A WATER POLLUTION INVESTIGATION
OF THE
DETROIT RIVER
AND THE
MICHIGAN WATERS OF LAKE ERIE
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Public Health Service
Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control - Region V
Detroit River-Lake Erie Project
-------
A WATER POLLUTION IW. in.TIGATION
' 07 TjIE
DETROIT RIVEh'
AND THE
\
MICHIGAN WATERS OF LAKE ERIE
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Public Health Sei-vice
Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control - Region V
Detroit River-LaJce Erie Project
-------
AIT INVESTIGATION
IN
DETROIT RIVER
OF IvATER POLLUTION
THE
AND LAKE ERIE
-------
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
-------
INTRODUCTION
In Section 8 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C.
h66 et seq.) there is a provision whereby the Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare, vhen requested "by the Governor of any State, shall give formal
notification to the State water pollution control agency and shall promptly
call a conference if the request refers to pollution of interstate or
navigable -waters that is endangering the health or welfare of persons only
in the requesting State in which the discharge or discharges originate.
Such a. request was made on December 6, 196l> by the Honorable John B.
Swainson, then Governor of the State of Michigan.
Governor Swainson, in his request, stressed the exemplary record of
pollution abatement of the Michigan Water Resources Commission but stated
critical pollution problems in Michigan's southeastern complex make demands
that are far above the normal pollution control activities. The letter
specifically requested the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to
assist the State of Michigan to identify and recommend methods for correcting
the sources of pollution going into the Detroit River and subsequently into
Lake Erie.
On December 19, 196l, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare
Ribicoff replied to Governor Swainson agreeing to comply with his request
and stressing the desirability of a cooperative State-Federal approach in
meeting these water pollution control problems in the State of Michigan.
After a preliminary investigation of the problem by Federal and State
water pollution control agencies, a conference was held on March 27 and 28,
1962, at the Veterans Memorial Building in Detroit, Michigan. Presentations
1-1
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concerning the present status of pollution in the southeast Michigan area
were given by representatives of local, State, and Federal Governmental
agencies, civic groups, and industry to a group of State and Federal
conferees. Of a total of six conferees, four represented the Michigan Water
Resources Commission and two, including the chairman, the U.S. Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare. Proceedings of this conference contain much
valuable information covering the status of pollution in the southeast
Michigan area.
Conclusions of Conference
1. Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, Lake Erie vithin the State
of Michigan, and their tributaries within the State of ?'!ichigan are
navigable waters within the meaning of section 8 of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act.
2. Pollution of navigable waters subject to abatement under the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act is occurring in the Michigan waters
of Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, Lake Erie, and their tributaries.
The discharges causing and contributing to the pollution come from
various industrial and municipal sources.
3- This pollution causes deleterious conditions so as to interfere
with legitimate water uses, including municipal and industrial water
supplies, fisheries resources, commercial and sport fishing, swimming,
water skiing, pleasure boating, and other forms of recreation.
It is too early, on the basis of the record of the conference,
to make an adequate judgment of the adequacy of the measures taker, toward
2-1
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abatement of the pollution. The conference discussions demonstrate
that there are many gaps in our knowledge of sources of pollution and
their effects.
5. Cognizance is taken of the program of the Michigan Water
Resources Commission for development of adequate pollution control
measures on a progressive basis and the excellent progress being made
by many municipalities and industries under this program. Delays en-
countered in abating the pollution may veil be caused by the existence
of a municipal and industrial complex concentrated in an area with a
limited water resource. The conferees are also atra.re of the vast
problems that Detroit faces as a result of the storm vater outflow from
a system of combined sewers. The problem thus becomes one of approaching
the entire area on a coordinated basis and putting adequate facilities
based on an overall plan.
6. Cognizance is also taken of the six-county study as a useful
approach to the solution of the pollution problem in the Detroit area.
7- The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, in order to
close the gaps in the knowledge as to sources of pollution, nature of
pollution and the effects thereof, appropriate methods of abatement, and
appropriate methods to avoid delays in abatement, will initiate an
investigation and study to gather data and information on the waters
involved. This investigation and study will be carried on in close
cooperation with the State agencies concerned, with the details of the
investigation to be determined by the technical staffs of the Department
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of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Michigan Department of Health,
and the Michigan Water Resources Commission. The Department of Health,~
Education, and Welfare will establish a resident survey group to provide
technical assistance for this investigation.
8. The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare will prepare
reports on the progress of this investigation at six-month intervals
which will he made available to the Michigan Water Resources Commission'.
The Michigan Water Resources Commission will make information contained
in these reports available to all interested parties.
9. The conference will be reconvened at the call of the chairman
with the concurrence of the Michigan Water Resources Commission to
consider the results obtained from the investigation ana study, and to
agree on action to be taken to abate pollution.
Objectives of Project
In order to carry out the mandate of the conference, the Detroit River-
Lake Erie Project was established by the Public Health Service of the U.S.
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with the following objectives:
1. To determine the extent of pollution in the United States
portion of the Detroit River and the Michigan section of Lake Erie.
2. To investigate principal sources, of pollution in this area and
the contribution from these sources.
3- To determine the effect of pollution on various water uses.
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4 To prepare a plan, or plans, for improving water quality
in the area.
As required in conclusion number 8, six-month Progress Reports were pre-
pared by the Project and an adequate supply furnished to the Michigan Water
Resources Commission for distribution to interested parties. These reports
described the organization and function of the Project and were accompanied
by pertinent facts regarding plans and accomplishments toward meeting Project
objectives. Each report contained a current personnel roster and organization
table.
A Technical Committee vas established to inform interested parties of
'Project plans and bring to light activities of other local and State agencies
to prevent needless duplication of effort. Table .1-1 lists the members and
technical advisors to this committee.
The Detroit River-Lalte Erie Project vas conducted as a "pz-cial project
of the Enforcement Branch of the Division of Water Supply ar
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TABLE 1-1
DETROIT RIVER-LAKE ERIE PROJECT
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
MEMBERS:
H. W. Poston (Chairman)
Regional Program Director
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Public Health Service, Region V
Water Supply and Pollution Control
^33 West Van Buren Street
Chicago 7, Illinois
A. R. Balden
Chemical Engineering Department
Chrysler Corporation
Box 1118
Detroit 3-l> Michigan
Gordon Gregory
Metropolitan Research Bureau
United Auto Workers
8000 East Jefferson Avenue
Detroit, Michigan
Peter G. Kuh
Enforcement Branch
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Public Health Service
Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control
330 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington 25, D. C.
J. 0. McDonald
Program Representative, Construction Grants
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Public Health Service, Region V
Water Supply and Pollution Control
J+33 West Van Buren Street
Chicago T, Illinois
Gerald Remus, General Manager
City of Detroit Board of Water Commissioners
735 Randolph Street
Detroit 26, Michigan
6-1
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TABLE 1-1 (cont.)
TECHNICAL ADVISORS:
Keith S. Krause
Chief, Technical Services Branch
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Public Health Service
Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control
330 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington 25, D. C.
Dr. Justin Leonard
Michigan Department of Conservation
Stevens T. Mason Building
Lansing, Michigan
Loring F. Oeming
Executive Secretary
Michigan Water Resources Commission
Reniger Building, 200 Mill Street
Lansing, Michigan
Donald M. Pierce
Michigan Department of Health
Lansing, Michigan
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Richard D. Vaughan
Project Director
Detroit River-Lake Erie Project
Public Health Service
U.S. Naval Air Station
Grosse lie, Michigan
Phone No.: 676-6500
7-I
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Agreement concerning each agency's role in the undertaking was reached and
procedures established to assure satisfactory communication among those
concerned. The resultant operational plan recognized the responsibilities
of both Federal and State organizations and vas designed to obtain the
needed facts with a minimum expenditure of funds and maximum participation
from each of the three agencies.
Following the acquisition of headquarters, a detailed program management
plan vas compiled using the Program Evaluation and Review Technique procedure.
A target date of October 1, 196b, was established for completion of the final
report. A description of the office, laboratory, and field activities as
veil as the magnitude of accomplishments during each six-month period are
given in each of the four Progress Reports.
Coordination with the Detroit Field Unit of the International Joint
Commission vas effected to increase the efficiency of both organizations and
prevent needless duplication of effort. The IJC Detroit Field Unit is staffed
by personnel of the Michigan Water Resources Comission and the Public Health
Service, thus such cooperation and coordination was appropriate. Results of
Detroit River sampling performed by the Detroit Project were made available
to the IJC and vice versa.
Contents of Final Report
This final report of the Detroit River-Lake Erie Project contains a
brief introduction describing the organization of the Project and how it
came into being. The function of the Project is then discussed wi'th reference
to methods of field and laboratory operation and control measures used to
insure reliable results, it also acknowledges assistance from any govern-
mental agencies, private organizations, and individuals.
8-1
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Following a historical review of water quality and pollution investigations,
a general description of the area under study is presented.
A special report, which will be presented by the State of Michigan
regulatory agencies, updates the status of pollution report described in the
conference proceedings. Hater uses are described and projections of both
anticipated population and industrial growth ere then listed. A special
report on Federal installations in the Project -.rca is made.
The remainder of the report fulfills the objectives of the Project by
presenting a picture of water quality and cortent of pollution followed by an
evaluation of sources of pollution and their effect on this -water quality.
Recommendations designed to improve water quality in the wrccrc under study
are then made. A bibliography is included for those intorcr;;^c" in the sources
of material used in the preparation of this report. A ?-\.eei-l fold-out map
(Figure l-l) of the Project area is shown on the l:sst page cf :hc final report.
This map is designed to be folded out and used as a constant reference
throughout the reading of the report.
To facilitate reading and comprehension of chis report, only summaries -
Of technical data are shown in the forms of maps, charts, graphs, and tables.
The detailed data and other information upon ^ hich conclus.: a-.is found in this
report are based are available in the files 01 the ucpartmsvit of Ke'alth,
Education, and Welfare.
9-1
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Operation of the Project
Need for field data was first determined by personnel of the Engineering
Evaluation and Field Operations Sections after study of previously collected
information. This need was translated into specific locations and dates and
a sampling schedule established and carried out.
For the most part sampling ranges crocs the Detroit River previously
established by the International Joint Comrussion were used. New. stations
were selected in Lake Erie and on several tributaries, and a network of
bathing beach sampling stations was established. Figures 2-1 and 3~1 snow the
location of these sampling points. In addition go these loo:, oions over 100
industrial waste outfalls were regularly sampled throughout the study.
With the exception of certain biolog'.c and bottom deposit studies, all
samples were collected at or near the surface of the river or lake. A special
survey was made by Project personnel to assure that this procedure produced
representative results. Comparison was made of samples collected at varying
depths for several measures of pollution and correlation coefficients
computed. Based upon the results of this survey, it was decided that although
some difference did exist between results at varying; depths this difference
was not sufficient to warrant the additional time, expense, ar.d decrease in
the scope of the Project involved in conducting a full-scale depth sampling
program. Basically, this decision recognized tne simiiiarity of samples in a
vertical plane in the waters under study and allows a single sar.tle collected
near the surface to represent all the water in this plane. Over 3,500
determinations were made on 75° samples to assist in making this decision.
A few typical results of the individual analyses are shown in Table 2-1 to
10-1
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PAGE NOT
AVAILABLE
DIGITALLY
-------
PAGE NOT
AVAILABLE
DIGITALLY
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illustrate the variation in depth. Statistical comparison was made to
determine any significant variation in depth, using a correlation coefficient.
