
9
1*3
7
8.2
19.0
135
NS
10
7
12
' 12
13
9
13
13
13
13
12
15
11*
15
16
10
Avg.
8.9
k
0.56
0.27
1.0
0.02
o.5
0.1;
1*69
35
9
Ul
k
7.8
7.5
73
Low
3.U
2
0.19
0.07
0.2
0.01
0.2
0.1
218
8
2
7
1
7.1;
0.0
35
High
12.6
6
0.93
0.70
1.6
o.ou
1.3
1.2
581;
121;
29
91
8
8.1;
23. £
110
-------
TABLE 10. WATER QUALITY (cont.)
CASS RIVER
X695 East Branch
X6?0 below Caro
X610 at Bridgeport
Parameters
Total Iron
Sodium
Potassium
Calcium
Magnesium
Sulfate
Total Hardness
Conductivity
Total Coliform
Fecal Coliform
Fecal Strep
NS
1
2
2
2
3
k
0
5
0
0
0
Avg.
100
30
10
81i
30
176
-
8UO
-
-
-
Low
-
19
7
76
20
mo
-
7UO
-
-
-
High
-
Ui
12
92
38
220
-
920
-
-
-
NS
6
k
k
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
Avg.
-
25
10
76
25
73
292
650
2ii5
60
90
Low
100
8
8
6k
17
50
2U8
600
180
10
<5
High
200
32
10
90
29
90
32k
720
7,800
iiOO
260
NS
13
11
11
13
13
13
_1U
16
Ik
12
12
Avg.
2,200
32
10
73
23
82
279
600
6^,000
1,350
250
Low
100
U
5
30
6
20
9k
200
900 >3
100
20
High
10,800
82
16
9k
36
135
368
830
,000,000
28,000
19,000
-------
TABLE 11. CASS RIVER WATER QUALITY
1965 SEASONAL VARIATION
Season/
Location
Jan.-April
X610
May-Sept.
X610
Oct.-Dec.
X610
Annual
Tot.
Dissolved Oxygen Tot. Sol.
Avg. Max. Min. BOD^ NH^-N Org-N NO^-N PO^ POh
Solids
Vol.
Total Susp. Susp. Cl. Phenol
10.ii 12.6
0;?0 0.22 I.h 0.'U3 0.30 392 5l 12 26
8.0 3.3 3 O.U9 0.30 O.U 0.82 0.63 58ii 23 7 72 2
10. U 12.1 9.1 k o.Uo 0.32 0.9 o.Uo 0.33 hi 9 17
58 h
X610
6.U 12.6 3.3 3 0.56 0.27 1.0 0.56 0.1*2 U79 3U 9 U6 k
-------
TABLE 11. CASS RIVER WATER QUALITY (cont.)
1965 SEASONAL VARIATION
UT.
Season/ Total
Location Iron
Jan . -April ii , 050
X610
May-Sept. 1,0/iO
X610
Oct. -Dec. 170
X610
Annual
Sodium
27
ill
35
Potassium
10
8
11
Calcium
67
8k
7k
Magnesium
20
31
20
Sulfate
95
85
53
Total
Hardness
232
328
289
X610
2,110
32
10
73
23
82
279
-------
TABLE 12. CASS RIVER WATER QUALITY
1965 SEASONAL NUTRIENT VARIATION
Season/
Location
Jan. -April
X610
May-Sept .
X610
Oct. -Dec.
VA
1X3
X610
Annual
X610
Ni tra te -Ni trogen
Avg.
l.U
o.k
0.9
1.0
Max . Min .
1.6 1.1
0.9 0.2
1.5 .Ok
1.6 0.2
Total
Avg.
O.U3
0.82
O.liO
0.56
Phosphate
Max.
0.90
1.30
0.50
1.30
Min.
0.20
0.30
0.20
0.20
Soluble Phosphate
Avg.
0.30
0.63
0.33
O.U2
Max.
0.50
1.20
O.liO
1.20
Min.
0.20
0.10
0.20
0.10
-------
TABLE 13o CASS RIVER WATER QUALITY
1965 SEASONAL COLIFORM VARIATION
Season/
Location
Jan, -April
X610
May-Sept .
