Report on Water Pollution
in the
n
g<«
1
FLINT RIVE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
GREAT LAKES REGION
DECEMBER 13S6
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REPORT ON
WATER POLLUTION IN THE LAKE HURON BASIN
FLINT RIVER
DECEMBER 1966
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Great Lakes Region
Detroit Program Office
U.S. Naval Air Station
Grosse lie, Michigan
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PREFACE
This document was assembled by the Detroit Program Office, Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration, with the intention that it be used
together with information from other sources to develop a comprehensive
plan for water pollution control in the tributaries of the Lake Huron
Basin. The intended purpose of the plan would be to restore the usefulness
of these waters for recreational purposes, provide a more suitable environ-
ment for fish and aquatic life, and enhance the value of this resource. It
would improve the quality of the area's waters for municipal and industrial
purposes, aesthetic enjoyment, and other beneficial uses.
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DETROIT PROGRAM OFFICE
GREAT LAKES-ILLINOIS RIVER BASIN PROJECT
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 MIL ES
ONTARIO
QUEBEC
MINNESOTA I
( WISCONSIN /
ILLINOIS
PENNSYLVANIA
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I. SAOINAW RIVER
2. CA3S RIVER
3. FLINT RIVER
4. SHIAWASSEE RIVER
5. TITTABAWASSEE RIVER
6,
7,
a.
9,
10.
I I.
MICHIGAN TRIBUTARIES
TO SA6INAW BAY
MICHIGAN TRIBUTARIES
TO LOWER LAKE HURON
AU SABLE RIVER
THUNDER BAY RIVER
CHEBOYGAN RIVER
ST. MARYS RIVER AND
MICHIGAN UPPER PENINSULA
TRIBUTARIES TO UAKI HURON
12. MISSISSAGI RIVER
13. SPANISH RIVER
14. WAN AP ITE I RIVER
IS. FRENCH RIVER
16. MAGANATAWAN RIVER
17. MUSKOKA RIVER
18. SEVERN RIVER
19. SAUGEEN . RIVER
80. MAITL AND RIVBR
21. AU SABLE RIVER
SCALE IN MILES
30
DETROIT PROGRAM OFFICE
GREAT LAKES ILLINOIS RIVER BASIN PROJECT
LAKE HURON BASIN
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR'
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
GREAT LAKES REGION ' GROSSE ILE, MICHIGAN {
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LAKE HURON PROGRAM OFFICE
GREAT LAKES-ILLINOIS RIVER BASIN PROJECT
DRAINAGE BASIN
SAGINAW RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
PtOCRAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
RtAT LAKES REGION «B03SE ILC, VICNIOAN
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Page No.
Description of Area
Climate
Hydrology
WATER USE 18
Municipal Water Supply
Industrial Water Supply
Water-related Recreation
SOURCES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WASTES 25
Municipal
Industrial
POPULATIONS AND WASTE LOAD PROJECTIONS 35
DESCRIPTION OF WATER QUALITY 41
Physical and Chemical
Microbiological
Biological
DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROJECTIONS 59
SUMMARY AND WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS 69
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LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Page No.
1 Flint River Drought Flows 10, 11
2 Flint River Sampling Stations 12
3 Municipal Water Supplies 20, 21
Owner and Treatment Code (for Table 3) 22
4 Industrial Water Use 23
5 Municipal Water Use Projections 24
6 Flint River Municipal Waste 31
7 Flint River Industrial Waste Inventory 32, 33
8 Waste Flow Projections 37
9 ,BOD5 Projections 38
10 Flint River Water Quality - 1965 47
Average Concentrations
11 Dissolved Oxygen Fluctuation - Station 48
X240
12 Flint River - Seasonal Nitrate-N 49
Concentration
13 Flint River - 1965 Total and Soluble 50
Phosphate Concentrations
14 Flint River Water Quality - 1965 51
Average Concentrations
15 Flint River - Total and Fecal Coliform 52
Densities
16 Flint River - 1965 Total and Fecal 53
Coliform Density Statistics
17 Flint River - Loadings for Match Run - 62
1965 Model
18 Flint River - Water Quality 77-80
Notes for Water Quality Tables 81
ii
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No. Page No.
1 Flint River Basin 4
2 Time of Passage 13
3 Flow Duration Curve - Flint River near 14
Flint
4 Flow Duration Curve - Flint River near 15
Fosters
5 Drainage Area vs River Miles 16
6 Location of Sampling Stations 17
7 Municipal and Industrial Waste Outfalls 34
8 Municipal and Industrial Waste Flow 39
Projection Area
9 Population and Municipal Waste Flow 40
Projections
10 Dissolved Oxygen and BOD 54
11 Nitrate Concentrations 55
12 Total Phosphate 56
13. Total Solids and Chlorides 57
14 Total Coliform Densities 58
15 Dissolved Oxygen - Computed Profile 63
16 Kjeldahl Nitrogen and Ultimate BOD - 64
Computed Profile
17 Computed Dissolved Oxygen Profiles - 65
Effect of Temperature and Loadings -
1965 Summer Survey Flow
18 Computed Dissolved Oxygen Profiles - 66
Effect of.Temperature and Loadings -
7 Day Once-in-Ten Year Flow
19 Computed Dissolved Oxygen Profiles - 67
Effect of.Temperature and Loadings -
1 Day Once-in-Ten Year Flow
111
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LIST OF FIGURES
(cont'd)
Figure No. Page No.
20 Computed Dissolved Oxygen Profiles - 68
Effect of Temperature and Loadings -
Augmented Flow
IV
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INTRODUCTION
AUTHORITY
Comprehensive water pollution control studies were authorized by
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1956, as amended (33 USC 466
et seq.).
Sec. 3. (a) "The Secretary shall, after careful investi-
gation, and in cooperation with other Federal agencies, with
State water pollution control agencies and interstate agencies,
and with the municipalities and industries involved, prepare
or develop comprehensive programs for eliminating or reducing
the pollution of interstate waters and tributaries thereof and
improving the sanitary condition of surface and underground
waters. In the development of such comprehensive programs due
regard shall be given to the improvements which are necessary
to conserve such waters for public water supplies, propagation
of fish and aquatic life and wildlife, recreational purposes,
and agricultural, industrial, and other legitimate uses. For
the purpose of this section, the Secretary is authorized to
make joint investigations with any such agencies of the condition
of any waters in any State or States, and of the discharges of
any sewage, industrial wastes, or substance which may adversely
affect such waters."
Sec. 5. (f) "The Secretary shall conduct research and
technical development work, and make studies, with respect
to the quality of the waters of the Great Lakes, including
an analysis of the present and projected future water quality
of the Great Lakes under varying conditions of waste treat-
ment and disposal, an evaluation of the water quality needs
of those to be served by such waters, an evaluation of muni-
cipal, industrial, and vessel waste treatment and disposal
practices with respect to such waters, and a study of alternate
means of solving water pollution problems (including additional
waste treatment measures) with respect to such waters."
Initiation of the Great Lakes-Illinois River Comprehensive Program
Activity followed an appropriation of funds by the 86th Congress late in
1960. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Secretary of
Health, Education, and Welfare delegated the responsibility for the study
to the Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control of the Public
Health Service. Passage of the "Water Quality Act of 1965" gave the
1
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responsibility for these studies to the Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration (FWPCA). As a result of Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1966,
the FWPCA was transferred from the Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare to the Department of the Interior effective May 10, 1966.
PURPOSE
This report presents the water quality of the Flint River, Michigan
as it exists today, and includes predictions of population, water use,
and waste load trends for future years. Its purpose is to present informa-
tion that can be used as a basis for developing a basin wide water
pollution control program.
The objectives of the FWPCA are to enhance the quality and value of
the Nation's water resources, and to prevent, control, and abate water
pollution through cooperative local, State, and Federal pollution control
plans.
SCOPE
The area covered by this report is the Flint River, Michigan. The
study of the Flint River was conducted by FWPCA on the 60 miles between
the City of Flint and the confluence of the Flint and Shiawassee Rivers.
These two rivers, together with the Tittabawassee and Cass;Rivers, form
the Saginaw River which flows 22 miles to Saginaw Bay. Similar reports
are being prepared for each of these rivers.
ORGANIZATION
The Detroit Program Office, located at the Naval Air Station, Grosse
lie, Michigan, began collecting water quality data on the Flint River
in 1965. Its staff include specialists in several professional skills,
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including sanitary engineers, hydrologists, chemists, biologists, and
bacteriologists. The resources of the Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering
Center at Cincinnati, Ohio have been utilized, and assistance and guidance
have been obtained from the Great Lakes-Illinois River Basins Project,
Chicago.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Detroit Program Office has received the cooperation and assis-
tance of local, State, and Federal agencies, as well as interested
individuals. The principal agencies taking an active part in providing
assistance in the preparation of the report are as follows:
State Agencies
Federal Agencies
Michigan Water Resources Commission
Michigan Department of Public Health
U.S. Department of Commerce
Weather Bureau
Office of Business Economics
Bureau of Census
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Commercial Fisheries
Bureau of Sports Fisheries and Wildlife
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Geological Survey
U.S. Department of Defense
Detroit District., Corps of Engineers
Lake Survey, Corps of Engineers
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Description of Area
The Flint River Basin occupies most of Genessee and Lapeer Counties
and portions of Shiawassee, Saginaw, Tuscola, and Oakland Counties. The
Flint River is one of the four main tributaries of the Saginaw River
drainage system which drains an area of 6,260 square miles. The Flint
River drains an area of approximately 1,454 square miles.
The basin is irregular in shape, with the greatest length approxi-
mately 55 miles, and the greatest width approximately 35 miles, narrowing
to about 5 miles near the mouth. It is bounded on the north by the
Cass River Basin; on the east by the Black, Belle, and Pine Basins; on
the south by the Clinton and Shiawassee Basins; and on the west by the
Shiawassee River Basin. Major tributaries include the North Branch and
the South Branch along with Kearsley Creek, Thread River, and Misteguay
Creek.
The North and South Branches of the Flint River originate in Lapeer
County and join to form the main stem. The river then flows generally
southwesterly about 35 miles to the City of Flint, at which point it
flows northwesterly to the Saginaw River. The last five miles flow
through a cutoff canal.
The portion of the basin upstream from the City of Flint consists
of rolling morainic features interspersed with ancient lake beds.
Numerous small lakes in this area drain into the Flint River system.
Downstream from Flint the river flows through the bed of glacial Lake
Saginaw, which extends to Saginaw Bay.