A coefficient greater than 0.7 was considered sufficient to ¦'.¦/arrant sub-
stitution of surface for depth sampling based on such factors as accuracy
of laboratory determination and field procedures. Tables 3-1 sncL U-I
summarize correlation between varying depths for several critical parameters
at key locations in the Detroit River and Lake Erie. It van decided,
however, to continue sampling at depths Cor dissolved oxygen in Lake Erie
to better evaluate the possibility of seasonal differences ..n this value.
On the other hand, variance in almost all parameters or mea ;urcc of water
quality vary significantly horizontally -a fact which was usee in the
selection of sampling points on the Detroit River. Other investigators
came to essentially the same conclusion.
Samples were collected in a special scoop sampler desi jr.ed zo hold a
half-gallon glass bottle for future chemical and physical analysis and a small
sterile bottle for bacteriological analysis. This technique eliminated the
necessity for pouring from sampler to bottle and allowed booh the bacteriological
and chemical sample to be collected simultaneously. Special standard
equipment was used for the collection of samples to be analyzed for biologic
specimens and dissolved oxygen. Accepted engineering and biologic techniques
were used in the collection of these samples. V/henever a?:-.: Liccble, procedures
described in "Standard Methods'' were followed, especially >: vose limiting the
elapsed time from collection to analysis.
Samples were collected at regular intervals throughout the study from
the Detroit River, Lake Erie, their tributaries, and other points of water
(l) Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 11th Edition.
11-1
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TABLE 2-1. TYPICAL RAW DATA.
DEPTH STUDY
Upper Detroit River
(DT 30-8 - 1,000 feet from U.S. shore)
Dentil
Parameter
Surface
5'
10'
15'
20'
25'
30'
Temperature °C
16.9
16.9
17
15.8
16.9
16.8
16.8
Dissolved Oxygen ($SSat.)
92
95
9J:
94
95
95
95
pH
8.3
8.3
£.3
8.4
8.4
£.3
8.3
Chlorides (mg/l)
>
6
x
6
5
y
'O
5
Total Coliforms (/lOOml)
60
40
60
80
-
Lover Detroit Pr'.ver
(DT 8.7W - 480 feet fror.: U.S. shore)
Depth
Surface
Temperature UC 1.5
Dissolved Oxygen ($ Sat.)
pH To
Chlorides (m^/l)
Total Conforms (/lOOnl)
Fecal Streptococci (/lOCml) 200
Phenols (ug/l)
Turbidity (units)
Conductivity (u mhos)
cc I
J
2.0
7.6
10'
2.0
7.7
1 « r
2.0
7.7
20'
2.0
7-7
^9
45
46
46
46
,000
7,500
5,900
8,100
9,000
200
260
300
200
240
12
14
19
14
18
25
25
25
25
25
So
80
90
75
-
Dentil
Lake Erie (L-6)
Parameter .
Surface
5'
0
11
15:
20
Temperature °C
21
20
20
20
Dissolved Oxygen (
# Sat. ) 8l
76
7k
7-1:
71
pH
7-9
8.1
3.0
bO
7
Chlorides (n^/l)
16
16
15
15
15
12-1
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TABLE 3-1. CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS - DEPTH SAMPLES
DETROIT RIVER (DT 8.7)
Depth s y lOJ 15J 20'
Chlorides
S 0.997 O.97o 0.980 0.970
5' 0.001 0.931
io' ¦ 0.995 0.986
15' 0.993
Tobc l Col": form Organisms
S 0.841 O.OOp C.T-P 0.731
5' 0.cX& 0.7po 0.8U1
10 ' 0.852 0.676
15' 0.692
Dissolved Oxygen ($ S;.v,. )
s 0.855 0.751 0.700 0.752
5' 0.796 c.728 0.887
10' 0.900 0.855
15' 0.855
-13-1
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TABLE U-I. CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS - DEPTH SAMPLES
LAKE ERIE
Chlorides
0.999 0.97c 0.996
De^th S 3' 10' 15' 20'
S 0.992 Q.95U O.9B6 0.97 !'r
5' 0.999 0.97c 0.996
10' 0.931 0.997
15' ' 0.966
20'
Dissolved Or.y^en (c/d Sat.)
s 0.9C5 0.SH5 o.s^o 0.790
5' 0.921 0.9h-Z 0.835
io' 0.920 0.7^
20' 0.898
lii-I
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use in the area. Special intensive studies were conducted in these waters to
determine variation in water quality throughout the day and night with time
intervals of approximately 3 hours "between samples.
Spot samples from industrial waste sources were collected throughout the
survey, and intensive surveys conducted cooperatively with State agencies
were made of both domestic and industrial installations. Composite sampling
for a continuous period coupled with waste discharge measurements enhanced
the value of the intensive surveys, while the spot samples indicated the
expected range of many parameters of pollution in waste effluents as well as
better defining trends in waste treatment "before and after the intensive
survey.
Seasonal bottom fauna studies were made in the Detroit River to determine
both the presence and number of indicator biologic organisms in the bottom
deposits, and the effect of waste sources on these organisms. At the same
time physical and chemical measurements were made in the waters under study
to better correlate these parameters of pollution \/ith biologic observations.
In addition to the seasonal studies, routine collection of plankton organisms
was made throughout the study.
After collection the camples were taken to the receiving room of the
Project laboratory. Samples for bacteriological analysis were to this
section of the laboratory for immediate processing ana incubation. Samples
for chemical an;:ly^ s were divided into aliquots to expedite the testing
program. Spocial preparation or preservation was required for certain
chemical analyses. At this time samples for analyses to be performed at the
Great Lakes-Illinois River Basins Project laboratory in Chicago were prepared
15-1
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for shipment and mailed. In general, the Great Lakes-Illinois River Basins
Project laboratory performed those analyses requiring special laboratory-
equipment considered inappropriate for the temporary Project laboratory.
In general, all laboratory procedures were performed in accordance with
"Standard Methods" to assure both uniformity and acceptability. Minor modi-
fications were made on two determinations (ammonia nitrogen and organic
nitrogen) to improve the sensitivity and expedite a systematic analytical
scheme. Before adopting these modifications a review of the literature
describing the changes was made and a thorough study was made to evaluate the
impact of the change. After analysis the results were recorded on combination
laboratory and data sheets and forwarded to the Engineering Evaluation Section
for study.
In addition to following procedures outlined in "Standard Methods/' it
was considered desirable to conduct precision and accuracy tests for internal
laboratory control to assure reliability of results and compare laboratory
operation with established limits. Throughout the laboratory operation
determinations were made on standards of known concentration anc the results
compared to assure reasonable accuracy. Laboratory precision or the ability
to duplicate results was deterr,lined by selecting several samples of varying
concentration and performing identical determinations on approximately ten
replicates or duplicates of each sample. It was xhen possible to compute
statistical measure of variation of data such as standard deviation and get
an indication of precision. Tables 5-1 through 8-1 summarizes the results
of the laboratory precision and accuracy tests for chemical ana physical
determinations.
16-1
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TABLE 5-1. SUMMARY OF PRECISION TESTS - LABORATORY ANALYSES
7t Sets of Total Range of Mean Values Pooled Standard Method
Determination Range and Units Replicates Replicates mg/l Deviation Precision
Chloride
0-600 mg/l
12
120
6-567
+
<".1
± 1.3
Phenols
0-29
-ug/l
8
80
1-29*
+
1
30-99
'"-s/l
8
80
31-66
+
3
-
JLUU-jUU Alg/l
2
20
201-339
+
20
-
Ammonia Nitrogen
0-0.2
mg/l
1
17
.16
+
.03
± 5$
.3".59
mg/l
12
. 98
32~.li 7
+
.03
± 5#
.6-.8
mg/l
-
-
± %
Nitrate Nitrogen
0 - .29
mg/l
0
b9
.16-.29
+
.03
30-.59
mg/l
2
30
.h3-.bk
+
.08
.6-1
mg/l
2
16
.80-.88
+
.11
Phosphate as (P0)|)
O-.lh
mg/l
1;
ho
.001-.07
+
.02
± .02 mg/l
.15 -.><-9
mg/l
h
38
.18-.32
.02
II
.50-.70
rng/l.
2
20
.62-.68
+
.Oij
11
1.0
mg/l
-
-
-
Nitrite Nitrogen
0-.025
'-is/1
10
100
.002-.020
+
.001
± .002 mg/l
Organic Nitrogen
C\
CV.
:
O
ng/1
12
85
09-.25
± 5/3
30
mg/l
1
6
.56
+
.06
± 5$
Suspended Solids
17-26
mg/l
1
10
19
+
k
± 13*
367-H72
mg/l
1
9
hlQ
+
U2
± 13*
Dissolved Oxygen
6.7-7.7
mg/l
2
27
7.0-7.^5
0.
.08
O.058-O.I
u = A;g/ 1
= A synthetic sample containing 13'+ ing/l filtrahle residue had a standard deviation of ± 13 rag/l-
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TABLE 6-1. SUMMARY OF RECOVERY TESTS - LABORATORY: ANALYSES
Determination
Range and Units
iL- Sets of Total Range of Mean Average $
Replicates Replicates Values - mg/l Recovered
Average $ Error in
Recoveries
Chloride
0-600 mg/l
2
20
29-^8
100
0
Phenols
<.'¦ 7-J yug/l
1
10
29a
88
12
30-99 Aig/1
7
70
3l-66a
95
7
100-300 .Ate/1
1
10
339a
108
ft
a = Aq/1
f1
CD
i
M
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TABLE 7-1. SUMMARY OF ACCURACY TESTS - LABORATORY ANALYSES
Number of
Range of
Average Known Diff.
Accuracy
Root Mean Square
Range and
Comparisons
Standards
from
Standards
of
Deviation from
Determination
Units
\l/ Standards
mg/l
Units
*
Std. Meth.
Known
Chloride
0-600 mg/l
1(0
5-80
15
± <
7
±
^5 mg/l
+
< 1 ppm
Phenols
0-29 Alg/1
37
1Qb
10
+
20
*
2 Mg/l
. 30-99
37
50
50
+
12
*
+
6 AJg/l
100-300 jug/1
37
100
100
+
8
*
+
8 -ug/l
Ammonia Nitrogen
0-0.2
rng/l
19
0.01-. 0125s
0.011
+
27
±
5
+
.003 rng
3-59
iflG./l
ito
.02-.025a
0.021
+
19
±
5
+
.OOH mg
,6-.8
mg/l
19
.0^-.05a
0.0U3
+
9
4
5
+
.OOU mg
19
.06-.075a
0.06)*
+
Ci
O
±
5
+
.005 mg
11
.08-0.1
0.03i|
+
li
+
5
+
.003 mg
Nitrate Nitrogen
0-.29
mg/l
53
0.1-0.3
0.2
+
25
Z
+
.05 mg./'
30-.59
rag/l
52
O.5-O.7
0.6
+
20
z
+
0.1 mg/.
.6-1
mg/l
51
1.0-1.5
1.3
12
z
+
0.l6 mg/j
Phosphate as (P0> )
O-.lit
mg/l
Uo
.05-.1
.075
+
13
*
+
0.01 mg/'
- i|.
.15-.^9
mg/1
21
.20
.20
+
10
*
+
0.02 mg/'
.50-.70
mg/l
20
.50
.50
-L
k
*
+
0.02 mg/.
1.0
nig/l
22
.1.0
1.0
+
2.
