An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes
Areas of Concern
Summaries of the 31 U.S. and binational Areas of Concern, including the
status of Remedial Action Plans, scheduled meetings, progress
and achievements, beneficial use impairments, research, publications,
community involvement, and partner agencies and organizations
Prepared by the
Great Lakes Commission
With funding from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Great Lakes National Program Office
March 2002
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Preface
In an effort to clean up the most polluted areas in the Great Lakes, the United States and Canada,
in Annex 2 of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, committed to cooperate with state and
provincial governments in developing and implementing Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) for
designated Areas of Concern (AOCs) in the Great Lakes basin. The AOCs include rivers, lakes
and bays where one or more of 14 beneficial uses have been impaired due to historic or ongoing
pollution.
Forty-three AOCs have been identified in the Great Lakes basin: 26 located entirely within the
United States; 12 located wholly within Canada; and five binational AOCs that are shared by
both countries. RAPs are being developed in each of the AOCs to address beneficial use
impairments, which include, among others, restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption,
dredging activities, or drinking water consumption.
With support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Great Lakes National Program
Office (U.S. EPA-GLNPO), the Great Lakes Commission has developed the enclosed summaries
of issues and activities in the 31 U.S. and binational AOCs. For each AOC, the summaries
review the status of the RAP, scheduled meetings, progress and achievements, beneficial use
impairments, research, publications, community involvement, partner agencies and
organizations, and key contacts. The summaries are intended for local residents, agency staff,
elected officials and others interested in learning about the status of cleanup efforts in the Great
Lakes basin's most polluted water bodies.
The summaries were designed primarily for online presentation from the U.S. EPA-GLNPO web
site at www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/. When viewed online, the summaries include links to a wide
array of additional information, including specific issues being addressed in the AOCs (e.g.,
contaminated sediments, fish and wildlife); publications; partners involved in the RAP process;
related environmental programs, such as Lakewide Management Plans; and key terms, such as
AOC, RAP, etc. The online summaries are updated periodically and local RAP participants are
encouraged to provide new information to the Great Lakes Commission at 734-665-9135,
glc@great-lakes.net. Summaries of the 12 AOCs located within Canada are available on the
Internet at www.on.ec.gc.ca/glimr/raps/aoc-map.html. Links to additional resources are available
from the Great Lakes Information Network's (GLIN) AOC web site at
www.great-lakes.net/envt/pollution/aoc.html. Finally, GLIN's TEACH Great Lakes web site
features a mini lesson on the AOCs geared for elementary through high school students. The
TEACH site is located at www.great-lakes.net/teach/ and the AOC mini lesson is located at
www.great-lakes.net/teach/pollution/aoc/aoc 1 .html.
The Great Lakes Commission expresses its appreciation to U.S. EPA-GLNPO for the funding
that made the AOC summaries possible, and to the many state and local RAP participants who
contributed to and reviewed the information.
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Table of Contents
Preface i
Beneficial Use Impairment Summary Table 1
Area of Concern Summaries
Illinois
Waukegan Harbor 3
Indiana
Grand Calumet River 9
Michigan
Clinton River 17
Deer Lake 23
Detroit River 29
Kalamazoo River 39
Manistique River 45
Menominee River 49
Muskegon Lake 55
River Raisin 63
Rouge River 71
Saginaw River/Bay 83
St. Clair River 93
St. Marys River 99
Torch Lake 109
White Lake 117
iii
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Minnesota
St. Louis River 125
New York
Buffalo River 133
Eighteenmile Creek 143
Niagara River 149
Oswego River 157
Rochester Embayment 167
St. Lawrence River 177
Ohio
Ashtabula River 187
Black River 199
Cuyahoga River 213
Maumee River 223
Pennsylvania
Presque Isle Bay 233
Wisconsin
Lower Fox River/Green Bay 237
Milwaukee Estuary 245
Sheboygan River 251
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Great Lakes Areas of Concern: Impairment of Beneficial Uses (as of Fall 2001)
Area of
Concern
Restrictions
on dredging
activities
Eutrophi-
cation with
undesirable
algae
Restriction on
drinking water;
taste and odor
problems
Beach
closures
Degradation
of aesthetics
Added costs Degradation of
to agriculture plankton
& industry (phyto & zoo)
communities
Loss offish
and wildlife
habitat
Number of
local
impaired
beneficial
uses
Restriction on
fish and
wildlife
consumption
Fish tumors or
other
deformities
Bird or animal
deformities,
reproduction
problems
Degradation of
benthos
Lake
Superior
Lake
Michigan
Lake
Huron
Tainting offish
and wildlife
flavor
Degradation of
fish and
wildlife
populations
St. Louis Bay/River
Torch Lake
Milwaukee Estuary
Deer Lake
Sheboygan River
Grand Calumet R.