X610
Oct. -Dec,
^ X610
Annual
X610
Total Coliform
Median Low High
6U,000 U,600 9UO,000
9,000 900 >3 .,000,000
110,000 32,000 180,000
62,000 900 >3, 000, 000
Fecal
Median
2,000
600
£90
1,UOO
Coliform
Low
U80
100
iffb
100
High
3,600
28,000
1,000
28,000
-------
VJT.
TABLE lli. CASS RIVER BASIN WATER QUALITY
1965 RADIOACTIVITY
X610 X695
Parameter
Dissolved
ALPHA
Error
BETA
Error
Suspended
ALPHA
Error
BETA
Error
NS
7(2)
7(2)
7(2)
7(2)
7(2)
7(2)
7(2)
7(2)
Avg.
1.83
2.8
5.6
h.9
0.33
1.1
2.0
3-2
Low
<0.05
2.8
3.8
3 8
-------
UT.
VA
TABLE 15. INTENSIVE DISSOLVED OXYGEN SURVEY
CASS RIVER BASIN
August U-5, 1965
Avg. Percent
Dissolved Oxygen Saturation Nitrogen Phosphates
Station (°C; Avg. Max. Min. Avg. Max. Min. BOD£ NH3 Org. N03 Total Soluble
X680
X686
X68U
X680
X670
X655
x65o
x6Uo
X630
X620
X6l5
X610
X6o5
20
20
20
21
20
20
21
21
21
22
21
20
21
6.U
8.5
7.9
11.8
6.9
9.2
9.2
9.2
6.7
0.6
2.7
U.I
15-3
7.9
12.2
9.6
15.9
8.9
13.3
11.1
10.8
7.U
1.7
U-2
5-5
21.7
5.0
5.2
6.U
9.6
5.2
6.7
3.6
8.2
6.0
0.0
l.U
3.3
8.5
70
9U
87
13U
77
103
103
10U
75
8
30
U6
176
87
138
108
185
99
155
128
126
8U
20
U8
62
256
56
55
68
106
57
72
UO
93
67
0
16
36
93
3
2
1
5
5
5
3
2
2
13
5
3
6
0.21
O.U7
o.iU
0.17
0.17
0.19
0.17
O.U3
0.30
1.26
1.7U
_
0.25
• U2
.01
.1U
.13
.18
.13
.19 -
.05
.09
.19
.15
_
.17
.1
.1
.2
;l
.2
.2
.2
.2
.1
.1
.1
• 3
• U
IvOO
_
1.8U
o.Uo
o.Uo
o.Uo
0.90
0.30
1.60
6.70
1.12
1.28
1.00
0.90
_
i.oU
0.30
o.Uo
0.30
0.68
0.30
0.20
1.20
0.70
0.8U
0.80
-------
.TABLE 15. INTENSIVE DISSOLVED OXYGEN SURVEY (cont.)
CASS RIVER BASIN
August li-5, 1965
Solids
VJT.
O
Cation
X688
X686
X68J4
X6-80
X670
X655
X650
x6Uo
X630
X620
X615
X610
X605
Total
579
576
5W
U5U
U75
U19
Ii20
396
512
665
670
626
608
Suspended
3
3
U
-3
6
1
6
1
8
12
12
16
27
Volatile
2
2'
2,
^3
U
1
U
0
7
12
3
6
7
60
62
75
Ul
UO
37
U7
U8
78
1U2
1U2
131
121
880
8i|0
800
660
670
620
620
760
620
960
1,080
880
960
160
180
186
182
216
190
17U
182
19U
206
212
222
198
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.U
8.2
8.3
8.2
8.3
8.1
7.7
8.0
8.1
8.U
0.7
2.0
0.7
0.7
1.1
1.1
2.U
1.5
i.U
1.2
2.5
1.3
2.1
990
810
510
HiO
170
560
800
1,300
,2,900
370,000
1,000
3,000
1,000
-------
TABLE 16. DIURNAL DISSOLVED QKYGEN FLUCTUATION
CASS RIVER BASIN
Station
X605
Date
1965
7/20
7/21
7/21
7/22
8/OU
8/05
10/26
10/27
10/27
10/28
Time
0805
1211
1612
2015
0125
0510
1017
114.20
1815
2215
0320
0725
1210
1535
2025
2liOO
Ol;30
0800
0905
1300
1705
2125
0120
0515
iili5
1600
1950
23UO
0325
0726
Temp.