5
*>r
±
0.0k mg/'
Nitrite Nitrogen.
0-.025
mg/i
53
0-0.025
0.012
00J1
nig
± .002 mg/l
a - mg
b - Aig/l
"* - No deteiTainecl accuracy clue to interfering substances.
Z -- Brucine Method
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TABLE 8-1. SUMMARY OF PRECISION TESTS ON TRIPLICATE LABORATORY ANALYSES
Determination
Dissolved. Oxygen
Total Solids ^
COD
Suspended Solids
Range and Units
6.5-9.H mg/l
110-670 mg/l
19- 30^ "!{j/l
l-k20h mg/l
Number of
Triplicates
6
5
5
9
Total
Number of
Replicates
18
15
15
27
Average Percentage
Deviation from Mean
Over Entire Range
< 1
3
8
20*
* Elimination of one value of 100/3 at level of 3 ppm would bring this percentage
down to 10$.
(a)One set of triplicate values from SR 13-7 - lbOO feet - values 110, 120, 120 Mean 120.
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All water samples collected for "bacterial study were examined for
total coliform content, using the Membrane Filter (MF) technique as described
in "Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater," Eleventh Edition..
The Most Probable Number (MPN) test for total coliforms was performed as
described in "Standard Methods." Lauryl sulfate tryptose broth was used for
the presumptive test. The MPN test was used only as an occasional check
against the MF technique.
Fecal coliform and fpcal streptococci tests wer? made as necessity
indicated. The streptococci determinations were made using the MF technique
as described in "Standard Methods." KF Streptococcus Agar (Difco No. OU96-OI)
was used in place of M-enterococcus Agar.
An estimate of the fecal coliform population was reached by inoculating
sheen colonies from the total MF plates directly into fermentation tubes of
EC Medium (Difco No. 031^-01), one colony per tube of medium with incubation
in a water bath set at UU.5 - i+5°C for 2b (±2) hours. The number of
colonies picked ranged from 10 to 20 per sample. If 10 colonies were picked
and none were positive, the result was recorded as "10$. :i If none of 20
colonies were positive, the result was recorded ac; "5$-" A zero percent was
never recorded. This test is termed a temperature differential test. The
presence of gas in the fermentation tubes indicates the coliforms present
originated from the gut of warm-blooded animals (fecal coliforms). Absence
of gas indicates t.ie absence of fecal coliforms since coliforms derived from
non-fecal sources generally fail to produce gas at UU.5 - U5°C. Recommenda-
tions for the standardization of techniques were made by Mr. Harold F. Clark,
of the Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center, with regard to procedures,
preparation of media, incubation of cultures, and tabulation of results.
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Although the membrane filter technique is veil accepted and listed as an
approved technique in "Standard Methods," it -was decided to attempt a compari-
son of this technique with the multiple-tube dilution of MPN method in the
waters under study. Similar comparisons were performed by other investigators
after the membrane filter technique -was developed. The Project investigation
concluded the two techniques provided the same description of bacterial
quality of water (as measured "by coliform concentration).
Over 100 duplicate samples were analyzed "by "both techniques and in all
"but two cases the membrane filter result was within the 95$ confidence limit
of the corresponding MPN result. The membrane filter results were consistently
lower than corresponding MPN determinations, especially in the lower ranges
of coliform concentrations. Nine samples representing degrees of "bacterial
concentration expected from sewage effluent to relatively unpolluted river
water were collected and ten replicates were analyzed for total coliform
organisms by both the MPN and membrane filter technique. The results of this
precision test are shown in Table The same tendency of membrane filter
results appearing lower than corresponding MPN determination was observed.
The membrane filter results were reproduced with more precision as indicated
by the magnitude of the standard deviation and by the range of observed values.
Another special field investigation was undertaken concerning the possi-
bility of regrowth of bacterial population in the receiving stream after
discharge from the Rouge River and the Detroit Sewage Treatment Plant. This
investigation showed no significant regrowth or die-off of coliform popu-
lation in the Detroit River after discharge'from these waste sources. The
extremely short time of passage from waste sources to the mouth of the river
could have influenced these findings.
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TABLE 9-1. COMPARISON OF MPN AND MP BACTERIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES
TOTAL COLIFORM - REPLICATE ANALYSES
Membrane Filter Technique
Log Mean of
Sample
Replicates
Log Mean
Range of Observed
No.
Organi sms/100ml
±2 Standard
Deviation
Value s
7669
3,200,000
2,150,000
4,960,000
2,400,000
4,300,000
767b
130
63
1,660
1+0
300
7677 ¦
350
190
660
280
900
7681
7,900,000
5,970,000
10,700,000
6,300,000
14,900,000
7682
25,900
13,700
W,800
16,000
44,000
768b
4,770
3,500
6,490
3,1+00
5,700
7686
350
270
750
180
600
7693
660
540
800
3^0
1,9^0
7708
1,520
1,170
1,970
1,120
1,700
MPN Technique
Log Mean of
Sample
Replicates
Log Mean
Range of Observed
No.
Organisms/lOOml
+2 Standard
Deviation
Values
7669
4,53O,000
1,820,000
7,250,000
2,300,000
7,000,000
767^
620
180
2,150
230
1,300
7677
820
210
3,170
330
3,48o
7681
8,460,000
5,900,000
12,100,000
3,300,000
24,000,000
7682
23,000
6,830
78,800
7,900
79,000
7684
11,000
2,000
66,000
7,000
39,000
7686
750
4io
1,1+00
220
1,720
7693
1.100
610
2,o00
310
3,480
7708
2,276
500
10,400
1,090
5 >20
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Special investigation was made of the "bottom of the waters under study
to determine the effect of waste sources upon this area of the river and lake
environment. Bottom sediment samples were collected at one-mile grids in Lake
Erie and regular intervals in the Detroit River. These samples were analyed
for significant chemical and physical constituents and samples above known
waste sources compared with those "below such sources.
To properly evaluate the effect of a particular waste source or sources
upon water quality, an intimate knowledge of currents in the Detroit River
and Lake Erie was necessary. Fluorescent dye was placed in waste sources and
traced to areas of water use using special equipment. Dispersal patterns ana
magnitude of water available for dilution of wastes were determined to help
not only evaluate present pollution problems but also assist in the estimation
of improvements to be derived from treatment of wastes. The problem of the
effect upon water quality in the Detroit River by discharge from combined
sewers during or following significant rainfall has been recognized by several
investigators. A great deal of controversy exists concerning the magnitude
of this problem. Two approaches to this problem were made by personnel of
the Detroit Project. Special stream sampling in the waters under study was
undertaken during the following heavy rains and the results compared statis-
tically with dry-weather sampling. Results of stream sampling by other in-
vestigations in the past were examined and correlated with rainfall to see
if significant variation in water quality could be expected downstream from
outfalls of combined sewers. Concern over this problem resulted in a second
approach or special study conducted by the State regulatory agencies ana
the Public Health Service in cooperation with two municipalities. This
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study entailed the quantitative and qualitative measurement of overflows from
combined sewers and from a separate storm sewer. These results were compared
and to some degree correlated to rainfall intensity in the drainage area. In
addition to description of these results in the section of this report
entitled "Presentation of Results," a special report of this undertaking has
"been compiled "by the Michigan Department of Health. Already much valuable
information has been obtained concerning the quality and quantity of the
discharges. This information, supplemented by additional study, will furnish
valuable insight into the proper assessment of this problem and possible
solutions.
During the operation of this Project, several unusual events occurred
which influenced water quality in the area and are reported in the appropriate
sections of this report. One event which merits special mention is the by-
passing to the Detroit River for 10 days of a substantial percentage of .the
domestic wastes from the City of Detroit sewerage system. This action -./as
required to replace sluice gates in a major pumping station in the sys'Cim.
Since advance notice of this action was given, it was possible to design and
carry out a special sampling program which furnished a great deal of insight
into the effect of domestic waste on water quality at different locations in
the Detroit River and Lake Erie.
Measurement of discharge in the Detroit River and its tributaries as
well as tributaries to Lake Erie was made or obtained from other governrcen-
agencies to help assess the effect of waste sources on water quality in a
quantitative sense. The distribution of flow across the Detroit River was
also required for the proper assessment of effects of water quality by known
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waste sources and together -with the results of current pattern investigations
can be used to predict improvements in -water quality after specific vaste
treatment.
After results of laboratory analyses and field activities reached the
Engineering Evaluation Section, they were tabulated and statistically sum-
marized using electronic data processing facilities and engineering judgment.
The results of the evaluation in the early stages of Project operation
furnished guidelines for future sampling activity while the final results
furnished the basis for description of water quality and effects of vaste
sources upon -water uses in the area. Ey considering several statistical
descriptions of data collected early in Project operation, it was possible to
eliminate many sampling stations that furnished duplicate or nearly duplicate
results.
The services of Dr. Richard D. Remington, Professor of Biostatistics at
the University of Michigan, were frequently utilized. Dr. Remington reviewed
statistical procedures used on the Project and recommended, when appropriate,
additional or alternate methods of evaluation. He also used complex statis-
tical approaches to obtain a clearer picture of the reliability of Project
technical data and assure maximum use of tais material.
The magnitude of the operation of the Detroit River-Lake Erie Project is
attested to by the fact that over 25,000 samples were collected, upon which
over 135,000 determinations were performed. Furthermore, types of bacteri-
ological, cherrii::.l, physical, and biochemical tests were used in this study
t
to make the investigation of water pollution as comprehensive as possible from
this standpoint.
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Use of consultants within and outside the Public Health Service was made
to guide operations and to assist in the development of conclusions made by
Project personnel. Special use of such services was made in data processing
activities, biologic investigations, waste treatment evaluation, and determina-
tion of pollution effect of shorefront homes.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
During the preparation of this report, significant assistance has "been
rendered "by a great number of individuals and representatives of private
groups and governmental agencies. Space does not permit individual recog-
nition of every person or agency; however, certain groups merit special
recognition due to the value of their contribution.
The extensive participation of the Michigan Water Resources Commission
and the Michigan Department of Health in the conduct of the Project is
recognized as a vital part of this State-Federal undertaking.
Special laboratory and administrative assistance was furnished "by the
Great Lakes-Illinois River Basins Project of the Public Health Service.
Industrial and demographic projections were made by personnel of the Great
Lakes Project for use in this report. It is anticipated that much of the
information collected by the Detroit Project i-ri.ll be utilized by the Great
Lakes Project in their comprehensive study of the Great Lakes Easins.
Guidance and assistance in the preparation of the portion of this
report relative to biological studies -was furnished by staff members ,of
the Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center.
Special acknowledgement in recognition of significant and meaningful
contribution to this Project is made to the following agencies and organiza-
tions :
International
International Joint Commission
Federal
U.S. Coast Guard
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U.S. Corps of Engineers
Detroit District Office
Lake Survey
U.S. Department of Commerce
Weather Bureau
U.S. Department of Interior
Bureau of Commercial Fisheries
Geological Survey
U.S. Navy
U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Public Health Service
Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Great Lakes-Illinois River Basins Project, WS3PC, Region V,
Chicago, Illinois
State of Michigan Agencies
Michigan Department of Conservation
Michigan Department of Health
Michigan Water Resources Commission
Regional Agencies
Regional Planning Commission - Detroit Metropolitan Area
Supervisors Inter-County Committee
County Agencies
Monroe County Health Department
Washtenaw County Health Department
Wayne County Health Department
Wayne County Road Commission
Municipal Agencies
City of Ann Arbor
City of Detroit
City Planning Commission
Department of Health
Department of Public Works
Water Department
City of Monroe
Port of Monroe Authority
City of Trenton
City of Wyandotte
Municipal Service Commission
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Universities
Central Michigan University
Department of Biology
Ohio State University
Franz Theodore Stone Laboratory
University of Michigan
Great Lakes Research Division
School of Natural Resources, Department of Wildlife Management
Museum of Zoology, Mollusk Division
School of Civil Engineering
School of Public Health
Others
Great Lakes Fisheries Commission
National Sanitation Foundation
Grateful acknowledgement is also made to the many others whose contribu-
tions aided in this undertaking.