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Flint, the Largest city in the basin, and third largest in Michigan,
is a large automobile manufacturing center. Lapeer, the second largest
city in the Flint River Basin is an agricultural and dairy center, and
home of light industry.
Climate
The climate of the Flint River Basin conforms to the general weather
pattern that exists in the entire lower Great Lakes area. There are wide
seasonal variations in temperature, many storms, and the yearly precipi-
tation distribution remains fairly constant. In the winter this
precipitation Is.usually in the form of snow. The air masses moving
toward Michigan are heated in the winter and cooled in the summer by the
waters of the Great Lakes, which nearly surround the State. This results
in a more moderate climate than is experienced to the west and southwest
of Michigan.
The mean yearly temperature is about 45 F, while the mean summer
and winter temperatures are about 68 F and 23 F, respectively. There
is an average yearly precipitation of 30 inches on the basin, of which 60
percent can be expected to fall during the six month period of May through
October.
Hydrology
Above Columbiaville, the slope of the stream averages about six feet
per mile, and below that point, about two feet per mile as far as Flint.
From Flint to Flushing, the slope is about four feet per mile. Across
the Shiawassee Flats, the slope of the Flint River is less than one foot
per mile. The tributaries to the Flint River follow the samei:.pattern.
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In the upper reaches, the slopes of the tributaries are steep and flatten
out as they approach the main stream.
Location of U.S. Geological Survey Gages
There are seven U.S. Geological Survey gaging stations in the Flint
River Basin. Of these seven, one records the contents of Holloway Dam,
and another, the stages in the Shiawassee Flats area. Three of the
remaining five gaging stations were utilized by the FWPCA in this report.
The first of these is Flint River near Otisville. It has a drainage
area of 547 square miles, and is located 20 feet downstream from the State
Highway 15 bridge (1-1/2 miles downstream from the Holloway Reservoir).
It has been in operation from October 1952 to the present.
The second U.S. Geological Survey gaging station is Flint River near
Flint. It is located on the grounds of the Flint sewage treatment plant,
two miles downstream from Flint. It has been in continuous operation
since August 1932, and has a drainage area of 927 square miles.
The third U.S. Geological Survey gaging station is Flint River near
Fosters. It is located on the downstream side of the bridge of Sheridan
Road, one mile west of Fosters. The drainage area for this gage is
approximately 1,120 square miles, and it has been in service since
October 1939.
The range of observed discharges of these gaging stations are as
follows:
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Flint River near Otisville - Maximum - 6,150 cfs
Average - 255 cfs
Minimum - 4,3 cfs
Flint River near Flint - Maximum - 14,900 cfs
Average - 536 cfs
Minimum - 9.0 cfs
Flint River near Fosters T Maximum - 19,000 cfs
Average - ;684 cfs
Minimum - 27 cfs
Time of Passage
It is necessary to know the stream travel time of a river in order
to determine its waste decay rate. On the Flint River these times of
passage have been determined for various flows at the station Flint
River near Flint, and are for the stretch of river between mile points 46.1
and 9.7.
Time of passage.studies on the Flint River were made by the Detroit
Program Office during 1965 and 1966. These studies used multiple
releases of Rhodamine B dye and measured the time of occurrence and
concentration of the dye at downstream points. In the reach between
Flint and Flushing, times of passage were also determined by use of a
computer program utilizing cross-sectional measurements made by Michigan
Water Resources Commission personnel. The stretch of river between mile
points 46.1 and 9.7 coincides with the intensive sampling areas below
Flint.
Drought Flow
The one-day and seven-day low flows (once in 10 years) have been
calculated for the Flint River at two of the U.S. Geological Survey
stations by use of Gumbel Extremal Probability Paper. The stations used
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were Flint River near Flint, and Flint River near Fosters. The flow at
the remaining points along the river was arrived at by comparison of
their drainage areas with that of the U.S. Geological Survey stations.
Because the Flint gage has a longer period of record than the
Fosters gage, only those flows occurring in the period 1940-1963 were
used in this analysis. This results in a slightly higher flow at Flint
than would have been expected had the entire period of recrod been used.
This analysis does not take into account the effect of the operation
of Holloway Dam on the Flint River drought flows. This dam should tend
to raise the flow in the river during periods of extended drought. The
Michigan Water Resources Commission stated in their "1956 Report on Water
Resource Conditions and Uses in the Flint River Basin" that the reservoir
would sustain a flow of 100 cfs in the river during drought years. Use
of that figure would add roughly 50 cfs to the flow at each of the
remaining points on the river below the dam.
Also, no consideration was made for the reduction in flow between
the intake for the Flint water treatment plant and the Flint sewage
treatment plant.
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TABLE 1. FLINT RIVER DROUGHT FLOWS
(See Figure 6)
Location
X290
X288
X286
X284
X282
X280
X270
X26C
Kears'iey Crec;O'>"
Kearsley Creek
X253
Swart 2 Creek'-'-"
Swsrtz Creek
X256
X254
X250
X246
X242
X240
Brent Run'"
Brent Run
X236
Drainage Area
( square mi 1 es)
453.0
46£."
494.8
543.5
547.0
553.7
593.9
605.3
603.3
721. if
737.**
737.9
915.4
925.7 .
939.5
949.1
960.6
967.7
981.8
983.3 '
1035.1
1045.5
1 -Day F 1 ow
(cfs)
18.6
19.1
20.3
22.3
22. k
22.7
2^.6
24.3
24.9
29.6
30.2
":0 . 3
37 . 5
33.0
3 -"' « ^
38.9
39.4
39.7
40 . 2
40.3
41.9
42.3
7-Day Flow
(cfs)
23.0
23.7
25.1
27.6
27.8
28.1
30.4
30.7
30.9
36.6
37.4
37.5
46.5
47.0
47.5
47.9
48.4
48.7
49.2
49.3
5C.9
51.3
'"Up to, but not including named stream.
10
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TABLE 1 . FLINT RIVER DROUGHT FLOWS (cont.)
Ir\f* & 1" 1 O n
Pine Run Creek*
Pine Run Creek
X234
X232
X230
X220
Drainage Area
( square mi les)
1046.6
1102.5
1106.0
1116.7
1118.9 .
1i7?>.2
1 -Day Flow
(cfs)
42. k
44.1
kk.2
kk.l
45.0
^7.1
7-Day Flow
(cfs)
51.4
53.1.
53.2
53,7
54.0
56.9
>>'Up to, but not including named stream.
11
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TABLE 2. FLINT RIVER SAMPLING STATIONS
Mainstream Stations
Station
X220
X230
X236
X237
X240
X246
X248
X250
X255
X256
X260
Tributary
Station
Mile Point
9,7
14.7
22.1
28.5
28.5
33.9
39.0
39.6
45.6
46.1
55.9
Stations
Mile Point
X239
X295
X296
0.2
1.6
25.5
Location
Bridge on Tom Creswell Rd., 2 mi. W of M-13
Bridge on Sheridan Rd., 1 mi. W. of Fosters
(USGS* Gage)
Bridge on E. Burt Rd. in Morseville
Montrose outfall, 50' N. of M-57 bridge
near Montrose
Bridge on M-57 near Montrose
End of Mt. Morris Rd., 3 mi. N. of Flushing
Flushing sewage treatment plant
Bridge on W. Main St. in Flushing
Flint sewage treatment plant (USGS Gage)
Bridge on Mill Rd.s 1 mi. W. of Flint
Bridge on Carpenter Rd. in Flint
Confluence
On Tributary Mile Point
Brent Run
27.6
Farmers Creek- 76.6/14.4
South Branch
Swartz Creek
50.5
Location
Bridge on McKinley
Lapeer State Hospi-
tal (USGS Gage)
Bridge on Elliott Rd.
1-1/2 mi. N. of Holly
(USGS 'Gage)
* U.S. Geological Survey
12
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TIME OF PASSAGE OF THE
FLINT RIVER
FLOW AT FLINT GAGE
i- IGURE 2
\
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AT
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CL
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at
t*- (O if> *r to
(SAVQ) 39VSSVd JO 3WI1
CM
-------
,- IG U R E 3
FLOW DURATION CURVE
FLINT RIVER NEAR FLINT
1933- 1964
10,000
1,000
u>
H-
u
O
O
UJ
tr
uj
a.
i-
LJ
UJ
U.
O
CD
ZJ
O
UJ
O
EC1
o
OT
100
10
1.0
\
V
0.01 0.06 O.I 0.2 0.8
2 8 IO 20 30 40 BO 60 70 60 9O 95 98 88
TIME IN PERCENT OF TOTAL PERIOD
»8.8 98.9 89.89
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r IGURE 4
FLOW DURATION CURVE
FLINT RIVER NEAR FOSTERS
1940 -1964
100,000
10,000
o
o
LU
tO
cc
Ul
Q.
LU
O
m
r>
o
LU
O
x
o
co
1,000
100
10
\
\
\
0.01 O.OB O.I 0.2 O.B 12 8 10 20 30 40 6O 60 70 80 9O 98 96 99
TIME IN PERCENT OF TOTAL PERIOD
99.8 99.9 9S..99
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fciURE J>
DRAINAGE AREA VS. RIVER MILES
FLINT RIVER
o
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M
3Nld
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CM
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X33HO
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GE_N_E_SEEJCO._ _____,
IVINGTON CO. FENTON !
| *. gANILAC^ CO.
"V LAPEER CO.
LEGEND
A US<
LAKE HURON PROORAH OFFICE
LOCATION OF SAMPLING STATIONS
FLINT RIVER BASIN
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WATER USE
Municipal Water Supply
The Flint River Basin has a population served by public water
supplies of approximately 280,000 people. This number is expected to
increase to 620,000 by 1990, and 1,300,000 by 2020. The City of Flint
is the largest user, serving about 235,000 people and numerous industries.
Flint obtains its water from the Flint River at the present time, but
since this source of supply is limited, Flint is planning to tie in with
the City of Detroit water line from Lake Huron. Holloway reservoir
controls the flow of the Flint River for water supply, and the reach
between the dam and the city serves as an aqueduct. All other public
water supplies in the basin come from local wells.
Table 3 lists the individual water users and gives the source of
the supply. Projected use for the basin in 1990 and 2020 is shown on
Table 5.
Industrial Water Supply
Most of the industries in the Flint River Basin obtain their water
from municipal supplies. The only exception is the Vogt Packing
Company in Grand Blanc which has its own well system for its 0.06
million gallons per day (MGD) use.