(°c)
21
23
2k
23
21
21
22
27
26
23
22
25
22
23
23
20
20
19
8
9
9
8
7
7
7
8
8
7
7
6
DO
(mg/1)
10.7
13.6
17-2
19.5
13.0
12.1
13.0
13-7
19.3
16.0
12.2
11.2
17. k
16.5
21,7
12. k
8.5
8.2
8.6
8.6
8.1
7.9
8.1
9.7
9.8
9.6
9.3
8.9
8.9
Percent
Saturation
121
160
205
227
1U7
137
1U8
173
189
liiO
137
200
195
256
138
93
69
75
75
68
65
66
80
82
80
76
73
71
57
-------
TABLE 16. DIURNAL DISSOLVED OXYGEN FLUCTUATION (cont.)
Cass River Basin
Date Temp. DO Percent
Station 196$ Time (°C) (mg/l) Saturation
X620 Q/h 1135 23 1.7 . 20
1500 22 0.8 9
1915 23 0,9 11
2315 21 0.5 6
8/5 0325 21 o.o o
0705 20 0.0 0
X610 8/U - - ' - '
1520 21 5o5 62
23U5 20 U.2 U7
8/5 oUoo 21 3.U 38
0730 19 3o3 36
X670 8 A 09U5 19 60 2 68
1335 20 6.U 71
1710 23 7.5 87
2110 20 8.9 99
8/5 0130 21 7.6 81
0515 19 5=2 57
58
-------
TABLE 17. 1965 RURAL RUNOFF
CASS RIVER BASIN
Station X695
VA
Date
5/27
7/06
8/21;
9/22
11/06
Average
Flow
(cfs)
37.0
5.2
2.8
6.6
5.0
11.3
Temp.
(°c)
22
2k
19
22
8
19
Dissolved
660
-
5io
560
620
590
Nitrogen
Date
5/27
7/06
8/2U
9/22
11/08
Average
N03
.3
.1
.0
.1
.1
.1
N02
.02
.00
.00
.00
-
4.Q1
NH3 Org.
.2k -13
.3k .16
-
.07 .66
.13 .11;
.20 ,27
Solids
Suspended Volatile
12
0
1 0
5 k
k
k 2
Phosphate
Total Soluble
<£.! .1
^.1 ^.1
1.0 .9
.1 .2
.3 .2
.3 .3
Conductivity Chlorides pH
880 28 7.3
860 52 8.6
7UO 52 8.0
800 53 7.8
920 76 8.0
8UO 52 7.9
Minerals
Na K Ca Mg SO^ Si02
19 7 38 192 1.1
220
_
Ul 12 76 20 >150 2.7
- - 92 33 IliO 3.8
30 10 81; 30 176 2.5
Iron
-
-
100
-
-
100
-------
CASS RIVER
DISSOLVED OXYGEN AND 5-DAY BOD
AUGUST 4-5, 1965 SURVEY
£ 3
20
\
e»
E
1
o
o
CO
1 •»
O 10
z
z
UJ
X
O 10
0
UJ
_J
o
0 5
0
LEGEND
A
MAXIMUM «.
AVERAGE A
MINIMUM -L
i
T
|UJ
('
F=*
II III 1 .1 1 1
fl»
w
00 ^«»
V \ 1 1 L 1 1 1 1 -
BOD COMPOSITE
DISSOLVED OXYGEN
•
'
f
W ^S U
S ^ *
u / °
^r g-
^X ^. V
* " °
X 3
> *>
1 1° 1 i I 1 °1
70 60 50
t
1 •
a
o
kl
Z
o a) a („ a, K t
NOS . »,^
2 ^
30
•
•
^
A
\
i
i \
/ »
\
, \
V V
: N
•-
3
2
Z |
"11 I J
i i 3 i Ii i ii
20
•
«
,
•
•
t
y
Y - w K
^. 1 f W
Ni/ 5 «
S *
s «
0 =
— o
K <
• «J
1 L 1 1 Pi 1 -1 1 _
-n
o
c
10 0 '
vo 0 0 0 « o tr>™
> « * 10 W — - O
>tD. U>U) U> (AtOtOtD (fi —
X X X X X X X XX X XXXX X W
RIVER MILES
-------
CASS RIVER
NITRATE CONCENTRATION
AUGUST 4-5, 1965 SURVEY
1.0
O.I
0.01
7
ION
I I I I I I 4LJ_1
LEGEND
A
MAXIMUM T
AVERAGE 4
MINIMUM -1-
A
. ./
*•* "
ff
tu
>a
5£
•t
ou
•:
10
•l° 1 1 1 1- 1 1 1 1 -
COMPOSITE SAMPLE
AUG. 4-5, 1965 SUR
AVERAGE 8 RANGE
OF 1965 SAMPLES
\/
^
U)
ft &
U K
•)
" °
- 0 <*•
z a <
» BO
I i° I 1 i i ° j° i
VEY
« . f.