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BACKGROUND
Other Investigations
Many investigations of a water resource nature have "been made in the
Detroit area. Some are very definitive in nature coping with one specific
problem while others investigate water pollution and the effect on water
quality of waste sources. These studies have "been conducted by governmental
inits at all levels, universities, and consulting engineers.
In addition to past investigations of an individual nature, the pro-
ceedings of the Detroit water pollution control conference represent in
themselves the collective technical view cf many interests. Since this
Project was established to fill in the gaps in information presented at the
conference, it will not be discussed in the category of "other investigations."
Actually, this final report will be added to the information presented at the
first session of the conference, resulting in a complete report to this group.
Four such undertakings have been selected for discussion here to provide
an adequate background for the investigations, findings, and conclusions of
the Detroit River-Lake Erie Project.
1913 Investigation by the International Joint Commission
Following the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 between the governments of
Canada and the United States, a field investigation was rriade of the bacterio-
logical quality of certain international waters, including the Detroit River.
Bacteriological techniques and methods of reporting differed from modern
practices, but the report is invaluable in furnishing insight into water
quality at this early date prior to sewage treatment in the area. Review of
the narrative summary of the report reveals several significant findings
which include:
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1. Bacterial concentrations changed markedly from the head of the
Detroit River to its mouth, increasing from less than 5 B. coli/lOOml
at the head to 11,592 B. coli/lOQml at the mouth.
2. High bacteriological concentrations are most pronounced close
to each shore.
3- No sewage treatment was provided with numerous outfalls along
the River Rouge and both shores of the Detroit River.
k. Sampling of bathing beaches near C-rosse lie indicates gross
pollution constantly present.
5- The report considered the Detroit River fro:.: Fighting Island to
its mouth as unfit as a source of drinking water ith ar.y known method
of water purification. It also mentioned that three cornuiiities were
using the river in this area as a source of domestic supply.
Any reader of the report should consider the d ::t "as v:\Ltten and the
status of sanitary engineering technology at that tune, fiincc 1-J13 sewage
treatment facilities have been installed at most locations, and water treatment
technology has progressed to the point where raw water of higher coliform
concentration can b;: urea'ced with safety.
Results wore .reported as an index per 100 ml rather than an actual colony
count as determined in more modern techniques. A crude approximation of
comparable MPN values may be obtained by multiplying "ohe index by 2.k but
perhaps more good can be obtained by observing the magnitude of the increase
in bacterial concentrations from the head to the mouth of the Detroit River.-
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In such a comparison, one should take care to evaluate all the data. In the
1913 investigation two short surveys of -water quality at the mouth of the
Detroit River were performed. In the latter part of May 1913> ten daily
samples were collected from each of ten stations across the Detroit River
near its mouth. The average B. coli index during this period was the
11,592 B. coli/lOOml figure reported in the narrative of the document. In
September 1913> 15 samples were collected from each of 1*4- stations across
the Detroit River near its mouth. The average B. coli index from this
sampling -was 1,757 B- coli per 100 ml. This appears to point out the vari-
ability in water quality "below known waste sources and the difficulties
involved in making technical judgments based upon a short sampling period.
The report does point out an urgent need for effective sewage treatment
in the area and the significant deterioration of the "bacterial quality of
the Detroit River from its head to its mouth.
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191+8 Fox Creek Drainage Report
This report was prepared by a board of consulting engineers, consisting
of Samuel A. Greely, Malcomb Pirnie, and William Storrie, for the City of
Detroit to evaluate the effect of combined sewer overflows in the Detroit
River.upon the City's raw water supply.
The findings of the Board in relation to the quality of raw water at the
Detroit Water Works intake were summarized in the report and are listed
below:
(a) The raw water at Detroit is better than that at several
of the large C-rest Lakes civics ana is readily amenable to
treatment by methods commonly used in practice today.
(b) Pollution of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River has
increased over the years, and this is reflected in the raw water
quality.
(c) In spite of increasing pollution, the raw T.roter is still
relatively good and the average bacteriological quality is
considerably better than thct at many other purification plants.
(d) The Jiar.imun M.P.N, in any sample of recent years was
15,000 per 100 c.c. and the maximum daily average was 7,030 per
100 c.c.
(j) For the most part the high M.P.N, values follow rains
and arj accompanied by recognizable increases in turbidity, "cut
this is not always the case.
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(f) Minor increases in coliform organism density are
frequent, with or without any unusual rainfall, and usually are
accompanied "by small changes in turbidity or chlorine demand.
The report described several sources of pollution and how they affect
characteristics of the raw water. The descriptions of two of these sources
are listed below:
A. Fox Creek
Of these several sources, Fox Creek is situated so as to
cause the most serious trouble if permitted to discharge
increased pollution. At the present time, "che sewage discharged
into Fox Creek is limited oo excess combined flows from Grosse
Pointe Park not exceeding oOO c.f.s., end the effects have not
been severe. However, float tests have demonstrc-oed that under
certain conditions ifater from the mouth of Fox Crc-ok :;.t windmill
Point will reach the intake. Therefore, the discharge of sewage
into Fox Creek at any time is undesirable.
B. Conner Creek
There is considerable evidence of pollution of the Belle
Isle bathing beaches from Conner Creek, but very little to
indicate serious pollution of the raw water since tru-. new intake
was completed in 1932. The inlet to the intake lagoon is only
1,000 feet below Conner Creek on the opposite side of the
United States channel in which the streamlining of the swift
river currents has been re-established. A very strong wind from
the west or northwest might overcome the natural direction of
35-X
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surface water flow downstream and force surface water across
the channel to the intake. I-Iowever, there is no record of
such an occurrence and the new intake, purposely located
upstream to avoid pollution from Conner Creek, has served well.
In the summary of the report the following discussion described the
dangers involved in the proposed discharge of combined sewage through Fox
Creek:
If the proposed Fox Creek sewer should be allowed to
discharge any combined sewage through Fox Creek, the effect on
the quality of the Detroit water supply may be highly dangerous
and perhaps disastrous.
To remove adequately the dangers of such pollution, the
discharge of untreated sewage through the existing and future
outlets upstream of Conner Creek should be entirely dis-
continued. To accomplish this, the Board favors the adoption
of a comprehensive plan based largely on the use of separate
sewers.
As to what changes my be necessary in the future source
of water supply, no change is necessary if comprehensive
coordinated v:or';s are provided to control and remove dangerous
pollution by the large estimated future population in the
related area.
The Board iaa.de several recommendations to the City of Detroit. Nine
these have been selected most pertinent as background to the present study
36-1
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These are:
3. Lake Huron as a source of supply will become essential
only when failure occurs to control all pollution within
practicable limits in Lake St. Clair and its tributary
waters. This alternative to the existing source is not
recommended, partly because of its very high cost, although it
is the best of the available alternatives.
9- The water works intake at the east end of Belle Isle
is well located .end should be the source of the raw water
supply for many years. It is the safest and most economical
location in the upper Detroit River and Lake St. Clair.
The necessity for moving to another location will arise only
if the 'upstream' population increases far beyond the present
estimates, or if the pollution of the craters of Lake St.
Clair and the Detroit River is not adequately controlled and
consequently the quality of these water is grossly deteriorated.
10. The characteristics of the present raw water suoply
do not constitute a heavy nor an unreasonable load on watc-r
purification facilities as compared to other large water
purification plants on the Great Lakes.
12. The capacity of the water works chlorinating equip-
ment should be ..ncreased and provision should be made for
prechlorination at the intake shaft 011 Belle Isle.
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13- Adequate control of all factors causing or likely
to cause pollution of the water supply requires that the
discharge of untreated sewage through the existing and
future outlets upstream from Conner Creek and along the
west shore of Lake St. Clair and Anchor Bay shall "be entirely
discontinued. There should be no discharge of untreated
sevage at Fox Creek.
14. Immediate steps should "be taken towards modernizing
the equipment in the Fairview Pumping Station.
15. More effective regulations one" control should be
instituted by the proper authorities over the discharge of
sewage and oil from vessels using these waters.
21. To provide helpful data for planning and g~j.idL.nce
for safe operation, it is recommended that routine and
regular samples of the waters related to the ?o:: Creek problem
be taken ana analyzed. Sampling stations should be selected
in the head waters of the Detroit River and at several points
in Lake St. Clair as far north as Anchor Bay where, throughout
the year, sc far as practicable, samples shoulc be taken and
analy7.ee": at regular intervals, and the trend of "ohe cniality of
the raw water recorded. In the selection of sampling points,
consideration should be given to those -used by the Interaction
Joint Commission ir. its 19^7 survey.
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22. The water recreation afforded, to the Metropolitan
Area "by Lake St. Clair and the upper reaches of the Detroit
River is unique and invaluable. An adequate control of the
several factors recited in these recommendations and referred
to in detail in the report together with a comprehensive
plan for sewerage and sewage disposal are essential to the
safeguarding of these waters. Thus, to preserve the
recreational facilities as well as to protect the quality
of the Detroit water supply, adequate control measures are
needed.
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1951 IJC Report on Pollution of Boundary Waters
During the period 19k6-k8 a special survey was made of pollution in
international waters of concern to the International Joint Commission. When
asked in April 19^6 by the governments of Canada and the U.S.A. to conduct
the survey, the Commission was charged with answering four basic questions
listed below:
1. Are the waters referred co in the preceding paragraph
or any of them, actually being polluted on ei;her side of the
boundary to the injury of health or property in the other side
of the boundary?
2. If the foregoing question is ancwere I . affirma-
tive, to what e::tent, by what causes, and in -/hat localities
is such pollution taking place?
3- If the Commission should fine that p:il\: .'.ion of the
character just referred to is taking place, \iiat measures for
remedying the situation would, in its judgment, be mosc
practicable from the economic, sanitary, and other poincs of
view?
h. -no Commission should find th,?t t.^ construction
or maintenance of remedial or preventive works :s necessary
to render the waters sanitary and suitable fcr ^.r.iestic and
other uses, it should indicate the nature, location, and
e>:ti-.'.vt of such works and the probable cost thereof, and by
whom and in what proportions such cost should be borne.
Uo-i
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Field investigations covered the determination of the present status
of the waters under study (which included the Detroit River) from the
standpoint of 16 measures of water quality. Waste sources were qualitatively
and quantitatively investigated as well as physical features of the rivers
including discharge and transboundary movement of pollution. Major uses of
the waters and the effect of pollution upon these uses we re described. A
summary of the finding and recommendations is listed below:
Findings
1. These waters are seriously polluted in many olace-s
on both sides of the boundary. The mosc serious pollution
exists in the i3t. Clair River below Porb h'uron a:;d Darnia,
in Lake St. Clair along the west shore, in the Delr.o:".i; River
below Belle Isle, and in Luke Erie and the west end. There
is progressive ovcr-cll degradation of the water between L-:ke
Huron and Lake Erie.