Table 4 lists the industrial users and the use. Projections of 1990
and 2020 use are included in the municipal water in Table 5.
Water-related Recreation
The Flint River Basin in 1965 had approximately 22,000 boats
registered by its residents.
18
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The Flint River is generally too small for boat traffic, but there
are several reservoirs on the river that are suitable for boating. The
basin has over forty lakes with sizes varying from several acres to
over 400 acres. These lakes offer fishing, boating, swimming, and most
of them are fully developed for summer and year round residence.
Commercial boat liveries are located on a number of these lakes.
19
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TABLE 3. MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLIES*
Flint River Basin
1960
Town Pop.
New Lothrop 510
Fenton Twp. 280
Burton Twp. 29,700
Clio 2,212
Davison 3,761
Flint 196,940
Flint Twp. 300
(Genesee Cty.
Drain Commission)
Flushing 3,761
Beecher Metro-
politan District
Grand Blanc 1,565
Grand Blanc Twp. 640
Southhampton Sub- 120
division
Owner** Sour c e
M
Treatment**
Wildwood Sub-
division
320
Wells in drift 62' to
69' deep
T Wells in rock 73' deep
T Wells in rock 257' deep,
wells in drift 168' to
196' deep
M Wells in rock 145' to
317' deep; well in
drift 141' deep
M Wells in rock 210' to
260' deep
M Flint River
C Water from City of
Flint and wells in rock
160' to 167' deep
M Water from City of Flint
D Wells in rock 350' to
431' deep; wells in
drift 98' to 124' deep
M Wells in rock 287' to
306' deep
T Wells in rock 267' to
300' deep
P Wells 200' deep
Wells in rock 230' deep
2, 6
*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 22
20
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TABLE 3. MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLIES* (cont'd)
Flint River Basin
Town
Montrose
Mt. Morris
Otisville
Clifford
Columbiaville
Lapeer
Lapeer Home
Training School
North Branch
1960
Pop.
1,466
3,484
701
330
789
8,020
832
Owner** Source
M Wells in drift 67' to
77' deep
M Wells in drift 60' to
82' deep
M Well: in rock 415' deep
M Well- in rock 400' deep
M Wells in rock 280' to
300' deep
M Wells in rock 200' deep
S Wells in rock
M Wells in rock 250' & 276'
deep
Treatment**
3, 4
*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 22
21
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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.
22
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TABLE U. INDUSTRIAL WATER USE
Flint River Basin
Name of User
Quantity
Used (MGO)
Source
Use
GMC-AC Spark Plug 1.5
GMC-Buick Division 2.2
GMC-Chev. Flint Div. 2.0
GMC-Fisher Body Div. 0.08
GMC-Ternstedt 1.5
GMC-Parts Division 0.36
CMC-Chevrolet Assembly 1.4
GMC-Chev. Engine
& Stamping Plant 0.72
Vogt Packing Co. 0.06
City of Flint
City of Flint
City of Fl int
City of Flint
City of Flint
City of Flint
City of Flint
City of Flint
Private wel1s
Process & Cooling
Process & Cooling
General Mfg.
General Mfg.
Process
Process
Process
Process
Process
23
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TABLE 5. MUNICIPAL WATER USE PROJECTIONS (MGD)
Flint River Basin
1965 1990 2020
Municipal* 40 96 220
Vflnc1udes industrial water use.
-------
SOURCES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WASTES
Municipal
The Flint River Basin population served by municipal waste treatment
systems is approximately 210,000 people, of which all but about 5,000 are
in Genesee County.
The county has a metropolitan sewerage plan which will serve the City
of Flint's suburbs with sewer connections and treat the waste at the
Flint sewage treatment plant. This sytem should be operable by 1.967 and
serve the communities of Montrose, Linden, Swartz Creek, Birch Run, Clio,
Grand Blanc, and Davidson. Swartz Creek, Clio, and Davidson have sewage
treatment plants now that will be abandoned when the metro system is
completed. The others have no facilities.
The Village of Columbiaville in Lapeer County has a small separate
sewer system but has no treatment facilities. The Michigan Water
Resources Commission has requested that they provide treatment, and the
village is studying the problem.
North Branch has a sewage collection system with treatment in
municipally owned and operated septic tanks. Upgrading of the system is
scheduled for 1967.
The following information is based on 1965 monthly average figures
reported to the Michigan Department of Public Health by the individual
plants. Prior to January 1967, minimum chlorination period required
by the Michigan Department of Public Health was from May 15 to
September 15. After January 1967, all. municipal plants are required to
disinfect their effluents continuously.
Plant outfall locations are shown in Figure 7, and a summary of
25
-------
results listed in Table 6.
Davidson Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
This plant is a trickling filter unit wnich serves about 3,000 people.
The flow averaged 0.40 million gallons per day (MGD) during 1965, with
variations between 0,29 and 0.69 MGD. The 5-day biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD ) removal by this plant was about 70 percent, which left an
average effluent BOD of 62 milligrams per liter (mg/1). The effluent
was chlorinated from May 15 to September 15 as required by the Michigan
Department of Public Health.
Flint Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
This plant is the largest in the Flint Basin and serves a population
of approximately 200,000 people. Part of the average flow of 26.5 MGD
is treated by a trickling filter unit and the rest by a new activated
sludge unit. The plant, which usually operates with a BOD removal
efficiency in excess of 90 percent, has an average effluent BOD,, value
of 14 mg/1. The BOD during 1965 varied from 5 to 21 mg/1. The effluent
was chlorinated from May 15 through September 15.
During the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration survey of
the Flint River on August 11, 1965, the BOD of the effluent was in the 5
mg/1 range. The plant used about 1,100 pounds of chlorine on this date,
which is about average.
Flushing Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
The Flushing sewage treatment plant is a small trickling filter unit
which serves about 2,500 people. The average flow is 0.48 MGD, with
variations in 1965 between 0.35 and 0.67 MGD. BOD during the same
26
-------
period varied from 26 to 45 mg/1, with an average of 33 nig/1,, The
effluent was chlorinated from May 15 through September 15.
The plant operation during the Federal Water Pollution Control Admin-
istration Flint River survey of August 11, 1966 was normal for August.
Lapeer Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
This trickling filter plant serves about 6,000 people. The average
flow and BOD for 1965 were 0.73 MGD and 22 mg/1, respectively. The
plant removes about 90 percent of the BOD from the influent. Flow
fluctuated during 1965 between 0.57 and 0.87 MGD, and BOD varied between 11
and 40 mg/1. The effluent was chlorinated from May 15 through September 1.5.
Lapeer State Home and Training School
Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
This trickling filter plant serves the residents of the State School.
Average flow for 1965 was 0.37 MGD with very little variation. The average
effluent BOD for the year was 21 mg/1, with variations between 14 and 39
mg/1. The plant chlorinates its effluent continuously throughout the year.
Swartz Creek Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
This activated sludge plant serves a population of about 3,000. The
flow for 1965 averaged 0.31 MGD with variations between. 0.20 to 0.48 MGD.
Effluent BOD values ranged between 11 and 25 mg/1, with an average of 18
mg/1. The plant effluent was chlorinated from May 15 to September 15.
Industrial - 1966
Industries in the Flint River Basin are mainly located in and around
the City of Flint; the rest of the basin is primarily rural farming land.
The industries include eight General Motors plants, and one small rendering
27
-------
plant. Generally, water is purchased from the Flint municipal system.
Most of these, plants discharge their process waste to the Flint River
after treatment. The eight General Motors plants have been rated as
"providing adequate control" by the Michigan Water Resources Commission,,
The Vogt Packing Company, which operated a small rendering plant, has been
rated as "providing control - but adequacy not established." 'This plant
has been asked to improve treatment by the Michigan Water Resources
Commission, and municipal sewers should be available within a year.
Outfall locations for the above plants are shown on Figure 7, and
results of sampling are shown in Table 7. All of this information was
obtained from the Michigan Water Resources Commission in April 1966.
General Motors Corporation (CMC)
AC Spark Plug Division
This plant is located on Dort Highway in the City of Flint. The
plant, which produces spark plugs, has a waste flow of approximately 1.5
million gallons per day (MGD). This flow is discharged to Gilkey Creek,
a tributary of the Flint River. Waste constituents include cyanide,
hexavalent chromium, nickel, oil, and suspended solids Treatment facili-
ties consist of settling, and chrome and cyanide separation.
CMC - Buick Division
The Buick Plant, located on Industrial Avenue in Flint, discharges
approximately 2.2 MGD of general manufacturing and plating wastes to the
Flint River. Treatment facilities are settling and a Utah skimmer.
CMC - Chevrolet Flint Division
Located on Chevrolet Avenue in Flint, this plant discharges about 2
28
-------
MGD directly to the Flint River. Waste constituents include suspended
solids and oil. Treatment facilities consist of settling tanks and oil
removal equipment.
CMC - Fisher Body Division
The plant is located in Grand Blanc and discharges its flow of 0=08
MGD to Thread Creek, which is a tributary to Swartz Creek which in turn
empties into the Flint River,, Wastes include oil and suspended solids
Treatment is by a secondary unit and a lagoon.
CMC - Ternstedt Division'
This plant, located on Coldwater Road in Flint, discharges its waste
flow of 1.5 MGD to Brent Run, a tributary of the Flint River. A. secondary
unit and lagoons treat the wastes which contain oil., suspended solids,
cyanide, hexavalent chromium, and copper.
CMC - Parts Division
Located in the town of Swartz Creek, the plant discharges 0,4 MGD
of treated wastes to Swartz Creek, a tributary of the Flint River. Waste
constituents include oil and suspended solids, and are treated by settling
tanks, oil removal equipment, and lagoons.
CMC - Chevrolet Assembly Plant
This plant is located on Van Slyke Road in Flint and discharges its
flow of 1.4 MGD to Swartz Creek, a tributary of the Flint River. Waste
constituents include oil, and suspended solids. The waste flow is
treated by settling tanks and oil removal equipment.
29
-------
CMC - Chevrolet Engine and Stamping Plant
This plant is located on Van Slyke Road in Flint and discharges its
flow of 0.72 MGD to Garment Creek, a tributary of Swartz Creek, which
drains into the Flint River. Wastes include oil and suspended solids,
j
i
which are treated by settling tanks and oil removal equipment.
Vogt Packing Company
This plant is located in Grand Blanc and discharges a flow of 0.06
MGD to Thread Creek, a tributary of Swartz Creek which drains into the
Flint River. This rendering plant's waste constituents include BOD,
suspended solids, and suspended volatile solids. Treatment consists of
settling.