/
a.
K
«
<
o
U
X
<
-t
X
<
«
l l 9 I i i I J I
• A i A
X
0.
>-
«
•:
<
•>
«
<
>
1 f 1 1 1 1 1 -1 1
-^
X /
a.
i-
•>
z
H
3
2
Z
W
X
Z
<
c
h.
i i 3 i -i i i u i
-
•r
1 1
*~^^
A
/ - •
/
(L
K
«>
K
H W
c >
I
kl *
2 «
— ' o
• <
a n
1 |_ 1 1 P 1 1 -1 1
m
o
c
3 60 50 40 SO 20 10 0 TO
O«0 10 w MOO *> O O O O a O « 1*1
o> o> oo o o> o> i>- 1010 v 10 IM — — o
ID ID 10 10 IClD 10 • •
-------
CASS RIVER
TOTAL PHOSPHATE
AUGUST 4-5, 1965 SURVEY
10.0
1 t 1 1 t 1 ! 1 1
^A
^
LEGEND
A
MAXIMUM -r
AVERAGE 9
MINIMUM J.
tc
u
^
»v
00
S;
zo
°1° 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
I
^
\
\
v_
COMPOSITE SAMPLE
AUG. 4-5, 1965 SURV
AVERAGE 8 RANGE
OF 1965 SAMPLES
se
bJ tu
tt u
0 *
1 u t I P 1 I tl 1
*
o
a.
ID
O
0>
E
I
UJ
I
a.
v>
o
i
a.
1.0
O.I
0.01
70
STATION
NOS.
n
01
to
x
60
CD
0
10
X
(D
CD
10
X
50
a>
to
x
40
30
ZO
10
O
C
0 TO
(0
<0
X
CD
10
(0
X
n
in
CD
x
»
X
10
X
O O
ro ra
-------
CASS RIVER
TOTAL SOLIDS AND CHLORIDES
AUGUST 4-5, 1965 SURVEY
E
I
U)
a:
o
_i
i
o
o
z
o
_l
o
t-
o
1000.0
100.0
10.0
1.0
7
TION
OS.
1 I I 1 1 i .1 1 I
-
a
u
>a.
•t
00
•2
zo
®J° 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 t
.,
"— — i 0. ^
*N»
^•>^__
u
Ul
a a.
w o
Z 3 «
* •> 0
1 1° t J 1 1 °l J° 1
~~ -O— —
>
1*1 „. •' .r-
. •— • — -tsr
fc
a
. o .
bl
X
Z
t i 9 1 I i I J 1
-
_A^ *^
^A -
LEGEND
M AX 1 MUM " "
MINIMUM JL
a.
t-
a
«o
I J° 1 1 t 1 II t
s u —
^
/h~" ~~ —
/
•
j
^i
COMPOSITE SAMPLE
AUG. 4-5, 1965 SUR
COMPOSITE SAMPLE
AUG. 4-5, 1965 SUR
AVERAGE AND RANG
OF I96S SAMPLES
a
£
X
a '
z
hi
Z
h.
l I 3 i J i i i- i
^
'
•— ^
i
ggQ
---^
TOTAL SOLIDS
I/EY
CHLORIDES
VEY |
•
1
a
K
I- hi
c >
0 c
a.
w £
I 1
DC <
A * «
1 U 1 t ft 1 t -t 1
3 '60"' 3 0 ~ " 4 0 ~ 30 '20 10 0
« o> «> « N o o « o o O o « o J>
0»
-------
CASS RIVER
TOTAL COL1FORM DENSITIES
AUGUST 4-5, 1965 SURVEY
1,000,000
o
o
2
w
CD
S
cr
o
u.
<
o
»-
100,000
10,000
1,000
100
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
LEGEND
a
MAXIMUM •!•
MEDIAN 1
MINIMUM JL
..