2. There is a transfer of pollution from each side of
the boundary to the other. This has been demonstrated by
float studies, by analytical results, and by accidental dis-
charges of specific substances.
3- There has been injury to health and property on
both sides of the boundary. This has been manifested in the
following way...:
a. Health - A potential menace is present where
waters polluted to the extent of these are used for domestic
lil-I
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purposes. They are in such condition that they cannot be
safely used as a pota"ble supply vithout complete said
continuously effective treatment. Much of the threat to
health arises from such factors as "bacterial overloading
"beyond the safe limits of -water purification processes;
variations in pollution './ith accompanying erratic chlorine
demand; interference of certain typos of pollutiar. i/ith
disinfectants which destroy their ga:~rlcid:!l properties;
and the probability of certain infections being c: rried
through a T,racer treatment process, especially if l.:~re '.s
any interruption or breakdown in a part of t_\a: process.
This condition occurred in Detroit in 192o when J;5 j 0G0 cases
of dysentery were reported among the water consur.iers.
These waters are so polluted in many ?r."as ts !;o
render then unsafe for bathing purposes. Both rning end
prohibitory actions in this respect have been taben by
appropriate cv.thorit.ies. Case histories of col-.:, typhoid
fever patients in Detroit have pointed stro.-gly ,o in::'ee"..:.ons
contracted at a Lake St. Clair beach. This dame,,c-is not only
reflected in cases of typhoid fever and other rep or'; .
diseases, bub it nay include enteric, ear, and upper respira-
tory infections.
The scwage pollution present 'n these "l una: ' \: ¦. ;rs
must be considered as an actual and potential her v.h kannn
whether it be through public water supplies, banning bc.;c!_* : .
or other means.- If the 1913 to 19^6 trend in water polluLior.
U2-I
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is pemitted to continue the time will come when conditions
vn.ll reach a point where it will be impossible to use these
waters safely for domestic purposes.
b. Property - Injury to property has "been illustrated
in the cost of extending water intakes and of water treatment,
both for municipalities and industries; in economic loss to
ovners of bathing beaches and other waterfront property; in
damage to water craft; and in destruction of fish and wildlife.
c. Industry - There is evidence that those waters
are polluted to such a degree as to affect their use in certain
industries. An economic loss to the community, and to industry
as well will occur when a plant is unable to loer t j in r.n area
because of inability to secure a satisfactory water supply.
k. Substantial progress has been made in control or
elimination of pollution during the period of this investigation.
Both municipalities and industries have contributed to this
activity. Municipal progress has been confined largely to
the planning stages, whereas industry has advanced many of
its programs to the construction stage. As a result of
improved control of industrial waste discharges taste dif-
ficulties in municipal water supplies were much Lc.;s pro-
nounced at the conclusion of this study than prior ;o 19't6.
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5. Public hearings held by the Commission revealed a
common acceptance on the part of municipal officials and
industrial management of the presence of serious pollution
in these waters and the need for correction. The hearings
also substantiated the findings of the Advisory Board that
there was injury to health and property and interference
with the various water uses on both sides of the boundary.
Financing of the necessary remedial works was asserted by
municipal officials to be the principal obstacle to correction.
6. Frequent releases of pollution in ihe form of slugs
or spills create intensified injury to the users of these
waters and cause acute difficulties in water purl t.'.on
plants.
7- The condition of these waters requires that remec, 'al
measures be undertaken as early as possible.
Re commen da11on s
The Advisory Board respectfully offers the following
recommendations to the Commission:
1. Remedial measures for the abatement and control of
pollution in the Lake Huron-Lake Erie section of .he boundary
waters be undertaken at the earliest possible date. These
measures should be sufficient to restore and protect the uses
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of these waters to which the people of "both countries are
rightfully entitled. Major consideration should be given
to uses for domestic and industrial water supplies, recreation,
fish' and wildlife, sanitary purposes, and navigation.
2. The "Objectives for Boundary Water Quality Control,1'
prescribed in this report, be recognized in the development
of remedial and pollution-preventive measures by municipali-
ties and industry. These objectives should apply to both
existing and new sources of wastes.
3- Treatment of municipal wastes by sedimentation and
disinfection of the effluent be undertaken by all communities
as the initial step; that a program of more efficient or
secondary treatment be inaugurated at as early a data as
possible; and that a median coliform M.P.N, value not
exceeding 2,^00 per 100 ml as set forth in the ' Gojcc v: ves for
Boundary Hater Quality Control" at dilution of vr.ste discharges
be considered as the objective for bacterial control to attain
reasonable stream sanitation. The more efficient or secondary
treatment recommended will be most urgent in those zor.r:s ol1
concentrated discharge near large centers of population or
where much industrial waste is involved. It is recognized that
local conditions, on either side of the boundary, may give: ad-
ditional emphasis to the need for this higher degree of treatment.
The estimated cost for installation of intercepting sewers r:\cl
hS-I
-------
primary treatment works for municipalities in the section is
$51,000,000, of which $35;000,000 is for United States and
$16,000,000 for Canadian communities. For the additional cost
of secondary treatment of municipal wastes the estimate is
$37,000,000, of which $33; 000; 000 is on the United States side
and $4,000,000 on the Canadian side. These works must "be
financed through public funds.
Overflows from combined severs during storm periods
be treated by sedimentation and disinfection or by other methods
where necessary to protect the purposes for which these waters
are or may be utilized.
5- Industrial wastes be treated to comply, as coon £-s
possible, with the ''Objectives for Boundary ''-latere Qualify
Control." The estimated cost for industrial waste trozre. :en;
works is Wlo, 000,000, of which. $13; 000,000 is for United ,'.c5;es
and $3;000,000 for Canadian industries. The correction and
prevention of pollution resulting from the disposal of
industrial wastes is the responsibility of industry.
6. Slugs and spills of objectionable wastes from industrial
plants be avoided. Retention tanks or lagoons for ecucli-_-.v-
rates of discharge may be utilized when approved by enforcing
authorities where slugs and spills cannot otherwise be cor.-rolled.
16-1
-------
7. Sewage from vessels equipped with flush toilets and
from craft used for living purposes "be controlled "by the
installation of holding tanks, and that the tanks be emptied
either by transfer of the contents to shore treatment facilities
or disinfected and dumped overboard in nonrestricted areas.
Wo garbage or other refuse be discharged overboard into these
waters.
8. Materials from dredging operations be dvjrir.ee only at
locations where they will not interfere with legitimate water
uses.
9. Consideration be given to joint com .van i cy se^ion on
metropolitan or regional bases in the effective solution of
mutual water and sewerage problems in this section.
10. Definite plans for financing remedial rvjnici-oa], works be
formulated. In this, there should be cooperation between the
Commission and Federal, State, Provincial, arid rmir.i cipal
government s.
11. Continuing contact with pollution control vro-rcss
be maintained through a technical committee .',r bos-re ¦
representation from both countries.
12. The Commission take such measures as may be legal
available to it to have the pollution abatement and prevent!.
program herein outlined initiated, promoted, and effectively
prosecuted.
U7-I
-------
Two highly significant accomplishments were first the establishment of
IJC objectives for water quality control and the recommendation to establish
a technical committee or board whose purpose would be to maintain continuing
contact with pollution control.
The IJC objectives were established originally to assist in the accurate
evaluation of the nature and extent of pollution and its effects and to
determine necessary remedial measures. Ivble 3D-I lists these objectives.
The Advisory Boards on Boundary Water Quality of the International
Joint Commission emanated from a recommendation of the report. This group ha
representatives from both national governments as well as the 'Province of
Ontario and the States of Michigan and I'Tew York.
Wine public hearings were held to solicit the vic.ws of all concerned pri
to the publication of the document in 195-1-
The report is a valuable document bringing attention to the '.rater
pollution control problems of the day. II establishes a base line by which
future improvement or deterioration in vaise;<- quality r.iay be //.:red.
Although transboundary pollution was detected; L,he hr. r qualify of the mid-
section of the Detroit Eiver was evident from the da\.a r.d wes recognized in
the report. Industrial'pollution was recognized as a sig.\ifia:v..t problem in
the area and a quantitative measure of this problem establish^..:;. The report
recognized the need for water pollution control to protect or p:¦'.>: .ulgate a
variety of water uses.
U8--I
-------
TABLE 3,0-1. SUMMARY OF IJC OBJECTIVES
FOP! BOUNDARY VLATERS QUALITY CONTROL
General Objectives
All wastes, including sanitary sewage, storm water, and industrial
effluents, shall be in such condition when discharged into any stream that
they will not create conditions in the boundary waters which will adversely
affect the use of those waters for the following purposes: source of domestic
water supply or industrial water supply, navigation, f::.sh and wildlife,
bathing, recreation, agriculture, and other riparian activities.
In general, adverse conditions are caused by:
1. Excessive bacterial, physical, or chemical contamination.
2. Unnatural deposits in the strecr., -:ntorfc_'i ng wi^.i navigation, fish
and wildlife, bathing, recreation, or destruction of aesthetic values.
3- Toxic substances and materials imparting objcctioneblt. tastes and
odors to waters used for domestic or industrial purposes.
U. Floating materials, including oils, grease, garbage, sewage solids,
or other refuse.
Specific Objectives *
1. Colifom Organisms - Median MPN = 2^00/100ml.
2. Phenolic-type wastes -- Average 2'opb - K- xir.un 5 tod.
3. pH - 6.7 to' S. 5.
U. Iron - 0.3 ppm.
5. Odor - = H.
6. Unnatural color and turbidity - shall not be offensive.
7. Oil and floating solids - no adverse effect on water use.
8. Highly toxic wastes - no adverse effct on water use.
9. Deoxygenac ..ng wastes - no adverse ef fect on water use.
Effluent Recommendation to Achieve Specific Obj;
1. Phenolic-type wastes - 20 ppb.
2." pH - po to 10.6.
3. Iron - 17
4. Oil - lrj o-or..
* After initial dilution.
;iv
U9-I
-------
1955 Wayne County Water Supply Investigation
This report, prepared in 1955 by Hazen and Sawyer, Consulting Engineers
for the Wayne County Road Commission, investigates possible expansion of the
Wayne County Metropolitan Water Supply System to serve the vJayne County area
south and west of Detroit. A great deal of water quality data was collected
for this survey in the Detroit River and upper Lake Erie during calendar
i
year 1955* Alternate sites end proposals for additional water intake and
treatment facilities were considered with respect to cost and quality of
water which would be obtained. An intake tower between Grassy Island and
Fighting Island was recommended as most suitable.
Many conclusions are listed in the report, of which four are shown
"below:
4. Previous investigations and the extensive data collected
in the past year show that the Detroit River flow characteristics
effectively shield the mid-river water from shore pollution, and
that water of good quality can be obtained by properly-1 jeered
intake between Port ,/ayne and Fighting Island South Li^ht.
5. Water y± equally good bacterial qualify can be ob.ained
from the western end of Lake Erie, but in other respects the
lake water is inferior to the water available fror. the Detroit
River above Fighting Island South Light.
6. While the water in the middle of the Detroit R:.yz. ;
remarkably free of shore pollution and Lake Erie -rater is gocc.
50-1
-------
it must be recognized that no water supply from the Detroit
River will remain satisfactory unless upstream sewage and
industrial waste pollution is controlled by adequate collection
and treatment works. We anticipate that the pollution control
activity will continue in the Great Lakes - Detroit River area
and that disposal facilities will be added as necessary.