30
-------
TABLE 6. FLINT RIVER MUNICIPAL WASTE
(Yearly average for 1965 in mg/1, unless otherwise noted)
All plants are secondary units.
Plant Name
Davidson
Flint
Flushing
Lapeer
Lapeer State
Home
Swartz Creek
Flow
(MGD)
0.40
26.5
0.48
0.73
0.37
0.31
Temp . F
(Raw)
60
61
50
59
70
52
5-Day
BOD
62
14
33
22
21
18
Susp.
Sol ids
57
30
30
32
16
31
Susp.
Vol.
Solids
53
19
20
22
13
27
PH
7.7
7.4
-
7.6
8.4
_
1 1 2
Appl ied
#/day
37
1280
39
2k
26
11
Avg.
ci2
Res.
1.5
-
0.9
.-
1 .0
1.0
''-During chlorination period, from May 15 through September 15, except for
Lapeer State Home which chlorinates continuously all year.
31
-------
TABLE ?. FLINT RIVER INDUSTRIAL WASTE INVENTORY
Industry
GMC-AC Spark Plug Div.
GMC-Buick Div.
GMC-Chev. Flint Div.
GMC-Fisher Body Div.
GMC-Ternstedt Div.
GMC-Parts Div.
GMC-Chev. Assembly
Location
Dort Hwy
Flint
Industrial
Ave.-FI int
Chevrolet
Ave.-FI int
Grand Blanc
Coldwater
Rd. -Flint
M-78
Swartz Cr.
Van Slyke
Flint
Receiving
Stream
Gi Ikey Creek
Flint River
Flint River
Flint River
Thread Creek
Swartz Creek
Flint River
Brent Run
Flint River
Swartz Creek
Flint River
Swartz Creek
Flint R i ve r
Waste
Constituents
CN,Cr6,Ni,Oi1,
Susp. Sol .
Gen. Mfg. &
Plating Waste
Susp. Sol .,0i 1 ,
Gen. Mfg.
Oil, SS, Gen.
Mfg. Wastes
Oil, SS, CN,
Cr6, Cu
Oil, Susp. Sol.
Oil, Susp. Sol.
\
Waste Flow Treatment
(MGD) Provided
Cr6 & CN
1.5 separation
; Settling
2.2 Settling
Utah Skimmer
2.0 Oil Removal -
Settl ing
'-t . ..
0.08 Lagoon &
Secondary
1.5 Secondary
& Lagoons
Q.k Settling,
Oi 1 removal ,
Lagoons
1.1+ Settling,
Oil removal
MWRC
Rating
Apri 1
1966*
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
* A - Adequate control.
-------
TABLE 7. FLINT RIVER INDUSTRIAL WASTE INVENTORY
(CONT.)
Industry
GMC-Chev. Engine &
Stamping Plant
Vogt Packing Co.
MWRC
Rating
Receiving Waste Waste Flow Treatment April
Location Stream Constituents (MGD) Provided 1966*
Van Slyke Carmen Creek Oil, Susp. Sol. 0.72
Flint Swartz Creek
F1 int River
Grand Blanc Thread Creek BOD, Susp. Sol., 0.06
Swartz Creek Susp.Vol .Sol .
Flint River
Settling, A
Oi 1 reir.ova1 ,
Lagoons
Settling B
LO
to
if
A - Adequate Control.
B - Control provided - adequacy not established (additional treatment requested).
-------
) '. SANILAC. CO.
~\ LAPEER CO.
LAPEEfl CO. *
OAKLAND CO. .
LAKE HURON PROGRAM OFFICE '
MUNICIPAL 8 INDUSTRIAL WASTE OUTFALLS
FLINT RIVER BASIN
riOIRAL »»'« POLLUTION CONtMOL *OHtBI>TH*TIO*
-------
POPULATION AND WASTE"LOAD PROJECTIONS
Demographic studies were conducted by the Great Lakes-Illinois River
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 Water-
shed - about double the 1920 population. By the year 2020 it is estimated
that the population of the watershed will be approximately 3«2 million.
The one major city on the Flint River is Flint (196,940) according
to the 1960 census figures. For this report, the Flint area and surrounding
communities were analyzed as a unit, assuming that by 2020 the entire area
will be urbanized and served by water and sewer systems. For this area,
the 1965 population served by sewerage systems was estimated to be 210,000,
and projected to be 620,000 by 1990, and 1,300,000 by the year 2020.
(
Table 8 shows the estimated waste flow in MGD for the Flint Basin.
BODS projections were based on present day inventory information
obtained from the Michigan Water Resources Commission, the 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 popu-
lation equivalents were determined from studies on the Lake Michigan Basin
and applied to the inventory data obtained for the Flint area.
The results of these projections are shown on Table 9. For example,
in 1965, a total of 42,930 pounds per day of BOD was produced in the
area of which 90 percent was removed, leaving 4,300 pounds of BOD being
discharged to the river. By the year 2020, with the same percentage of
35
-------
treatment, 27,850 pounds would reach the river. In order to show an
improvement over present water quality, 99 percent or more removal will
be necessary at that time.
36
-------
TABLE 8. WASTE FLOW PROJECTIONS
1965 1990 2020
Municipal (MGD)
Residential 18.8 75 182
Industrial 8.7 20 44
Total 27.5 95 . 226
Industrial 9.5 22 48
(direct to river)
Total to River 37.0 117 274
37
-------
TABLE 9
PROJECTIONS
Municipal
Residential
Industrial
Total Municipal
Present 92% removal
With 90% removal
With 95% removal
With 99% removal
1965
#/dav
35,600
6,020
41,620
3,380
4,162
2,080
416
1990
#/day
111,500
13,600
125,100
10,000
12,510
6,255
1,251
2020
#/dav
260,000
30,500
290,500
23,200
29,050
14,525
2,905
Industri al
(direct to river)
Present 30% removal
With 90% removal
With 95% removal
With 99% removal
1,310
917
131
65
13
2,960
2,070
296
148
30
6,640
4,650
664
332
66
Total load before treatment 42,930
Present 90% removal 4,297
With 90% removal 4,293
With 95% removal 2,146
With 99% removal 829
128,060
12,070
12,806
6,403
1,281
297,140
27,850
29,714
14,857
2,971
38
-------
I ". SAHILAC CO.
~\ LAPEER CO.
POPULATION a MUNICIPAL WASTE FLOW
FLINT RIVER BASIN
PROJECTION AREAS
-------
POPULATION AND MUNICIPAL
WASTE FLOW PROJECTIONS FOR THE
FLINT RIVER BASIN
10,000,000,
cc
01
CO
1,000,000
0.
o
a.
100,000 I I I I I I I i I I I I I I I i i i
X
X
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
100
>
<
o
tr
LU
a.
CO
2
O
<
O
1.960 1970 1980 1990 2000
YEARS
2010
2020
10
2030
-------
DESCRIPTION OF WATER QUALITY
The Detroit Program Office conducted surveys of the Flint River
during 1965 to determine the quality of this watercourse. Figure 6 shows
the general locations of sampling stations X260 and X240, sampled
approximately twice a month, and several municipal sewage treatment plant
sampling stations. The remaining stations shown on Figure 6 were OXSAG
stations which were sampled approximately once every 4 hours over a 24-hour
period on the August 11-12, 1965 survey.
Chemical
The following water quality measurements were made during 1965 with
respect to chemical criteria: dissolved oxygen, BOD,., nitrogen (ammonia,
organic, and nitrate), phosphates (total and total soluble), solids
(total, suspended, and volatile suspended), chlorides, iron, and phenols.
Table 10 shows the seasonal average and range of dissolved oxygen
levels for the regular Flint River sampling stations, X240 and X260.
This table also lists the average seasonal and yearly results of the
nitrogens, phosphates, solids, chlorides, phenols, and BOD .
The yearly average dissolved oxygen at the upstream station X260,
located above the City of Flint, was 9.8 milligrams per liter (mg/1) - 91
percent saturated, with a range of 6.4 to 13.2 mg/1 (68 to 111 percent
saturated).
In the lower Flint River, at Station X240, the yearly average
dissolved oxygen was 9.4 mg/1, with a range of 3.7 to 13.6 mg/1. Dis-
solved oxygen saturation at Station X240 averaged 90 percent during 1965,
with a range of 35 to 170 percent saturation.
41
-------
Maximum dissolved oxygen saturations of 100 to 170 percent at both
of these stations were noted in measurements made during May, June, August,
September, and October.
The entire reach of the Flint River was sampled at 7 sampling
stations over a 24-hour period on August 11-12, 1965. Dissolved oxygen
and temperature determinations were made every four hours. A composite
sample was prepared and analyzed for BOD and other chemical determina-
tions. Samples for bacteriological analysis were collected on two of the
six runs.
Table 11 shows the daily dissolved oxygen fluctuation during this
survey for Station X240.
The percent saturation increased during the daylight hours to a high
of 170 percent in mid-afternoon, and declined during the hours of dark-
ness. This increased percent saturation is due mainly to the presence of
significant phytoplankton populations and/or photosynthetic production in
the river.
Figure 10 shows the results of the August 11-12, 1965 survey and
lists the observed individual dissolved oxygen average values and their
ranges for each station.
The lowest dissolved oxygen levels were recorded at Station X250,
located downstream from the City of Flint's sewage treatment plant. The
24-hour dissolved oxygen average was 3.4 mg/1 with respective maximum
and minimum values of 5.7 and 0.6 mg/1. The average dissolved oxygen
saturation was low with 45 percent, and a range of 7 to 68 percent sat-
uration. The effect of the City of Flint's municipal wastes on the Flint
River is apparent from the low dissolved oxygen levels encountered down-
stream of the City of Flint's sewage treatment plant.
42
-------
The average dissolved oxygen increased from 9.0 mg/1 .at Station X240
to a high of 11.5 mg/1 at Station X220 downstream. The increase in the
average dissolved oxygen and percent saturation is associated with exces-
sive algal growth and subsequent production of oxygen.
The average BOD results at Stations X260 and X240, from measurements
made during summer and fall of 1965, were 4 and 6 mg/1, respectively.
Five-day BOD results of composite samples taken during the special
OXSAG survey on August 11-12, 1965 on the entire reach of the'.-Flint River
are illustrated in Figure 10.