Kalamazoo River
Muskegon Lake
Rouge River
Manistique River
Lower Menominee R.
Lower Green Bay &
Fox R.
Waukegan Harbor
White Lake
Saginaw River/Bay
Clinton River
Rival Raisin
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wildlife
iSiSi
Area of
Concern
Restrictions
on dredging
activities
Eutrophi-
cation with
undesirable
algae
Restriction on
drinking water;
taste and odor
problems
Beach
closures
Degradation
of aesthetics
Loss of fish
and wildlife
habitat
Number of
local
impaired
beneficial
uses
Lake
Ontario
Connect-
ing
Channels
Restriction on
fish and
wildlife
consumption
Tainting oftsh
and wildlife
flavor
Degradation of
fish and
wildlife
populations
Fish tumors or
other
deformities
Bird or animal
deformities,
reproduction
problems
Degradation of
benthos
Degradation of
plankton
(phyto & zoo)
communities
St. Lawrence R. (NY)
Added costs
to agriculture
& industry
Niagara River (NY)
Cuyahoga Riusr
Ashtabula River
Presque Isle Bay
Buffalo River
Eighteenmile Creek
Rochester Embayment
Oswego River
St. Marys River
St. Clair River
Detroit niver
Maumee River
Black River
impaired
Requires Further Assessment
I X N Restored
I I Not Impaired
NL - Impaired but not attributable to local sources
AA - After additional assessment not impaired
SP - Excess loadings of sediment and nutrients to the lake
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State of Illinois
Waukegan Harbor Area of Concern
Background
RAP Status
A natural inlet and
portions of adjacent
wetlands were filled
to form the present
shape of the harbor.
Waukegan Harbor
consists of approxi-
mately 1.2 km2 of
industrial, commer-
cial, municipal and open/vacant lands. The watershed
of the Waukegan ESA contains the Waukegan River
drainage basin, the North Ditch drainage basin and other
nearshore areas which drain to Lake Michigan.
The first stage of the Waukegan Harbor RAP,
detailing the use impairments and a definition of the
problems, was completed in 1993, following exten-
sive review and comment by the CAG and an
Interagency Workgroup (IAWG).
The Waukegan Area of Concern (AOC) is located in
Lake County, Illinois, on the west shore of Lake Michi-
gan. There is also an Expanded Study Area (ESA)
bounded by Dead River on the north; a bluff line which
parallels Sheridan Road on the west; the southern
boundary of the
former U.S. Steel
Property on the
south; and the
nearshore waters of
Lake Michigan on
the east. The ESA
was added to ex-
plore additional con-
cerns of the citizens
beyond the AOC.
The Stage 3 Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for
Waukegan Harbor has been completed and submitted
to the International Joint Commission. A condensed
Summary and Update Report has been written for dis-
tribution to the general public. These documents were
released in late De-
cember, 1999.
The Stage Two RAP,
completed in 1995,
focused on specific
pollutant loads to the
AOC and the ESA, as
well as the remedial
actions slated to
restore the impaired
uses of the contami-
nated sites. Revision
of Stage Two was
based on CAG and
IAWG comments.
The Stage Two RAP
public meeting and
IJC review took place
in September, 1995.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
3
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RAP Status
0 20 40 60 80 100
Percent Completed
'for radi a report is Mihmiited to the IJf,
Beneficial Use Impairments
Five of 14 use impairments have been identified for
the Waukegan ESA (those checked on impairment
graphic) based on the listing criteria approved by the
International Joint Commission (IJC) (1991). Impair-
ments include benthos degradation, restrictions on
dredging, beach closings, degradation of phytoplank-
ton populations and loss of fish and wildlife habitat.
Signs warning anglers not to eat fish caught in
Waukegan North Harbor were removed on February
20,1997, as directed by the Illinois Department of
Public Health. Since that time, monitoring of fish
from both the harbor and Lake Michigan has shown
no appreciable difference in PCB concentrations as
compared to other harbors and the open lake.
However, in 1999 and early 2000, two individual fish
contaminant samples from Waukegan Harbor
showed uncharacteristically high levels of PCBs.
This prompted additional sampling using carp as the
target species. In September and October of 2000,
19 carp were sampled from Waukegan Harbor.
Results showed that PCB concentrations are in line
with fish samples collected by other Lake Michigan
States. In the sample of 19 carp values ranged from
less than 1.0 to 7.2 ppm total PCBs with a mean of
3.2 ppm. The historical average for Waukegan
Harbor carp sampled since 1993 includes 57
samples. These samples averaged 5.2 ppm PCBs.
The Lake Michigan Fish Consumption Advisory
issued by Illinois now warns the public not to eat
carp from Lake Michigan waters in Illinois.