K ^^%
lu i "^
- °" ^^A
^t
Jo
•5
z u
°l° 1 1 1 1, 1 1 1 1
SAMPLES TAKEN AU
MEDIAN a RANGE
OF 1963 SAMPLES
-
^V. "
oc^. a.
I \ •
f. ^» 0
1 1° 1 1 1 I °l J° i
3. 4, 1963
_^*
t tf~
* *T
o /
*/
I 1 ^ I 1 I 1 j I
>•**"
•^-^^ :—
^^^^
a. • •
w
K
tn
w
1 J° 1 1 11 I 1 1
>*,OQOtQ
»
ft
i\
f — ,
»— v
I i
1 \
i '
\
1 \
I I
1 I
•
1 \
1 1
1 I
/ \
'/
V-
gt
X
x
2
hf
I
K
h.
1 1 3 1 J 1 1 1. 1
00 «
;
f
1 1
•
,.
\
V
X
^ — ~
c
^.
ID
x
o
0)
l
RIVER MILES
-------
Biology
Biological investigations of the Cass River were conducted from
October 1961; through November 1965, as part of a comprehensive study
of the Lake Huron Basin. Three stations were sampled; X60£, X610, and
X6?0 (Figure 10). Three elements of the biota were sampled; benthic
fauna, planktonic algae and attached algae. Water and bottom sediment
conditions and water transparencies were routinely recorded.
Physical observations in the Cass River are listed in Table'18.
Transparency, as measured with a secchi disc, was always low and never
exceeded l.£ feet. The water appeared very dark and turbid at all
times. No rooted aquatics were observed; probably being inhibited by
the high turbidity which prevents light from penetrating to the bottom.
The bottom materials showed the Cass River to be degraded. Ooze,
a soft, black, nongranular slimy bottom material, and silt, mixed with
sand, was the bottom type at stations S605> and X610. Sewage odors were
present at station X610. This is characteristic of decomposing organic
material and indicates a degraded condition.
• Table 19 shows the kinds and numbers of animals found in the Cass
River. The predominant forms were the bloodworms (T.endipedidae) and
sludgeworms (Tubificidae). Both are examples of pollution-tolerant
forms that exist in the decaying organic sediment which builds up from
the settleable organic solids present in most waste discharges.
The benthic fauna reflected part of the biological degradation of
the Cass River. None of the pollution-sensitive snails, caddisflies,
mayflies, or scuds were found at any of the stations sampled. Non-
65
-------
quantitative samples revealed some beatles, water-bugs, crayfish, soldier
flies, and mosquitoes. Shallower depths, higher levels of oxygen, and a
more suitable bottom type near the edges of the river were apparently
responsible for the presence of these organisms.
The Cass River algal population was predominated by centric diatoms
and green and brown flagellates (Table 20). These algae are the common
forms in many nutrient-enriched midwestern streams. .Blooms of filamentous
blue-green algae in February and August 1965, followed by rapidly changing
algal types, are indicative of a troubled ecosystem. Soluble phosphate and
organic nitrogen concentrations in the Cass River were well in excess of
those recognized as limiting to algal growth.
The nutrients that support planktonic algae were only found on two
occasions. Their infrequent occurrence could be related to the limited
light penetration through the turbid water.
Benthic fauna and phytoplankton analyses indicated degradation was
in progress in the Cass River. Over half of the bottom-dwelling animals
were pollution-tolerant, although some pollution-sensitive forms could
still be found. Dense standing crops of phytoplankton reflected the high
levels of phosphate and inorganic nitrogen in the river. The low trans-
parency values were probably a reflection of the high phytoplankton counts
in addition to waste discharges.
66
-------
TABLE 18. PHYSICAL OBSERVATIONS
CASS RIVER
OCTOBER 1965-NOVEMBER 1965
Station Date
10/8/61*
X605
X610
ON
-g
10/20/6U
9/17/65
Depth Secchi Disc
(ft.) (ft.)