High BOD,, levels of 6 to 11 mg/1 were recorded downstream at
Stations X240, X236, X230, and X220. These high BOD results were found
at the same locations as the high dissolved oxygen and coincided with
high phytoplankton populations as evidenced by biological sampling.
The Flint River had a definite seasonal variation in the nitrate
concentration during the 1965 sampling period at Stations X240 and X260.
The nitrate concentration at Station X240 increased from an average of 1.41
mg/1 in January to April to an average of 1.96 mg/1 in the May through
September period. In the October to December period, the nitrate
concentration reached an average level of 3.10 mg/1. The average annual
nitrate concentration at Station X240 was 1.93 mg/1. Station X260 had
an average annual nitrate concentration of 0.83 mg/1, with lower values
in the summer and fall, as shown in Table 12.
Figure 11 depicts the increase of"riitrate concentrations during
the special OXSAG survey conducted on August 11-12, 1965, and the average
annual nitrate concentrations for the two regular sampling stations. The
nitrate concentration increased from 0.90 mg/1 at Station X260, above the
City of Flint, to an average of 3.20 mg/1 at Station X236, downstream
43
-------
from Mohtrose. Stations X230 and X220 had nitrate concentrations of 2.50
to 2.30 mg/1.
The average annual ammonia nitrogen concentration in the Flint River
at Station X260, above Flint, was 0.56 mg/1; and at Station X240., down-
stream from Flint, was 1.09 mg/1. Average annual organic nitrogen
concentrations for Stations X260 and X240 were 0.25 and 0.27 mg/1, respec-
tively.
The average seasonal variation and annual total and soluble phosphate
concentrations found in the Flint River during 1965 at the regular
sampling stations, X260 and X240, are shown in Table 13.
The average annual total phosphate concentration was 0.21 mg/1 at
Station X260 and 4.36 mg/1 at Station X240. Soluble phosphate, as a
percent of total phosphate, at Stations X260 and X240 ranged from 61
to 76 percent.
Figure 12 illustrates the average and range of total phosphate
concentrations for the two regular sampling stations, and also the results
of the special survey conducted on August 11-12, 1965.
Total solids and chlorides were significantly high in the Flint
River as shown in Table 10. The average annual total solids concentra-
tion at Stations X260 and X240 were 395 mg/1 and 505 mg/1, respectively.
Chloride levels made up 9 and 16 percent of the total solids.
Figure 13 depicts the increase in total solids and chlorides in the
Flint River below Flint's sewage treatment plant during the special
survey conducted on August 11-12, 1965. Chloride concentration of 27 mg/1
at Station X260 increased to 100 mg/1 at Station X250. Chloride levels
accounted for 17 percent of total solids below Flint's sewage treatment
44
-------
plant.
Average annual phenol concentration in the Flint River at Station X260
was 4 micrograms per liter (ug/1), with a range of 0 to 9 ug/1. At
Station X240, the annual average phenol concentration was 5 ug/1, with a
range of 0 to 15 ug/1.
Table 14 summarizes average iron, sodium, potassium, calcium,
magnesium, sulfate, and total hardness values found during the 1965 survey
in the Flint River for the two regular sampling stations. Average annual
iron concentration for Station X260 was 1,350 ug/1, with seasonal averages
of 2,080, 1,000, and 230 ug/1. At Station X240, average annual iron
concentration was 1,430 ug/1, with seasonal average values of 2,640, 540,
and 100 ug/1.
Sodium and potassium levels were noticeably increased in the Flint
River from Station X260 to X240. Calcium, magnesium, and sulfate
concentrations were typical of concentrations in other tributaries in the
Saginaw River Basin. Hardness averaged 241 to 256 mg/1 upstream, and 231
to 233 mg/1 downstream of Flint.
Microbiological
The microbiological findings for the Flint River are from the 1965
sampling period. This sampling period was separated into three
intervals - January 11 to May 15, May 15 to September 15, and September 15
to November 30 - to coincide with the municipal waste chlorination period
beginning May 15 and ending September 15. Representative median, low,
and high total, and fecal coliform results for the regular sampling sta-
tions are shown in Table 15.
Total coliform densities at Station X260, above the City of Flint,
45
-------
ranged from 360 to 18,000 organisms/100 ml, with a median annual value
of 1,400 organisms/100 ml. Station X240, located below the City of Flint's
sewage treatment plant, exhibited a median annual total coliform count
of 24,000 organisms/100 ml, with a range of 200 to 370,000 organisms/100 ml.
Percent fecal coliform remained fairly constant in the reaches above and
below Flint's sewage treatment plant, these values being 16 and 22 percent,
respectively.
Chlorination had a definite effect on the total and fecal coliform
densities at Station X240 during the 1965 chlorination period. The median
total coliform count at Station X240 declined from 150,000 organisms/100 ml
in the January 11-May 15 period to a median value of 4,000 organisms/100 ml
in the May 15-September 15 sampling period.
A comparison of the average, median, and geometric mean values of
annual total and fecal coliform results for Stations X240 and X260 is
shown in Table 16.
Figure 14 depicts the variation in total coliform distributions at
various sampling points in the Flint River during surveys conducted on
August 11 and 12, 1965. The median annual total coliform densities for
the two regular sampling stations are also shown in Figure 14. On
August 11, the total coliformdensities increased from 700 organisms/100 ml
at Station X260 above Flint to a high of 29,000 organisms/100 ml at
Station X256, then declined to a low of 500 organisms/100 ml at Station
X220. On August 12, the total coliform density of 800 organisms/100 ml
at Station X260 increased to a high of 15,000 organisms/100 ml at
Station X256. Station X250 had a total coliform count of 3,000 organisms/
100 ml, which increased downstream to a value of 12,000 organisms/100 ml
at Station X220.
46
-------
TABLE 10. FLINT RIVER WATER QUALITY
R i ver
Dissolved Oxygen
Avn M?x Min
5-Day
BOD
1965
NH3-N
AVERAGE CONCENTRATIONS
Seasonal
Tot.-x-
Tot.** Sol.
Org-N N03-N P04 P04
!H*
' Tot.
Sol.
Susp.
Sol .
Vol .*
S.S. Cl
Phenol s
January - April 1965
Flint
X240
X260
Flint
X240
X260
Flint
X240
X260
Flint
X240
X260
. .
10.2
11.7
9.1
8.3
9.1
11.6
9.4
.9.8
12.9
12.3
13.6
10.1
10.9
13.2
13.6
13.2
./-:.
5.2
10.9
3.7
6.4
5.6
10.5
^
3.7
6.4
_
_
-
6
4
5'
4
6
4
1 .56
0.51
May -
0.50
0.81
October
0.97
0.28
January
1.09
0.56
0.22 1.41. 2.20
0.16 1.18 0.31
September 1965
0.35 1.96 4.46
0.38 0.44 0.16
- December 1965
0.23 3.10 9.23
0.27 0.70 0.06
- December 1965
0.27 1.93 4.36
0.25 0.83 0.21
1.77
0.19
3.26
0.11
6.90
0.04
3.29
0.13
464 '
369
533
422
554
414
505
395
37
22
18
18
9
14
25
19
11
4
4
3
6
8
7
4
77
29
83
23
100
33
83
28
5"
4
4
5
8
2
5
4
Note: All results in mg/1 except phenols - iig/1.
Phosphates reported as PO^.
Nitrogens (NH3, NO^, Organic) reported as Nitrogen.
"'Volatile Suspended Solids
5tt:-Total phosphate includes: ortho, poly, biological, and organic phosphate
s:-::-::-Total soluble phosphate (performed on filtered sample) includes: soluble ortho, soluble poly and soluble organic
phosphate
-------
TABLE 11. DISSOLVED OXYGEN FLUCTUATION - FLINT RIVER
Station X240
Date
8/11/65
Time
0930
1325
1710
2100
Temp.
°C
18.0
22.0
26.0
24.0
DO
(mg/1)
7.0
13.1
13.6
10.3
Saturation
74
151
170
124
8/12/65
0125
0535
22.0
20.5
6.2
3.7
71
42
48
-------
TABLE 12. FLINT RIVER
Seasonal Nitrate-N Concentration
(mg/1)
Station
X240
Average
Range
Jan-April May-Sept. Oct.-Dec.
..1.41
0.89-1.60
1.96
0.70-2.80
3.10
1.90-4.60
Annua1
1.93
0.70-4.60
X260
Average
Range
1.18 0.44 0.70 0.83
0.90-1.60 0.20-0.90 0.30-1.20 0.20-1.60
49
-------
TABLE 13. FLINT RIVER
1965 TOTAL AND SOLUBLE PHOSPHATE CONCENTRATIONS
Seasonal
Station #
Total Phosphate
mg/1
Average Minimum Maximum
Soluble Phosphate
mg/1
Average Minimum Maximum
Jan.--April
X240
X260
2.20
0.31
0.50
0.10
4.70
0.60
1.77
0.19
0.10
0.00
4.60
0.40
May-Sept.
X240
X260
Oct.-Dec.
X240
X260
Annua1
X240
X260
4.46
0.16
9.23
0.06
4.36
0.21
0 .60
0.08
5.40
0.04
0.50
0.04
8.70
0.30
12.80
0.10
12.80
0.60
3.26
0.11
6.90
0.04
3.29
0.13
0.10
0.06
4.00
0.04
0.10
0.00
5.10
0.20
8.80
0.04
8.80
0.40
50
-------
TABLE 111. FLINT RIVER WATER QUALITY
1965 AVERAGE CONCENTRATIONS
Seasonal
River
Jan-April
Flint
X2hO
X260
May-Sept
Flint
X2UO
X260
Oct-Dec
Flint
X2hO
X260
Jan-Dec
Flint
X2UO
X260
Total
Iron
' 26UO
2080
5Uo
1000
100
230
1U30
1350
Sodium
68
31
58
15
77
2h
68 '
26
Potassium
Hi
9
13
5
17
7
15
8
Calcium
62
6h
66
69
59
63
62
65
Magnesium
23
23
27
30
19
27
23
26
Sulfate
8U
80
105-
86
76
70
89
80
Total
Hardness
o
233
2U1
25I»
267
231
256
238
253
Note: All results in mg/1, except Iron -
Total Hardness as CaCO-j
-------
TABLE 15. FLINT RIVER
1965 TOTAL AND FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES
Seasonal
Season and
Station No.