Degradation of Benthos:
The Waukegan Old North Harbor has been rated
pollutant based on a benthic survey conducted in
1972 when pollution tolerant forms of benthic life
predominated at each station sampled. A1996
sampling by the Illinois EPA showed degraded
conditions in the harbor.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initiated a
Comprehensive Dredge Material Management Plan
(CDMP) in 1998. Each year approximately 40-
50,000 cubic yards of sand is dredged from the
approach channel at Waukegan Harbor as an aid to
navigation. As a beneficial use the dredged sand is
then taken north to the Illinois Beach State Park to
nourish beaches there. Samples taken of the material
to be dredged by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
have shown that these sands are suitable for beach
replenishment projects of this type and that appli-
cable Lake Michigan water quality standards are met
throughout the operation. The U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers has posted a fact sheet to provide infor-
mation to the public on the project. The web site is:
www.lrc.usace.armv.mil/topicsAVauktest.htm.
Beach Closings:
Waukegan North and South beach closures have
averaged 7 per season over the past several years of
record keeping (1988-present). Recent monitoring
has shown that the number of beach closings have
dropped dramatically since 1997. A beach user
survey was conducted by the Illinois EPA in 1999
and 2000. The survey found that most users of
Waukegan beaches believed that water quality of the
beaches had improved or stayed the same over the
last several years.
Degradation of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton
Populations:
Several studies prior to 1990 have shown impacts on
phytoplankton and zooplankton in Waukegan Harbor.
Photosynthesis of the green alga Selenastrum
capricornum was inhibited by sediment samples in
studies conducted by Ross et al. (1988) and Risatti et
al. (1990). Burton et al. (1989) reported toxicity to
Daphnia magna, Cerodaphnia dubia and S.
capricornutum when organisms were exposed to
sediments or sediment elutriates from the inner
harbor.
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Use Impairments - Waukegan Harbor AOC
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Beach closings
V Degradation of phy-
toplankton & zooplank-
ton populations
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat:
The urbanized and industrial nature of the Waukegan
lakefront has significantly altered the potential for
fish and terrestrial wildlife habitat in the harbor area.
In the area, important fish and wildlife habitat areas
are located offshore and at Illinois Beach State Park
to the north. Since the harbor is a man-made struc-
ture constructed for industrial purposes, its value for
fish and wildlife habitat is limited Hartig, (1993).
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
1999: Stage in RAP submitted
1995: Stage II RAP public meeting and IJC
review accomplished.
1993: Stage I RAP was completed
Other Progress & Achievements:
A four-phase plan for dredging Waukegan
Harbor has been developed through efforts of
the Citizens Advisory Group (CAG). Phase 1
scheduled for summer of2001 calls for dredging
of the entrance channel and slip 1 to a depth of
19.5 feet. The project is being funded by the
shipping companies that utilize slip 1. Phase 2
involves lowering of water and electric lines to
allow dredging to a depth of 23 feet. Phase 3
would include the dredging of slip 1 and the
harbor channel to a depth of 23 feet. Phase 4
would be a determination on whether to dredge
the remaining portions of the harbor to a depth of
23 feet.
In May, 2000 the Great Lakes Water Quality
Board of the International Joint Commission met
with the Waukegan Harbor Citizens Advisory
Group (CAG) and the public in Waukegan. The
Board recognized the (CAG) for its long-
standing commitment to the restoration and
protection of beneficial uses in the Waukegan
Harbor Area of Concern. Environmental educa-
tion efforts to area students was also recognized.
The Board urged quick action in removing the
remaining 300,000 cubic yards of harbor sedi-
ment containing low levels of residual PCBs.
The Stage 3 Remedial Action Plan for
Waukegan Harbor has been completed and
submitted to the International Joint Commission.
A condensed Summary and Update Report was
written for distribution to the general public.
These documents were released in late Decem-
ber, 1999.
The Waukegan Harbor Citizens Advisory Group
and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
received an outstanding achievement award for
progress made in restoring environmental quality
in the Great Lakes through the involvement of
the local citizenry at the State of the Lakes
Ecosystem Conference (SOLEC '98) in Buffalo,
New York in October, 1998. The award evalu-
ated monitoring effectiveness, strength of local
partnerships and progress toward improvements
in the Great Lakes ecosystem.
In July 1998, the City of Waukegan was
awarded a USEPA brownfield grant to bring
abandoned and degraded properties back into full
use. The city has been working closely with
Illinois EPA on a brownfield pilot project as part
of the Remedial Action Plan to restore
Waukegan Harbor. The RAP process was the
catalyst for this project. The project is titled
Brownjields Redevelopment for the City of
Waukegan and Waterfront Revitalization
Project. Since Waukegan's downtown and
waterfront areas are separated by a number of
brownfield sites, the project targets five or six of
these properties along the proposed Madison
Street corridor that will eventually link the City's
downtown and waterfront areas. Project funding
is being used for site assessment activities, to
compile a brownfield site database, and for
community outreach activities with the goal of
building partnerships.