These steps must be taken to protect existing water supplies
and bathing beaches whether or not a new water works intake
is built.
No advantage would be gained fron a Lake Erie water
supply project for 'Jayne County which would cost 30 *:0
per cent more than comparable Detroit River projects.
Several interesting observations are contained in th:! s re;;,art which per-
tain to the problems faced by the Detroit River-Lake Z'rie ?reject. One is
the description of che shore-hugging or streamline;" flo- phenomenon of wastes
after they are discharged into the river. This recognition of lateral
stratification in this swift flowing river is coupled iath the remark that
there is little cross flow of water from one s.idc of the river to the other.
The report also describes the existence of barometric seiches in Lake Erie
which have resulted in reversal of flow in the Detro.Lt River.
Use of t.'.e County sampling data for selection of an area of best
quality water was of interest. Chlorides v3 well as colifa'T. concentrations
were used as tracers of pollution and as an indication of river and lake
current distribution. The engineers concluded that the most -jortant single
source of pollution in upper Michigan Lake ISrie is the Trentor. Channel of the
Detroit River and that the Livingston Channel and the western sice of the
51-1
-------
Amherstburg Channel discharge relatively clean water into the lake. The ¦
report concludes that the only potential intake site in' Lake Erie for a
domestic supply is "beyond Point Aux Peaux. Maps indicate the coliform
concentrations south of Point Aux Peaux are less than 1,000 organisms per
100 ml. These maps also show the dispersion of high concentrations of
coliform organisms and chlorides from the Detroit River out into Lake Erie
for a distance of approximately to 7 miles.
The report refers to high and extremely variable plankton counts in
Lake Erie beyond the influence of the Lj^rxA. River. ±~c attributes these
high counts to nutrients carried into the lake by the M-.unee and Raisin Rivers.
The report also refers to serious operation problems caused by the Monroe
water works by sudden and severe plankton growths. Reference is specifically
made to filter clogging problems by algc.e at the Monroe i/Evcer Treatment Plant.
It also mentions the relocation of the Monroe intake to its present position
in 1950 to obtain water less prone to tastes and odors from algae. The report
attributes high turbidity in Lake Erie to algae and in some areas to wind
action stirring up mud on the shallow lrke bottom.
A significant statement is made on pages b2 and of the report and is
quoted below:
Variations in mid-river colifom densities may be caused
by a number of circumstances, but for the most part, high
values in the lower Detroix River follow heavy rains, freshets
in the Rouge River, and combined sewer overflows.
Graphs in the report pursue this point by showing coliform results
during vet and dry periods on logarithmic probability paper. A-;, the west
52-1
-------
shore location of a range near Fort Wayne the median coliform concentration
during vet weather was 82 times as great as the median coliform density dur-
ing dry weather. This effect was less pronounced in mid-channel and at
other ranges but at other shore-line sampling points the ratio of vet -weather
median densities -was over seven times as high as dry weather values.
Study of the probability plots revealed tiro distinct log-normal dis-
tributions for coliform densities during vet ana dry periods.
The report draws three conclusions from their exhibit on coliform
densities during vet and dry periods. These are listed below:
1. While the coliform density in the mid-river water is
greater following rains than in dry weather, the relative
increase is snail.
2. Shore pollution does not make its way across the
river in concentrated slugs. The pollution that reaches the
main stream is mixed with a large volume of water and diluted
many times.
3- The effect of shore pollution on mid-river water
quality increases moderately with distance dovn the Detroit
River as far as Fighting Island South Light; below Fightir.f,
Island South Light the effect is greater.
The report describes a special depth study which was perforr/id to
determine the validity of using surface samples to represent the bacterial
53-1
-------
quality of the water. This study indicated sufficient similarity of surface
on deep -waters to permit the use of surface sampling as representative of
"bacterial water quality. This conclusion agrees with, a similar study per-
formed by the Detroit Project in 1962 for "bacterial, chemical, and physical
measures of water quality.
Principal upstream and downstream sources of pollution are described in
the report and include industrial waste discharges into the St. Clair River,
combined sever overflows into the Detroit River from Conners Creek to
Trenton, effluents from the Detroit, Dearborn, and VTayne County Sewage
Treatment Plants, raw sewage from Windsor and Amherstburr, Ontario, and
wastes from industrial plants on both sides 01" the Detroit River and on the
Rouge River.
The report recommends that the Michigan Water "f!as ourcec Commission
continue its pollution control program and that the Cs-rjrdssion take steps
to see that on the United States side of the internauional boundary the
following are accomplished:
1. Municipal sanitary sewage receives '?.te treatment.
2. Se^/age treatment plants and interceptor:- are con-
structed for the growing suburban areas around Detroit to hold
the line against more frequent combined sever overflows, particular-
ly where the results of such overflows may affect -che cv.c.r it" of
water used for municipal supplies.
3. Adequate sewage disposal facilities are provided on
Belle Isle.
-51-1
-------
t
J*. Industries install facilities to prevent the discharge
of oil and unsightly materials into the Detroit River and to
keep in check phenols and other taste-producing substances
where such wastes affect seriously the potability of water
used for municipal purposes.
The report also states that: "The City of Detroit should provide
adequate chlorination of the effluent leaving the plant."
The report warns that the mid-stream quality in the upper part of the
Detroit River may not remain satisfactory indefinitely if upstream pollution
is allowed to increase without control.
Another significant statement on page 8l of this report is quoted below:
If pollution of the Trenton Channel and possibly the
lower Huron River is allowed to go unchecked, the water at
Monroe is almost certain to suffer. Actually, it is reasonable
to believe that severe degradation will not be permitted and
that the State Water Resources Commission will intervene to
protect Lake Erie water.
55-1
-------
Summary - City of Detroit Sampling
The City of Detroit has been sampling the Detroit River for
determination of total coliform concentration since the period prior to
the construction of the Detroit Metropolitan Sewage Treatment Plant in 19^1.
Ranges vere selected above and below the point of discharge of plant effluent.
Median counts vere determined and plotted on semi-logarithmic graph paper by
the City. Figures 5-1 through 10-I vere taken from graphs prepared by the
City and depict trends in this measure of water quality from 1959 through
1963. The International Joint Commission boundary waters objective of
2,^00 coliform organisms per 100 ml is also shown on the six graphs; Figure
1+I shows a location map for the sampling ranges.
While the median value for coliform organisms is accepted as a reasonable
measure of central tendency of occurrence, it certainly tends to mask un-
usually high or low values. There appears to be a pronounced downward trend
in coliform concentrations in American waters near the shore, especially
during the years 1962 and 1963- Additional comments on trends in water
quality in the water under study will be made in the section of this report
entitled "Presentation of Results."
56.-I
-------
W. JEF FERSOn'
AVE. BRIDGE
GREAT LAKES R.R/
BRIDGES
RANGE
U. S. SHORE
TO LB.-FT.
5 A
1500
6A
1600
7B
1300
8A
1500
TRENTON
TOLL
BRIDGE
(R-!2)
OF SAMPLING
ROIT SAMPLING
RANGES
PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC
REGION V
HEALTH, EDUCATION, & WELFARE
HEALTH SERVICE
GROSSE IL E MICHIGAN
-------
FIGURE 5-1
100,000
20
DETROIT RIVER-LAKE ERIE PRO J EC T
C 0 L I FOR M MEDIAN VALUES
CITY OF DETROIT SAMPLING PROGRAM
1959-63 RANGE 5A
U.S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, 3 WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SER VICE
REGION V GROSSE IL E MICHIGAN
500
1000 1500 2000 2500
FEET FROM U.S. SHORE
3000
-------
FIGURE 6-1
FEET FROM U.S. SHORE
-------
FIGURE 7-1
FEET FROM U. S. S HORE
-------
FEET FROM U.S. SHORE
-------
FIGURE 9-1
R
/
1963
1 S 6 2
1961
I960
,959
\
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v
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u \
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°N
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objective
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DETROIT RIVER LAKE E~ E PROJECT
|
UU L 1 1-UrC l-.'i MtUiAN VALUtS
CITY OF DETROIT SAM PL 11\' G PROGRAM
¦959-63 RANGE 5 8
!
20
i
i
i
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF -tALTH, EDUCATION1, 8 WELFARE
?uel:c health s e r v ce
REGION V G R 0 S 3 E 1 L E MICHIGAN
500
(000
1500
4000
4500
5000
FEET FROM U.S. SHORE
-------
1963
1962
19 61
I960
19 59
ft
r
/
\
r
/'*
\
V-
10.00
0 / /
i /
/ *
v /
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1
1JC
OBJECTIVE
,6-.-
»-
*
1
i
a
5
1,000
1
f
1
1
1
t
1
1
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i
20
DETROIT RIVER-LAKE ERIE PROJECT
COL I FORM MEDIAN VALUES
CITY OF DETROIT SAMPLING PROGRAM
I ,9 5 9-63 RANG E 12
U.S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, S WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V GROSSE ILE MICHIGAN
500
1000 1500 2000
FEET FROM U.S. SHORE
2 50O-
3000
-------
Water and-Sewage Treatment Plant Operating Records
I960 - 1963
This Project has had available for study the operating records of
several municipal water and sewage treatment plants in the southeast Michigan
area. Figures 11-I through lU-I summarize the more significant findings for
the period 1960-63 at the Detroit, Wyandotte, Trenton, and Monroe plants.
Figure 11-I depicts monthly geometric mean coliform concentrations in the
sewage treatment plant effluent accompanied "by maximum and minimum daily
geometric means occurring during each month. ' Figures 12-1 and 13-1 suramariz
the monthly geometric mean coliform concentration and monthly mean chloride
values at the municipal water intakes. Figure 14-1 shows the monthly averag
suspended solids in the effluent and influent of the area sewage treatment
plants. The coliform values for the Monroe, Wyandotte, and Trenton Sewage
Treatment Plants were available only during t-use summer months during which
the plants chlorinated their effluent.
Figure 11-1 indicates a notable reduction in ..it r:onchly average total
coliform concentration at all four plants, espee..-:". .7 during the years 1962
and 1963* These values are sho on semi-logaritv.u paper to allow plottin
of maximum and minimum daily averages on the same .:s monthly averages.
The maximum daily ^aome-cric means appear to be qui.-; 2 .j.v..-:vic and still high.
Figures 1^-". shows consistently low total col:'.form concentrations at tt:
Detroit inta.-:c b::_ea on tri -monthly geometric means of the Public Health
Service Water Pollution Control Surveillance Sysoen station located there.
Very little overall change is noted in the monthly coliform levels at the
Monroe intake; however, very erratic maximum daily values were observed
57-1
-------
FIGURE 11 1
100,000,000
10,000,000
1,000,000
I 00,000
E
o
o
U. 1,000
©
<
I-
o
JFMAMJJ A SONDJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASOND
I960 1961 1962 1963
DETROIT *
JFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASONOJFMAMJJASONOJFMAMJJASOND
I960 1961 1962 1963
WYANDOTTE
LEGEND
Monthly Geometric Mean
^Maximum Monthly Volue -fc
------- Minimum Monthly Value ~
* Maximum ft Minimum Doily Geometric Mean
During The Month At Detroit
DETROIT RIVER-LAKE ERIE PROJECT
COLIFORM CONCENTRATIONS IN EFFLUENT
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT RECORDS
U.S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, 8 WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V GROSSE ILE, MICHIGAN
-------
FIGURE 11-I (Cont'd.)