Jan. 11-May 15
X240
X260
Total Coliform
Organisms/100 ml
Median Low High
150,000 7,000 370,000
1,700 360 18,000
Fecal Coliform
Organisms/100 ml
Median Low High
11,000 3,700 30,000
520 60 1,700
May 15-Sept. 15
X240
X260
4,000 200 21,000
1,100 600 9,900
100 20 1,700
250 140 900
Sept. 15-Nov. 30
X240
X260
3,400 1,000 5,800
1,200 800 1,500
360
190
10
180
700
200
Annua1
X240
X260
24,000 200 370,000
1,400 360 18,000
5,300 10 30,000
220 60 1,700
52
-------
TABLE 16. FLINT .RIVER
1965 TOTAL AND FECAL COLIFORM DENSITY STATISTICS
(organisms/100 ml)
Geometric
Station Average Median Mean-.'-''. Low High
Total Coliform
X240
X260
Fecal Coliform
X240 8,300 5,300 1,900 10 30,000
X260 490 220 320 60 1,700
94,000
3,600
24,000
1,400
20,000
1,800
200
360
370,000
18,000
53
-------
FLINT RIVER
DISSOLVED OXYGEN AND 5-DAY
AUGUST 11-12, 1965 SURVEY
BOD
12
9
3
0
7
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
LEGEND
A
MAXIMUM -r
AVERAGE 9
MINIMUM !
*|
t
i i r L
0 60
f»
1 I 1 1 1
BOD COMPOSITE
DISSOLVED OXYGEN
.
\
\
N
k
m
I I 1 J° 1 1 1 1 I
n»
/
./
Q.
H
tn
o
z
X
U.
-f 1 1 1 1 L 1 t 1
/
1
/
»
\
J
J
<
*. X
O U
0 C
2 U
en K z
O ^
a»- a
Z Ui
O (r
£ m
1 _°|0 1 1 1 1 1 ,
50 to 30
Z
a.
i._£
M
1
»
/y
r
1111,1111
i
kl
a a
0 >
S 2
» 0
I CB
- 1 1 °l 1 1 1 1 1 1
0 " 10 0
en
6
I
O
o
CO
o
z.
UJ
X
o
UI
o
(0
O)
STATION
NOS.
N
X
N
X
CM
X
c
m
O
R IVER MILES
-------
FLINT RIVER
NITRATE CONCENTRATION
AUGUST 11-12, 1965 SURVEY
IUU.U
10.0
1.0
O.I
7
TION
S.
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
LEGEND
__ c
MAXIMUM -|-
AVERAGE &
MINIMUM J-
N^
^^^
*V
^
I I I I. I I I I I
COMPOSITE SAMPLE
AUG. II-I2, I965 SUR
AVERAGE 8 RANGE
OF 4965 SAMPLES
/
/
/
/
*
/
**^^ '
^/
tL
CO
t-
2
(i.
! I I J° 1 1 1 1 1
VEY
jP'.'" . ' - - -
a.
w
o
z
X
(0
D
L.
. 9 1 1 1 1 L 1 f I
»
o O
-------
FLINT RIVER
TOTAL PHOSPHATE
AUGUST 11-12, 1965 SURVEY
roo.o
10.0
1.0
O.I
0.01
7
r ION
s.
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0 6
1 ' ' fc
0
c
1C
c\
/
/
/
/
Y-
1 1 1 1 1
5
~f
f
/
/
/
~/
/
/
0.
to
t-
z
J
u.
1 1 1 Ol° 1 1 1 1 1
0 4
10
in
CM
p ___ _^_
K
10 .
z
n
3
.J
U.
0? 1 1 1 1 IQ 1 1 1
0 3
O 10
n f
N CM
I
<
(
(
t
1
1
0
c
<
c
r ^_
LEGEND
0
MAXIMUM J
AVERAGE 0
MINIMUM J-
J
L U
1 K
»«=. - I
2- S
- Z ui
E u 2
c CO 0.
°l° 1 1 1 1 1 Ol P
^
> v
t 10
J N
^_
COMPOSITE SAMPLE
AUG. 11-12, 1965 SUR
AVERAGE 8 RANGE
OF 1965 SAMPLES
i I I 1 I0 1 1 1 1
0 1
O
K>
(M
- '
O
VEY
sc
u
K *
0 UI
* . cc
3 *
O <
bj Z
VI O
i n
1 1 °l 1 1 1 1 1 1
0 0
O .
N
CM ;
O
c
m
IV)
*
o
Q.
CA
O
en
E
i
UJ
to
o
RIVER MILES
-------
tooo.o
FLINT RIVER
TOTAL SOLIDS AND CHLORIDES
AUGUST 11-12, 1965 SURVEY
0
.
X
^
/
<
tsr
i i i ID ; i i i i
^**
..^
^^
Jf~
X"
X"1"
Q.
t-
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a cr
s *
Z i
W <9
<
Z ' CO
0 1 1 °l 1 1 1 1 1 1
E
I
Ul 100.0
Q
cr
o
O
Q
Z
CO
o
o
(0
10.0
1.0
70
S TATION
NOS.
60
50
30
O
ID
ID
10
10
o
CM
O
c
m
CM
X
(M
X
CM
X
RIVER MILES
-------
FLINT RIVER
TOTAL COLIFORM DENSITIES
AUGUST 11-12, 1965 SURVEY
1,000,000
i
o 100,000
o
\
co
z
<
EGEND
_
--A
HIGH T
MEDIAN 0
LOW J-
m
f
/I
//
//
/
0/
y
'
1 t 1 I 1
5
>
)
j
SAMPLES TAKEN AU
MEDIAN -a RANGE
OF 1965 SAMPLES
A
/A\
/ / » \
/ V \
/ X \
' -L \
\
Q.
K
10
t-
2
k.
1 I 1 Ol° 1 ! 1 1 1
0 4
U)
(VJ
X
G. 12, 1965
V
,v -
\
\
NT
\
\
\
i- \
\
o \
z
r
n
3
U.
. ? 1 1 1 1 L, 1 1 1
0 3
O 10
n «
N CM
X X
'
- w
.
I
1
^ <
V
i
0
c
f>
>
>
T
l^"0*^*
.^
^f
^
-^ -^*
J jf
i /
~i / u
/ IU
3 f tt
3Z X 0
3" 1
r i- °=
t2 "
30:
> ffi CL
Bl° 1 1 II 1 .1 P
2
, (£>
i- ro
j w
c x
f
jf
*--*r
1-1
«v.
^^^
^"^^^
^^>v^-,
1 1 1 ' 1 1, 1 II 1
0 1
o
ro
CSJ
X
A
11
U .
Q K K
0 £
< tt
3 ' *
0 <
UJ Z
1-
V) O
2 5
0 1 1 °l 1 1 1 1 1 1
0 0
O
CM
CM
X
o
3D
RIVER MILES
-------
DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROJECTIONS
The water quality data described in previous sections of this report
were submitted to analyses in a mathematical model depicting oxygen
balance in streams. This particular model is a modification of the
classical Streeter-Phelps formulation for oxygen balance in a stream.
This equation includes an additional non-conservative oxygen demand
(Kjeldahl nitrogen), which acts in a similar fashion to the BOD factor in
the original formulation.
Long-term oxygen demand and nitrogen balance determinations were
made on stream and waste source samples to determine a laboratory K-rate
in order to calculate the ultimate carbonaceous oxygen demand. The
ultimate carbonaceous oxygen demand stream profile was constructed, and
the stream BOD decay rate determined. A similar profile of the Kjeldahl
nitrogen yielded the nitrogenous demand decay rate. These profiles were
checked by a wastes loadings profile. All rates were converted from the
stream temperature to 20°C.
Reaeration rates were initially calculated based on the O'Connor-
Dobbins formulation for natural streams using computed reach velocities
and depths. These values were used for initial match runs, but were
then modified somewhat in the final match run for simplicity in .the
projection runs. The photosynthetic production of algae is not a factor
in the model. No attempt was made to match the dissolved oxygen profile
to observed data above or near the saturation value.
Survey data indicated an apparent high decay rate for the Kjeldahl
nitrogen portion of the total oxygen demand in the stream reach below
59
-------
the main municipal waste source. This high demand rate was indicated
also by the observed dissolved oxygen profile. (Previous work by others
indicated an intensified rate of oxygen demand in this reach.) The
Kjeldahl nitrogen level in this reach had the potential for an abnormal
decay rate. With the exception of this reach, a uniform decay rate was
used throughout the stream, A uniform decay rate was used for the car-
bonaceous portion of the total oxygen demand. The presence of significant
algae concentrations as evidenced by diurnal dissolved oxygen fluctuations,
and visual observations of the stream, is believed reponsible .for the
anomalous BOD data found during the 1965 survey. Resurveys during 1966
indicated a somewhat different decay rate which more closely resembled
the nitrogen decay rate. This rate was used for the final match run. The
computed match run profiles are shown superimposed on the survey data
(Figures 15 and 16). Loadings for the final match run are included in
Table 17.
The parameters determined for the match run were used to project the
expected dissolved oxygen profiled for a number of flow and loading
conditions. Minor modifications were made for ease in projection changes.
All additional augmentation was assumed to have the same yield for all
low flow conditions due to the minor increase in flow below the initial
reach. All waste sources were combined on a flow basis with the major
municipal source. The concentrations used were those determined during
the 1965 survey. For all projection runs, the initial stream parameters,
with the exception of flow, remained constant.
Figures.,17 through 20 show computed dissolved oxygen profiles for
the following situations:
60
-------
Figure 17 - 1965 Summer Survey Flow (75 cfs)
Temperature ranges - 15°C to 30°C at 5°C increments
Stream loadings - 1965 - 100%; 1990 - 316%; and
2020 - 741%
Figure 18-7 Day Once in 10 Year Flow (47 cfs)
Temperature ranges - 15°C to 30°C at 5°C increments
Stream loadings - 1965 - 100%; 1990 - 316%; and
2020 - 741%
Figure 19-1 Day Once in 10 Year Flow (38 cfs)
Temperature ranges - 15°C to 30°C at 5 C increments
Stream loadings - 1965 - 100%; 1990 - 316%; and
2020 - 741%
Figure 20 - Augmented Flow (100 cfs)
Temperature ranges - 15°C to 30°C at 5°C increments
Stream loadings - 1965 - 100%; 1990 - 316%; and
2020 - 741%
61
-------
TABLE 17. -FLINT RIVER - LOADINGS FOR MATCH RUN - 1965 MODEL
Flow 5-Day BOD Ultimate BOD Kjeldahl N. Dissolved Oxygen
MOD cfs mg/1 #/day mg/1 #/day mg/1 #/day mg/1 #/day
Municipal Wastes
Flint 25.9 hO. I 12 2590 15 32^0 12.7 2690 li.O
Flushing .h 0.6. hi 137 53 177 11.2 37 2.0
Montrose 1.3 2.0 101 1090 lU7 1590 11.8 128 0.0
Industrial Wastes
81*7
7
0
Brent Run 2.6 li.O 3 88 3.5 102 2.3 50 5.0 108
Tributary Flow
Flint . 1*8.5 75.0 ' 5 201^0 5.6 2270 .9 36U U.9 1980
(Initial)
-------
FLINT RIVER
DISSOLVED OXYGEN
SUMMER 1965 SURVEY
UJ
X
o
Q
QJ
(O
o
STATION
N OS.