3
ii/26/65 h
7/8/65 1.5
3
1.5
1.5
Bottom
Type
Odor
ooze, silt normal
silt, sand normal
1.5 sand sewage
to bottom silt, sand sewage
silt, sand normal
Remarks
turbid water and low,
no aquatic vegetation
water dark and slow,
oscillatoria on mud
no vegetation
Spirogyra along shore,
virtually no flow
moderately turbid, no
flow, no emergent
vegetation
-------
TABLE 19. BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES
CASS RIVER
OCTOBER 196ii-SEPTEMBER 1965
Tubificidae Tendipedidae Ceratopo- Trich-
Station Date (sludgeworms) (bloodworms) Diptera gonidae Corixidae Coleoptera optera Total
X605
X610
10/20/6U
h/6/65
7/8/65
9/17/65
27
35
7
hh
2 9 -
71 x 2
31 -
8 x -
-
x
X
X
38
108
x .38
x x 52
x - present in nonquantitative samples
CO,
-------
TABLE 20. PHYTOPLANKTON
CASS RIVER
OCTOBER 1964-NOVEMBER 1965
Average Number per Milliliter
ON
Centric
Station Date Diatoms
X605
X610
X6?0
10/20/64
2/23/65
3/8/65
4/5/65
4/26/65
6/2/65
7/8/65
9/8/65
10/6/65
11/2/65
11/30/65
8A/65
9/23/65
10/13/65
11/9/65
11/30/65
1,958
63
132
105
315
700
1,890
210
3,990
350
840
882
2,730
840
420
210
Pennate
Diatoms
1,034
63
110
21
273
280
350
210
70
210
-
252
840
_
210
70
Green
Coccoids
352
21
_
21
_
1,820
1,750
336
630
1,610
420
714
3,850
560
280
210
Blue- Blue- Green
Green Green Fila- Flag-
Coccoids mentous
-
21 1,785
11
21
42
_ _
_ _
_ _
- -
- -
-
9,366
_ _
- -
_ _
70 70
ellates
924
147
_
945
1,113
3,080
1,820
798
630
2,450
140
126
280
910
_
-
Brown
Flag-
ellates Total
-
_
-
-
_
_
_
_
-
3,710
1,610
1,218
6,580
5,390
5,390
420
4,268
2,100
253
1,113
l-,743
5,880
5,810
1,554
5,320
8,330
3,010
12,558
14,280
7,700
6,300
1,050
Predominant
Genera-*
(10$ or more)
a,c
h
a,b
j
a,j
a,f,d,.j
a,j
a,j
a
l,j,k
a,d,k
g,k
a,e,k
a,i,k
k
a,d,k
See explanation list on page 70.
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EXPLANATION LIST
FOR
PREDOMINANT PHYTOPLANKTON GENERA (Table 20)
Centric Diatoms
a. Cyclo-Stephanodiscus
Pennate Diatoms
b. Navicula
c. Nitzchia
Greens
d. Ankistrodesmus
e. Oocystis
f. Selenastrum
Blue-Greens
g. Aphanizomenon
h. Oscillatoria
Green Flagellates
i. Tra chelomonas
j. Unidentified green flagellates
Brown Flagellates
k. Synura
70
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WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS
In the Cass River below Frankenmuth, the DO level was low due to the
effect of the Frankenmuth sewage treatment plant (STP) which was overloaded
by industrial wastes. High levels of chlorides were observed in the South
Branch of the Cass River below Marlette, and high bacterial levels were
observed in the river below the municipalities. Phosphates were high in
certain locations and moderate throughout the rest of the stream. The
data indicated that there were moderate amounts of pollution in the
stream with the exception of the river below Frankenmuth where levels
were excessive.
- Moderate pollution existed in the Cass River above Frankenmuth due to
the residual effects of the secondary treatment plants at Marlette, Cass
City, Caro, Caro State Hospital, and Vassar, and the industrial waste
effluent of Michigan Sugar•Company at Caro and Nestles Company, Inc. at
Ubly. Bacterial pollution below, the municipal sources was moderately high
during the non-disinfection period. Chloride and nutrient levels indicated
residual pollution in the East Branch Cass River below Marlette and the
entire Cass River below the confluence of the East Branch. Minor'DO
depletion with significant diurnal variation indicated excess algal
populations caused by the residual nutrients from the waste sources.
Below the City of Frankenmuth STP outfall, there was gross pollution
caused by inadequate treatment of the overloading brewery wastes. Al-
though this municipal plant is designed as a secondary plant, the effluent
contains more pollutants than raw sewage. Anaerobic conditions occurred
below the outfall caused by the high concentration of organic wastes.
•71
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