TRENTON MONROE
LEGEND
Monthly Geometric Mean
Moximum Monthly Value
Minimum Monthly Value
DETROIT RIVER LAKE ERIE PROJECT
COL I FOR M CONCENTRATIONS IN EFFLUENT
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT RECORDS
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, 3 WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V GROSSE ILE, MICHIGAN
-------
FIGURE I 2 - I
I960 * 1961 1962 1963 I960 1961 1962 1963
DETROIT* WYANDOTTE
1,000,000
100,000
E
o
o
5 10,000
s
1,000
<
t-
o
_________
¦ ¦ ¦ ¦
1
i i T*
n n
-ftA
1
f\ M
MY^
11
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1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
J F MAM J J ASONDJFMAMJ J ASONDJFMAMJ JAS0ND J F MAM J J ASONO
1960 1961 1962 1963
MONROE
M onthly Geometric Mean
Moiimum Monthly Value
-----Minimum Monthly Volue
Results of Public Health Service Water Pollution
Surveillance Syttem ot Intoke. (Tr i - monthly)
DETROIT RIVER-LAKE ERIE PROJECT
COLIFORM CONCENTRATIONS AT INTAKE
WATER TREATMENT PLANT RECORDS
U S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, ft WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V GROSSE ILE, MICHIGAN
-------
FIGURE 13-1
I960 19 61 1962 1963 I960 1961 1962 1963
DETROIT* MONROE
LEGEND
Monthly Mean
Maximum Monthly Value
------- Minimum Monthly Value
# Results of Public Health Service Water Pollution
Surveillance System at Intake.
DETROIT RIVER-LAKE ERIE PROJECT
CHLORIDE CONCENTRATIONS AT INTAKE
WATER TREATMENT PLANT RECORDS
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, 6k WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V GROSSE ILE, MICHIGAN
-------
FIGURE 14 -I
JFMAMJ JASOND J F M A M JJ ASOND JFMAMJJASONO JFMAMJJASONO
I960 1961 1962 1963
DETROIT
JFMAMJJASOND JFMAMJJASOND JFMAMJJASOND JFMAMJJASOND
I960
LEGEND
1961 1962
WYANDOTTE
1963
I
DETROIT RIVER-LAKE ERIE PROJECT
SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN EFFLUENT & INFLUENT
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT RECORDS
U S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, 8 WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V GROSSE ILE, MICHIGAN
-------
FIGURE 14 -I (Cont'd.)
M J JASOND
1961
M A M J JASOND
1962
M J J ASOND
1963
TRENTON
M J J A
I960
LEGEND
MONROE
DETROIT RIVER-LAKE ERIE PROJECT
SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN EFFLUENT 8 INFLUENT
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT RECORDS
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, a WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V GROSSE ILE, MICHIGAN
-------
during this period. A closer look at the Monroe data reveals that total
coliform concentrations at the intake exceeded 2,400 organisms per 100 ml
38 days in i960, 17 days in 1961, 13 days in 1962, and 21 days in 19^3-
A significant reduction in the monthly geometric mean coliform concentrations
at the Wyandotte intake was observed during the years 1962 and 19&3-
Figure 13-I.> showing average monthly chloriae concentrations at the
Detroit and Monroe intakes, depicts a consistent chloride level at the Detroit
intake with all values between tne limitc of 5 and 9 mg/l with the great
majority of values between 6 sr.c. o mg/l. Another picture is presented at the
Monroe intake where values have risen from levels in the ranre of 30 mg/l in
i960 and 19o2 to ^-0 mg/l in 1963-
Figures l'+-I reveals little significant char.;- effluent suspended
solids concentrations and also indicates removal >- . ic.icy in the general
range.expected of primary sewage treatment facilit.ej, or approximately'
1*0-60$.
Since plotting values on semi-logarithmic p;> 'i£y tend to mask trends
"because of a compressed scale, the monthly geomet:: .c nean coliform concen-
trations were plotted in Fig-are 15-1 for the eff.1.1.. -.nc of the Detroit Sewage
Treatment Plant ana the vJyenaotte Water Treatment /la it. This presentation
more markedly demonstrates the reduction in total col..ro:?m coi.cen.trations at
these two locations during the years 1962 and 1953-
58 -1
-------
FIGURE 15-1
600,000
700,000
600,000
' 400,000
o *
b-
200,000
100,000
JFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASON0JFMAMJJASOND
JFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASONOJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJJASOND
I960
1961
1962
1963
I9 60
1961
1962
1963
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT EFFLUENT
DETROIT
WATER TREATMENT PLANT INTAKE
WYANDOTTE
DETROIT RIVER LAKE ERIE PROJECT
MONTHLY GEOMETRIC MEAN
COLIFORM CONCENTRATIONS
SEWAGE a WATER TREATMENT PLANT RECORDS
U S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, & WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V GROSSE HE, MICHIGAN
-------
Description of Area
By the nature of its location in the heart of the Great Lakes drainage
basin, the Detroit area has developed into one of the most important
industrial centers in the entire United States and is the world's center of
the automobile industry'. It has a four-county area of approximately 2,0^0
square miles and, according to the 19^0 census, has a population of 3,863,^60.
In addition to scores of small municipalities and rapidly growing communities,
it includes the major cities shown in Table 11-I.
The Detroit Paver, outstanding among great waterways of the world,
performs a number of important functions for the area.
1. It provides a shipping channel for the heavy Great Lakes traffic
between Lake Erie and Lake Huron. In fact, the "importance of water
transportation is illustrated in that the tonnage transported through the
Detroit River is greater than that past any other pore in the world.
2. It furnishes unlimited quantities of water for municipal and
industrial purposes on both sides of the river.
3- It receives large volumes of untreated and partially treated
sewage and industrial wastes.
U. It provides excellent opportunities for recreation.
Climate
Detroit is situated centrally in the Great Lakes region ana is under
the clima'cic influence of these large bodies of water. Because of the
5.9-1
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TABLE 11-I. POPULATIONS OF MAJOR CITIES
Macomb County
East Detroit ^5,756
Mount Clemens 21,016
Roseville 50,195
St. Clair Shores 15,657
Warren 89,246
Oakland County
Berkley 23,275
Birmingham 25,';>25
Ferndale 31,3^7
Ilazel Park 25,631
Madison Heights 33, 3i!3
Oak Park 36,632
Pontiac 82,233
Royal Oak 80,6l2
Troy 19,053
Monroe County
Monroe 22,968
Wayne County
Allan Park . 37,052
Dearborn 112,007
Detroit 1,670, lJ+4
Ecorse 17,32o
C-arden City 38,017
Grosse Pointe Park 15,457
Grosse Pointe Woods l8,580
Hamtramck 3^,137
Highland Parle 38,063
Inkster 39,097
Lincoln Park 53,933
Livonia 66,702
River Rouge l8,ihj
Southgate 29, 404
Trenton l3,4-39
Wayne 19,071
Wyandotte 43,519
60-1
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stabilizing influence of the Great Lakes, extreme temperatures occur rather
infrequently in the Detroit area. Records from the U.S. Vfeather Bureau
station in Detroit indicate that temperatures of 100°F or more occur about
once in every 4 years and sub-zero temperatures occur on only about 4 days
each winter.
The growing season, which is defined as being the length of period
between spring and fall frosts, has ranged from 122 clays to 208 days - the
average being 171 days.
The mean annual temperature at Detroit is about ^9-l°?- The average
annual precipitation at Detroit is 31-^9 inches. (See Figure 1'S-I.)
Variations in monthly precipitation and in snowfall are shown in the same
figure. A little less than 25 per cent of this total ¦nrocipitation runs off
to the streams. Short and irregular periods of drought occur from time to
time but long periods of drought are rare. vJincers are narked by cloudiness
and frequent snow flurries. S-or.imers have plentiful sunshine without extreme
heat. Prevailing winds are from the southwest with winds fror: the northwest .
being next in frequency of occurrence. The average wind velocity is about
10 miles per hour. Figure 17-1 presents the climatologies! data on per cent
of sunshine, maximum and mean wind velocity, relative humidity, and temperature.
Geology
The bedrock of this area consists essentially of s..en\;ary rocks laid
down during the Devonian Period of the Paleozoic Era. These sed'.rientary rocks
are principally limestones, shales, and sandstones, with some cow.lomerates.
The thickness of the beds varies from 200 to 1,700 feet. A glacial and post-
glacial drift mantle overlies these rock beds throughout xhe area. It varies
61-1
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FIGURE 16 -1
CO
LU
X
o
¦Minimum^
JFMAMJ JASOND
X
h-
50
40
30
20
10
80 year record
V//
% f Maximum
IIP
V//,
38118
pi
1
-M
ean
i
Hh
///////J
Jrfv, AMJ JASOND
m
LU
X
o
50
188X3
Average 31.49 in.
1920
13 30
19 40
1950
I960
FROM GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 183
AND RECORDS OF WEATHER BUREAU U.S. 0EPT. OF COMMERCE
DETROIT RIVER-LAKE ERIE PROJECT
PRECIPITATION AT DETROIT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, a WE-.-ARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V GROSSE IL E, MICHIGAN
-------
FIGURE 17 -1
FMAMJ JASON
Wind veloc ity 69-year record
J F M AM J J AS ON D
Average relative hum idity-62-year record
FMAMJ JASOND
S u n $ hin e 60-year record
Air temperature-80-year record
FROM GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 183
DETROIT RIVER - L A .< E E ^ ; E PROJECT
CLIM ATOLGGIC AL DATA -OR Di73 C:T
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALT n, EDUCATION, a WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V GROSSE IL E, MICHIGAN
-------
in thickness up to 600 feet and is responsible for much of the smoothness of
the ground surface of the region. While the surface in general is smooth or
"broadly rolling, it is broken here and there by low morainic accumulations
and by beach ridges of former lakes.
Extensive beds of rock salt underlie the entire area. In the lower
reaches of the Detroit River and in the western end of Lake Erie, the depth
of cover over the salt beds is approximately 1,000 feet; in the upper reaches
the depth of cover increases to about 2,000 feet. Throughout the area the
beds are stratified by dolomitic sediment and shale.
Land Use and Development
The area serves three important economical functions: agriculture,
industry, and recreation. The land bordering the western edge of Lake Erie
is in general used for farming and recreation while that in the Detroit area
is used for industrial purposes.
The inland area in the western Lake Erie basin iB mostly used for farming.
The agricultural sections consist of relatively small individually owned farms.
Chief yields are field crops, vegetables, sod grass, and fruits. There is
also extensive production of dairy and poultry products. The forests have
been denuded and now mainly consist of small, isolated woodlots which have
little or no effect upon the flow or quality of the streams.
The automobile industry has been responsible for the rapid industrial
growth which has occurred in the Detroit area during the past 30 to IjO years.
This industry has brought about the establishment of many related activities
such a6 steel mills, blast furnaces, tool and die manufacturing, and coke
62-1
-------
plants. Other industries include chemical plants, pulp and paper mills, oil
refineries, and the manufacture of rubber and related products.
Extensive use has been made of the many islands for industrial and
recreational purposes. Zug Island, Fighting Island, and the upper end of
Grosse lie are being used for the disposal of waste materials resulting from
the manufacture of caustic soda and soda ash. Grassy Island and Mud Island
are being used for the disposal of material from dredging operations; Belle
Isle and Bois Blanc Island are devoted to recreational purposes.
Summer residences and cottages dot the western shoreline of Lake Erie.