D.O. SATURATION
8.7 mj/l
R IVER MILES
-------
FLINT RIVER
KJELDAHL NITROGEN os N AND 5-DAY BOD
SUM MER 1965 SURVEY
100.0
LEGEND
w
D
o>
E
i
z
O
O
10.0
0
A
COMPOSITE 5-DAY BOD
COMPOSITE
COMPUTED PROFILE
COMPUTED PROFILE
KJELDAHL NITROGEN
ULTIMATE BOD
KJELDAHL NITROSE
<3>
e
1
O
°
-X_J
V
''
U
i£
-A-
O.I
70
S TATION
NOS.
I I I I- ).. I III
60
50
J I i .1° I I I I I
9 1
1 1 L 1 1 1
K I-
" z
2 UJ
OK
So
I °°
..1.11 ',1.1
I I °l I I.I I II
O
u>
10
O
30
(M
X
ID
«l
10
CM
X
O
C
m
O!
RIVER MILES
-------
. IGU.RE 17
10
FLINT RGVER
COMPUTED DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROFILES
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND LOADINGS
1965 SUMMER SURVEY FLOW
(a) 1965 LOADINGS
60
40
30 20
RIVER MILES
10
10
(b) 1990 LOADINGS
o>
E
i
O 4
' I 1 ill I I 1 I
CO
40
30 20
RIVER MILES
10
(c) 2020 LOADINGS
50
30 20
RIVER MILES
-------
r IGURE 18
10
FLINT R 1 VER
COMPUTED DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROFILES
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND LOADINGS
7 DAY ONCE IN 10 YEAR FLOW
(o) 1965 LOADINGS
CP
£
i
O
LEGEND
I8°C
20°C
25°C
30°C
o i i i i
I i I I I
I I I I I I I 11
50
30 20
RIVER MILES
i o
10
(b) 1990 LOADINGS
a>
E
i
O
,;.*
I U J\I I I ^
. >
BO
40
30 20
RIVER MILES
10
10
(c) 2020 LOADINGS
^x 6
E
i
O 4
O
-Vr-
0 i i i i i \ \i i \ i i i i i i i i i^J**Ti i i i i i i i i.-r'T i i->*l"'i
50
40
30 20
RIVER M ILES
10
-------
r I G U R E
FLINT RIVER
COMPUTED DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROFILES
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND LOADINGS
I DAY ONCE IN 10 YEAR FLOW
(o) 1965 LOADINGS
30 " ZO
RIVER MILES
10
(b) 1990 LOADINGS
10
40
(c) 2020 LOADINGS
30 20
RIVER MILES
10
^ 6
o>
E
l
O 4
O
\
...T\\\
i i i i t i i\i i
50
40
SO 20
R IVER MILES
10
-------
rIGURE 20
FLINT RIVER
COMPUTED DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROFILES
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND LOADINGS
AUGMENTED FLOW
10
(o) 1965 LOADINGS
so
40
30 20
RIVER MILES
(b) 1990 LOADINGS
40
30 20
RIVER MILES
10
(c) 2020 LOADINGS
o>
E
i
O
\\\
I I I I I \1 I . I I
I I I I I
so
40'
30 20
RIVER MILES
10
-------
SUMMARY AND WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS
Water quality of the Flint River Basin is, in general, good above
and degraded below the City of Flint. The upper portion of Kearsley
Creek is managed as a trout stream. The Flint River provides water
supply for the City of Flint, with storage in the Holloway Reservoir
located 20 miles upstream. The stream reaches below the municipalities
have moderate levels of coliform bacteria. Below the City of Flint,
however, these levels are excessive during the non-chlorination period.
The Flint River below Flint has extremely high levels of nutrients -
levels of nitrate were 2 mg/1 and phosphate about 4.4 mg/1 in 1965.
Chloride levels were in excess of 80 mg/1 in this area. A severe dissolved
oxygen depression appears below the Flint sewage treatment plant.
The Flint River Basin above the confluence of the South Branch Flint
River is sparsely populated, having only two communities - North Branch
(832), and Clifford (330). Lapeer (8,020) is located midway up the South
Branch Flint River. Also located in this area is the Lapeer State and
Home Training School. The only other community in this part of the basin
is Metamora (390). The community of Columbiaville (789) is located on
the Flint River about 10 miles above the headwaters of the Holloway
Reservoir. Otisville (701) and Otter Lake (523) are two communities in
the Flint River drainage below Holloway Reservoir. Kearsley Creek joins
with the Flint River at the City of Flint. Ortonville (702) is at its
headwaters, and Davison (1,745) is on Black Creek near its confluence
with Kearsley Creek. Both communities are upstream of Kearsley Creek
Reservoir, which is a 2,000 acre-feet emergency water supply for the City
69
-------
of Flint. The City of Flint, in 1960, had a population of 196,940 and
is the third largest city in Michigan. There are numerous suburbs
located in the immediate area: Burton Township (29,700), Flint Town-
ship (300), City of Flushing (3,761), Mt. Morris Township (17,000),
Grand Blanc (1,565), Grand Blanc Township (640). Further downstream,
other communities are: Montrose (1,466), and on the tributaries Mt.
Morris (3,484), and Clio (2,212). The community of New Lothrop (510)
is located on Mistequay Creek, a tributary to the Flint River near its
confluence with the Shiawassee River. Mistequay Creek joins the natural
channel of the Flint River downstream of the Cutoff Canal which diverts
excess flows to the Shiawassee River.
The following communities provide secondary waste treatment: Flint,
Flushing, Davison, Lapeer, Lapeer State Home and Training School, and
Swartz Creek. The communities of Columbiaville and North Branch have no
formal treatment system, although there are some sewers which discharge
raw or semi-treated sewage to the Flint River. There are a number of
industrial sources in the City of Flint which discharge directly to
various points along the Flint River. These include the following divi-
sions of the General Motors Corporation: AC Spark Plug, Buick, Chevrolet-
Flint, Ternstedt, Chevrolet Assembly Plant, and Chevrolet Engine and
Stamping Plant. The Fisher Body Division of General Motors Corporation
is located in the community of Grand Blanc, and the Parts Division -
General Motors Corporation is located in the community of Swartz Creek.
All of these industrial sources are rated adequate by the Michigan Water
Resources Commission. The Vogt Packing Company at Grand Blanc is rated
as "providing control," although the adequacy of control has not been
70
-------
established. Many communities in the basin have joined the Genesee
County-Metropolitan System which has six districts for sanitary sewers
and sewage treatment plants.
In February 1965, a reconnaissance survey of the Flint River from
above Columbiaville to its confluence with the Shiawassee River was
conducted. Twenty-one locations on 61 miles of stream were sampled.
Moderately high bacterial levels were found from Columbiaville to the
Holloway Reservoir, where a decrease in bacterial concentration was
noted. High bacterial levels were found below the outfall of the Flint
sewage treatment plant. The bacterial level below Flint declined in the
area of Montrose. A moderate increase in concentration was noted in the
lower ten miles of stream, although there was an abrupt decrease in the
last two miles below the Flint River Cutoff Canal. Chloride concentra-
tions increased moderately from above Columbiaville to the City of Flint,
and more than doubled at the City of Flint to remain at a high level
throughout the remainder of the stream. A severe dissolved oxygen
depletion was noted below the City of Flint. A moderate depression was
noted in the area from above Columbiaville to the Holloway Reservoir. An
increase in dissolved oxygen occurred in passage through the reservoir.
Two locations on the Flint River were sampled routinely by the FWPCA
in 1965. These were above the City of Flint and at the community of
Montrose. The results are indicated on Table 18.
The data indicate that a substantial increase occurs in the pollutional
level of the river from Flint and the other sources. Chloride level
tripled, the nitrogen levels - nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia - doubled.
The phosphate levels, however, increased 20 times (2,000 percent) from a
71
-------
level of 0.2 mg/1 above Flint to a level of 4.0 mg/1 at Montrose. The
increase was even more spectacular during the lower flow periods (summer).
There was not as great a difference in the dissolved oxygen and BOD levels
of the two locations due to the recovery zone of fifteen miles of stream
passage. Bacterial densities increased substantially in the stream,
although this increase was predominantly during non-disinfection period
of September to May.
An>;>fldditional location on the Flint River at Flushing, downstream
from the Flint sewage treatment plant, was sampled from September to
December 1965. The results are indicated on Table 18.
The degraded quality of the river is evident from the data. Organic
demand is indicated by both the BOD and ammonia nitrogen levels.
Nutrient levels - nitrate and phosphate - increased considerably in the
river's passage through the Flint area, with a fiftyfold increase (5,000
percent) in the phosphate concentration. Chlorides increased fourfold;
dissolved oxygen levels were low even though the sampling period did not
include the high temperature low flow midsummer period. Bacterial
densities were high, although the disinfection period was not included
in the survey.
Samples were collected on a monthly basis from May to November at
two locations in the Basin. These were Farmers Creek at Lapeer and the
headwaters of Swartz Creek near Holly. The results of those analyses
are listed on Table 18.
The data indicate that there is considerably more pollution entering
Farmers Creek than Swartz Creek, as evidenced by the higher chloride and
phosphate levels. The Farmers Creek sampling station was located on the
72
-------
grounds of the Lapeer State Home and Training School, a short distance
upstream from the sewage treatment plant. The headwaters of Swartz Creek
are in Holly State Recreation Area, a few miles upstream. The community
of Holly is at the headwaters of the Shiawassee River, therefore, there
are no significant sources of pollution to the Creek. The data indicate
quality which may be expected in an unpolluted stream.