Public bathing beaches are noted in the Detroit River at Belle Isle and in
western Lake Erie at Sterling State Park. Pointe Mouillee is an important
wildlife habitat along with other reaches of the waterway which serve as
overwintering locations for migrating birds.
Hydrographic Characteristics
Numerous inland lakes that are located in the headwater reaches of the
tributary streams in the Detroit area are of relatively little importance,
except as a means of recreation. All of them are in headwater areas and are
fed by small drainage areas. These lakes, unlike many small lakes elsewhere,
do not provide much recharge to ground-water supplies and thus the rate of
water supply that can be continuously obtained from lakes in this area is
generally limited to their outflow rates which are relatively small.
Although ground water occurs throughout the area, the amount available
locally is usually of high mineral content and uncertain quantity. The ground
water is principally a calcium and magnesium bicarbonate water, containing
varying amountB of iron and sulfate and often containing hydrogen sulfide.
63-1
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The few records available are wholly inadequate to serve as a oasis for an
appraisal of the ground water resources of the area.
Tributary streams are high in dissolved solids and hardness, and are
generally less desirable as a source of high quality raw water than the upper
reaches of the Detroit River.
DETROIT RIVER. The Detroit River s th; outlet for Lake St. Clair. It
begins at Windmill Point and flows in a 30uthwea-:e-"ly and then southerly
direction for a distance of about 31 niles to its :nou\;'.i z'c Lake Erie. The
normal drop in water level between Lake St. Glair anc: L\,;:e Erie is 2.8 feet.
The river, considering just its oi/n drain;-.go area, drair.r, area of 1,736
square miles in the United States. The upper 13 jnilos of stream has an
unbroken cross-section with an avorage width of 2,'iCX feet, except at its head
where it is divide;I by Peach Isl;:id and Bc-ll.c Is'l 3. L'hc sirea;r. bed in this
.upper reach consists of clay. Mean depta :ui thJ 3 upper ror..c.i is approximately
25 feet; the maximum depth reaches 52 lost. The lew*.:- port:: on. broadens out an
is characterized by many islands and shallow exp~..i:,e: . The :wo largest island
are Fighting Island and Grossc- lie. There a-e saver. 1 ;rn.aller islands, and
the waters are spotted with large areas of mirshl nd in the lowc-r river
underlying rock is closed and the shipping channels a..re been cut through it
to a depth of 2o feet.
The flow oT ..he Detroit River is exceooi.onal.Ly steady. 3ee:.use of the
tremendous stor.-.;;e provided by Lakes Superior, Huron, and !-'ic. n, it is
excelled in oi'.is respect by re;/, if any, r.^ars i.-1 the world. .-.onthly
hydrograph jf the Detroit River since 19^-i- 3 s;i ..n Figure 1..- ".
The average; c.:i scharge of the Detroit Rl^er for the period 1 ,1 through
April 19^;:- is 132,000 cfs. The monthly averages range from 100,Of0 cfs to
6U-I
-------
o
o
UJ
w
q:
UJ
0.
I-
u
UJ
ll_
o
CD
z>
o
b-
o
in
o
2
<
W
3
O
X
260
240
220
200
180
160
140
2 120 V?
o
_J
V
_l
X
o
5
100
80
1948 1949
1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 I960
YEAR AND MONTH
INFORMATION FURNISHED BY U.S. LAKE SURVEY
0ETR0IT RIVER-LAKE ERIE PROJECT
HYDR0GRAPH OF MONTHLY MEAN FLOWS
DETROIT RIVER AT DETROIT, MICH.
JANUARY 1948 THROUGH APRIL 1964
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, 8 WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
1961
1962 1963 1964
REGION V
GROSSE I L E , MICHIGAN
-------
236,000 cfs. These extremes were probably affected by winds, ice, or sudden
change in barometric pressure. From April 1962 through April 19Sb the flow
averaged 170,000 cfs.
In general, the higher the stage of a river, the greater its flow.
However,'because of the small differences in level between Lake St. Clair and
Lake Erie, the relationship between stage and discharge for this river is not
easily determined. It is affected "by several factors: first, by dredging
operations that are carried on from time to time for the improvement of
navigation through certain reaches in the river; second, by differences in
level between Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair which are caused by varying rates
of inflow from the respective drainage areas; and third (and the most pro-
nounced), by winds or changes in barometric pressure usually occurring over a
part of Lake Erie and causing abnormally high or low elevations of water at
the outlet of the Detroit River. When the effect of this third factor occurs,
winds or changes in barometric pressure could be so great as to cause the
water to pile up at the western end of lake Erie to an elevation above that
of Lake St. Clair and, as a result, the flow of the Detroit River may actually
reverse its direction. This is an extremely rare occurrence but, according to
the U.S. Lake Survey and listed in Table 12-1, has occurred tvelve times since
1911 with the last occurrence in January 19^-8. By the same token the water
level at the lower end of the river may suddenly drop, causing a great increase
in discharge for any particular stage. As an illustration, on January 31,
191^, the elevation of the water at the mouth of the river dropped more than
6 feet in 10 aours. This phenomenon resulted from a severe storm over Lake
Erie.
65-1
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TABLE 12- I. GRADIENT REVERSALS IN DETROIT RIVER
DATA FROM U.S. LAKE SURVEY
Maximum Difference in Time in Hours Elevation
Elevation Between Lake of Lake Erie Exceeded:
Luke St. Clair
Lake Eric
Erie and:
Date
Gc.g;:i.n;; Staoion
Gaging Station Ft
. Wayne - Lake
St. Clair
Ft. Wayne
- Lake St.
Feb. 5-6, 1911
Windmill Pt.
Amherstburg
0.35
0.62
6
7.5
Jan. 30-31, 191^
Windmill Pt.
Ajrthercoburc
0-3?
0.8
5
k.3
Dec. 29-30, 1915
Windmill Pt.
Amherctburc;
Oo
0.85
h.5
5
Apr. 10-11, 1918
Windmill Pt.
Amherstburg
0.15
0.^5
2
6
0.15
0.55
U.5
7
Sept. It-5, 1918
Windmill Pt.
Amherstburr;
o.h
0
2.5
0
Feb. 19-20, 1927
Windmill Pt.
Amlierstbur^
0.1
0.2
2
1+
Mar. 8-9, 1928
Windmill Pt.
Amherstburg
0.2
0.2
3
3
Mar. 21-22, 1932
Grosse Pt.
Yacht Club
Amherstburg
0.1
r\ -»
'J - J
0.4
1
lo
7-5
Jan. 29-30, 1939
Grosse Pt.
Yacht Club
Gibraltar
0.9
1. )l-5
7
Feb. 9-10, 1939
Grosse Pt.
Ynclit Club
Gibraltar
> n
^ y
1.55
12.5
14.5
Mar. h-5, 19^'t
Grosse Pt.
Yacht Club
Gibraltar
0
«.
0
Jan. 1-2, 19]£
Grosse Pt.
Yacht Club
Gibraltar
- ¦
0.65
-
k
-------
ROUGE RIVER. Two small tributaries, Ecorse River and Monguagon Creek,
enter the Detroit River below the Rouge River. Their contribution of flow
is insignificant when compared to that of the Detroit River.
The Rouge River, a tributary to the Detroit River, rises northwest of
Detroit and flows southeasterly, emptying into the Detroit River below
Dearborn near Ecorse. It has two tributaries, cne Middle and Lower branches,
and drains an area of about k67 square miles. Its basin lies almost entirely
in an old lake bed and as a result, except for perhaps the upper fringe, it
is relatively flat and impervious and has practically no natural surface
storage. The main stream is approximately 32 miles long and falls about 3^0
feet from its headwaters to the mouth. The lower 3-5 miles, through the
Short-Cut Canal, consists of a dredged channel for use of vessel traffic
serving the industries in the area. Controlling depths approximate 21 feet
for a middle channel width of 200 feet. The Short-Cut Canal is an artificial
connection, 3>000 feet long, from the Detroit River to a bend in the Rouge
River which eliminates an "S" shaped curve near the mouth.
Discharge measurements are taken by the U.S. Geological Survey at the
Rouge River, the Middle Rouge and the Lower Rouge. The summation of the
average discharges of record from these three gages produces an average flow
of the Rouge River above the influence from Detroit River backwater of
approximately 235 cfs.
HURON RIYLJR. Tae Huron River rises west of Detroit and flows in a
southwesterly direction, emptying into the Detroit River juso above Pointe
Mouillee. Its drainage basin has the shape of a mallet ^rith the handle
providing the outlet. The river is about SO miles long and falls about 1+^0
67-1
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feet in its descent to the Detroit River. The major part of its drainage
reaches the main stem above Ann Arbor and from this point downstream receives
no important tributaries. Most of the upper portion is hilly and contains
many lakes which provide much natural storage. The drainage area is 1,0^3
square miles.
The closest gaging station to the mouth where reliable records are kept
by the U.S. Geological Survey is at Ann Arbor. Here the average discharge
of record is W-5 cfs and the drainage area is 711 square miles. This gage
does not indicate the total or daily contribution of water to the Detroit
River because: (l) eight impounded lakes between the gaging station and the
mouth provide considerable storage which smooths out the stream fluctuations
and (2) it does not take into account approximately 33^ square miles of
drainage area.
MICHIGAN WATERS OF LAKE ERIE. The western er.d of Lake Erie is character-
ized by shallow water with maximum depths up to 29 feet. For several miles
from the Michigan shore, the water is generally less than 25 feet deep, and
near the Detroit River outlet, depths in excess of 20 feet are rare. This
ship channel is dredged through the shallow water to a depth of 28.5 feet.
Lake Erie is subject to hard winds from both the east and west, and from
time to time barometric seiches occur. The effect of changing winds and
seiches is to raise and lower the lake level at the western end near Monroe,
and to-create marked variations from normal water movements and currents.
The only significant tributary to Michigan Lake Erie besides the Detroit
River is the Raisin River. Minor tributaries include the creeks named Swan,
Stony, and Sandy north of the Raisin River and those called Plum, LaPlaisance,
.68-1
-------
and Otter south of the Raisin Fiver. Table I3-I represents the descriptive
measurements of the Michigan waters of Lake Erie.
RAISIN RIVER. The Raisin River, entering the lake at Monroe, drains
an area of 1,125 square miles. It rises approximately 50 miles due vest of
Monroe and for 20 miles flows in an easterly direction. For the next 30
miles it flows southerly before taking a sharp turn to flow in a northeasterly
direction for 20 miles. The final 15 miles of the river, flowing in ail
easterly direction, receives no important tributaries. The shape of the
basin is very similar to that of its neighbor, the Huron River. The average
discharge of record measured near Monroe is 71^ cfs.
A series of five low head dams spaced at approximately 1-mile intervals
is located near the mouth of the river.
Tne last 1.5 miles of the river contain a dredged navigation channel
serving the Port of Monroe -with controlling depths of 21 feet and a middle
channel width of 200 feet. Lake-affected backwater extends approximately
3 miles up the river to the first low head dam. The improved channel, widened
to 300 feet, extends 3 miles into Lake Erie.
69-1
i
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TABLE 13-1. CHARACTERISTICS OF MICHIGAN LAKE ERIE
Mean Depth
Maximum Depth
Surface Area
Volume
Drainage Area (l)
14.3 feet
29 feet
105 square miles
960,960 acre - feet
1,525 square miles
(l) Excluding the Detroit River ana the Lake surface area.
70-.I
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