Due to the dissolved oxygen depression noted below the City of Flint
in a reconnaissance study, an intensified survey was conducted during
the summer of 1965. Seven locations, at about 6-mile intervals along the
lower 40 miles of the river from above Flint to below the community of
Fosters, were sampled every 4 hours for 24 hours. Dissolved oxygen and
temperature determinations were made on these samples. Composites
were prepared for other .parameters and analyzed. Samples for bacterio-
logical analysis were collected on two of the six runs.
Above the City of Flint, the water quality approximated that of
Swartz Creek near Holly and Farmers Creek at Lapeer. Nutrients, BOD,
chloride, and bacterial levels were low. The only major sources of
wastes are Lapeer and Lapeer State Home and Training School sewage treat-
ment plants on the South Branch Flint River about 10 miles from its con-
fluence with the Flint. In the 20 miles of stream from the confluence
point to Flint is the 15,350 acre-feet Holloway Reservoir.
There was a moderate increase in the pollutional level of the Flint
River passing through the City of Flint. There are three direct indus-
trial sources on the river, five industrial, and two municipal sources
on the tributaries - Kearsley Creek, Thread River, and Swartz Creek,
which join the Flint River in the City of Flint. The chloride level
73
-------
tripled, and the phosphates increased from 0.08 to 1.70 mg/1 - a twenty-
fold increase. There was a minor decrease in dissolved oxygen level.
Below the Flint sewage treatment plant outfall, at a location above
the City of Flushing sewage treatment plant, there were excessive increases
in most pollution indicies. Chlorides increased to 100 mg/1 and remained
at this level downstream. Nitrates increased to 2.8 mg/1 as nitrogen. The
total phosphate concentration in the river increased to 11.8 mg/1 and
remained at this level for the remainder of the stream. The oxidizable
nitrogen concentration increased to 2.5 mg/1 as nitrogen, and accounted
for severe oxygen depletion found in the river at this point. Both the
BOD and COD (chemical oxygen demand) increased to moderate levels of
pollution and continued to increase downstream. Bacterial levels indicated
only moderately polluted waters. Brent Run, a tributary which joins the
Flint River at Montrose, and which receives the effluent from the Tern-
stedt Division, General Motors Corporation, had high levels of chlorides,
dissolved solids, and conductivity. Both nitrogen and phosphate concen-
trations in this stream were high, although BOD and COD levels were low.
The dissolved oxygen level was at saturation.
There was considerable diurnal variation in dissolved oxygen at all
stations. Maximum variation (10 mg/1) was found in the recovery area near
Montrose. Average daily concentration at this location and at all down-
stream locations was above saturation. Minimum observed dissolved
oxygen - 0.8 mg/1 - was just above the Flushing sewage treatment plant
outfall. Average daily concentration at this location was at 3.5 mg/1.
The dissolved oxygen sag from above the City of Flint to this location
showed an average reduction of 5 mg/1 in the stream..
74
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The City of Flint presently (1965) accounts for in excess of 90
percent of the waste flows in the basin. Present removal efficiency is
in excess of 90 percent for this plant in terms of 5-day BOD loadings.
The City of Flint currently obtains its water supply from the Flint River
with return via the Flint sewage treatment plant. During the seven day
once-in-ten-year low flow, about 88 percent of the river flow yield below
Flint would have passed through the sewage treatment plant unless excess
water was released from storage. This area is expected to have a tie-in
to the Lake Huron water supply under construction by the City of Detroit.
With water supply from Lake Huron, the storage now available in Holloway
Reservoir could sustain a flow of 100 cfs in excess of sewage treatment
plant flows during drought years.
The present high ratio of sewage treatment plant flow to natural
river flow results in high concentrations of nutrients - 10 mg/1 of total
phosphates and 3 mg/1 of nitrate-nitrogen were found during the 1965
survey, which had an average flow of 75 cfs - about 1-1/2 times the 7 day
once-in-ten-year flow. The concentrations remained at about the same
level throughout the stream to its junction in the Shiawassee Flats area.
The effect of these nutrients in the Flint River was readily apparent
in both the physical observations of algae and in the supersaturated
dissolved oxygen levels caused by photosynthesis. The sewage treatment
plant phosphate level of about 30 mg/1 represents approximately 50 per-
cent removal. The Flint area discharges increased the phosphate level
by about 140 times during the 1965 survey. Phosphate removal of 95
percent (3 mg/1 effluent) would have resulted in a river concentration
of 1.7 mg/1 during the 1965 survey.
75
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The principal quality demanding uses of water in the Flint River
Basin are municipal and industrial water supply, aquatic life, recreation
and aesthetics.
The use of the Flint River as a source of water for industrial and
municipal use is expected to decrease considerably with the completion
of the Lake Huron-Flint Project of the Detroit Water Services. A prime
consideration for quality objectives is the impact of the Flint River on
the Saginaw River. The Flint River, with approximately 24 percent of the
flow, contributes about 50 percent of the phosphate loadings to the
Saginaw River. The removal of nutrients and organic materials is desirable
also to prevent the severe algal blooms which currently degrade even the
aesthetic quality of the Flint River below Flint.
76
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Table 18. Vater Quality
FLINT RIVER
1965
Parameters
Dissolved Oxygen
5 -day BOD
NH3-N
Org-N
NO^-N
N02-N
Total P04
Total Sol. POi^
Total Solids
Suspended Solids
Vol. Susp. Solids
cr
Phenol
PH
_X29
NS
0
0
4
3
5
4
5
5
4
5
2
5
0
5
5 - Fanner's Creek
Avg Low High
_
. -
0.26 0.13 0.33
0.12 0.07 0.18
0.2 0.1 0.4
0.03 >o.oi o.o4
. 0.3 0.2 0.5
0.3 0.2 .0.3
, 424 334 481
10 1 17
5 0.9
43 24 v 67
-
8.1 7-7 8.4
X260 above Flint
NS
12
7
1 IL
1 K
14
10
14
14
14
14
13
16
15
16
Avg Lo;r High
10.6 6.4 13,2
5 3 8
0.59 0.23 2.65
0.26 0.10 0.70
0.8 0.2 1.6
0.02 0.01 . 0.03
- -." _ ^-0.04 0.60
..- <0.04 . 0.40
394 314 508
20 4 44
5 1 12
28 13 63
409
7-9 7-6 8.5
X 296 . '. Swart-z . Creek
NS
0
0
3
3
5
4
5
5
4
5
2
5
Q
5
AVP Low HiRh
_
_
0.25 0.17 0.35
0.12 0.08 0.16
0.1 0.1 0.2
0.02 0.00 > 0.03
.£.0.04 0.30
<<0.04 0.10 .
399 280 675
12 3 29
407
9 ' 3 11
i, v .
7.9 7.4 ' 8.4
-------
TablelS. Water Quality (cont'd)
FLINT RIVER
1965
Parameters
Total Iron
Sodium
Potassium
Calcium
Magnesium
Sulfate
Total Hardness
Conductivity
Total Coliform
Fecal Coliform
Fecal Strep
X 295 . . Farmer ' s Creek
KS
1
2
2
2"
3
4
0
5
0
0
6
Avg Low High
100
32 19 44
96 11
72 70 73
28 20 33
50 40 70
......
650 560 740
...
- ' _
X260 .above Flint
KS
14
12
12
14
14
14
15
17
15
13
13
Avg Low High
i4oo 100 3600
26 4 100
8 2 16
65 58 77
26 15 4o
80 50 120
253 190 326
520 330 730
1,500 360 18,000
220 60 1,700
X296 ' Swartz., Creek
US
1
2
2
2
3
4
0
5
0
0
0
Avg Low High
200
9 89
434
. 54 46 62
' 21 15 26
37 ^.0 66
_
420 350 480
_
-
-J
oo
-------
Table 18. Water Quality (cont'd)
FLINT RIVER
1965
Parameters
Dissolved Oxygen
5 -day BOD
NH3-N
Org-N
N03-N
NOg-N
Total P04
Total Sol. POij.
Total Solids
Suspended Solids
Vol. Susp. Solids
cr
Phenol
PH
X250 at Flushing
NS
6
6
5
5
6
1
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
Avg Low High
4.2 1.8 9.2
10 7 15
4.70 3-50 6.20
0.55 0.35 0.96
1.9 0.8 3.1*
0.29
9.7 5-9 15-2
7.4 4.8 12.8
.530 470 582
n o 19
7 0 12
101 92 112
619
7A 7.0 7-6
X2UO at Montrose
NS
12
7
llf
14
14
10
14
14
14
14
13
16
15
16
Avg Low High
9.7 5-2 12.9
6 3 11
1.15 0.17 3.38
0.26 0.10 0.50
1.9 0.7 4,6
0.06 0.017 . 0.29
4.1 0.5 12.8
3.2 O.l 8.8
505 358 771
27 2 122
8 1 . 32
83 28 252
6 0 15
7.8 7.4 8.4
NS
,
Avg Low Hich
,^
-------
Table 18. Water Quality (cont'd)
FLINT RIVER
1965
Parameters
Total Iron
v * '
SodiUm
Potassium
Calcium
Magnesium
Sulfate
Total Hardness
Conductivity
Total Coliform
Fecal Coliform
Fecal Strep
'M
X250 at Flushing
KS
3
5
5
6 '
6
6
6
6
3
3
3'..
Avg Low High
-_ ^.100 200
6 >100
16 2 22
58 51 66
IT 12 25
89 60 no
226 210 268
810 74o 900
3io;ooo 17,000 68o,ooc
88,000 3,200 130, OOC
4,200 ^90 8,30(
X2kO at Montrose
KS
1U
13
13
14
1^
14
14
17
15
13
13
Avg Low High
- ^1100 8300
62 12 248
15 .3 39
62 45 74
23 14 45
89 49 132
239 176 320
700 430 1160
49,000 400 370,000
5,300 10 30,000
450 10 3,500
NS
Avg Low High
oo
o
-------
NOTES
for
WATER Q3ALITY TABLES
NS ............ Number of samples
Chemical Parameters
Cl . ... ........ Chloride Mg ..... . ...... Magnesium
Fe .. ....... . .. Iron Na ..... ....... Sodium
SOI* ............ Sulfate K ....... ..... Potassium
81 ....... .*... Silica 003 ............ Carbonate
Ca ........... . Calcium HCOj ............ Bicarbonate
Total hardness: reported as CaC03
Nitrogens: ammonia (NE^), organic, nitrates (NC^), and
nitrites (N02) reported as nitrogen equivalent (N)
Phosphates: reported as
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/l) except:
phenols and iron ............ mierograms per liter (ug/1)
*
conductivity . . ....... .... mlcromhos 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
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