As part of a brownfield grant to the Waukegan
CAG, the Illinois EPA performed phase II site
assessments at two properties identified by the
CAG, and part of the ESA, to be ready for
redevelopment. In the phase II assessment, the
Illinois EPA conducted environmental sampling,
collecting any or all of soil, sediments, groundwa-
ter or surface water samples. The Illinois EPA
then determines if contaminants exceed accept-
able levels established by the Illinois Environ-
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
5
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Progress and Achievements: (continued)
mental Protection Act. A limited phase II site
assessment was conducted in November, 1997 at
an abandoned gas station on the corner of
Clayton and Sheridan Roads in Waukegan. This
parcel of property is envisioned to be part of a
theater complex in the City of Waukegan
redevelopment plan. An additional investigation
at an abandoned dry cleaners at on South
Genesee Street was conducted in the April,
1998. The demonstration of State support for this
brownfield initiative is expected to be a catalyst
in spurring further redevelopment and environ-
mental cleanup. The City of Waukegan is now
building upon this initiative with additional projects.
Signs warning anglers not to eat fish caught in
Waukegan North Harbor were removed on
February 20, 1997. Fish taken from the harbor
are now in the same consumption categories in
any portion of Lake Michigan in Illinois. Removal
of the signs marked the end of nearly two
decades of restrictions imposed after poly-
chlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination was
identified in 1981. The decision to remove the
warning signs and withdraw warnings tar-
geted specifically at fish taken from
Waukegan North Harbor reflects continuing
improvements in the harbor following removal
of approximately one million pounds of PCB-
contaminated soil from the harbor in 1993.
An Expanded Study Area (ESA) was delin-
eated by the CAG and IEPA as an area
surrounding the AOC that required further
study. The ESA was established because of
CAG member concern that properties outside
the AOC might contribute to contamination to
the Waukegan Harbor or the nearshore waters
of Lake Michigan. The CAG has also been
instrumental in gaining cooperation from local
responsible parties to pursue remedial investiga-
tions. Remedial actions have been initiated and
some completed. Past activities in Waukegan
Harbor to achieve use restoration are briefly
described below.
Remedial Activities:
Dredging of PCB-contaminated sediments from
Waukegan Harbor, as part of Superfund related
remediations, was completed in 1992. More than
494 tons of PCB-contaminated sediments were
removed, thermally treated and placed in con-
fined disposal facilities.
Emergency remedial action was taken to remove
and secure free tar at the Waukegan Tar Pit in
1992 and 1993. This removed the threat to local
wildlife from becoming entrapped in the tar.
Emergency remedial action was taken at
Waukegan Paint and Lacquer to secure and
remove leaking containers holding paints, sol-
vents and other materials in 1992.
Superfund remediations at Johns-Manville were
completed in 1992 to contain a large quantity of
asbestos-containing material.
Removal of several leaking underground storage
tanks at both the north and south ends of the
harbor was completed in 1992.
Investigations:
Fish surveys are conducted annually in
Waukegan harbor to provide up to date informa-
tion into the statewide fish consumption advisory
program.
Remedial investigation of Waukegan Manufac-
tured Gas and Coke Company revealed that the
products of concern are coal tar and its derived
products. A baseline risk assessment at this site
was completed in 1995.
Commonwealth Edison completed a Phase 2
remedial investigation of the old Greiss-Pfleger
Tannery property in 1995.
Eight groundwater monitoring wells were
installed south of the harbor in 1992. Sampling of
these wells determined little contamination of the
groundwater and movement to Lake Michigan.
6
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Community Involvement
Outlook
A Waukegan Harbor Citizens Advisory Group
(CAG) was organized in 1990 to act as a local
advisory group to the IEPA to address environmental
concerns in the AOC. The CAG is comprised of
members from industry, fishing interests, environ-
mental interests and residents.
Public participation and the cooperation of state,
federal and local agencies are an integral part of the
RAP process. The development of the Waukegan
Harbor RAP has been a cooperative effort including
input from representatives from business, govern-
ment, industry, environmental groups, education,
recreation and local citizens.
Public involvement activities and strategies are
described in two separate public involvement plans
prepared in 1990 and 1993 for the RAP process
(IEPA, 1994).
Schedule
Meetings:
Waukegan Harbor Citizens Advisory Group
meets monthly (except for December)
Pursuit of a four phase dredging plan for the harbor
continues with Phase I implementation in 2001.
Phase I is fully funded by industry.
Four major remedial actions have been completed
that will significantly reduce the quantity of contami-
nants in Waukegan Harbor and the nearshore area.
Approximately 453,600 kg (1 million pounds) of
PCBs were removed during remediation activities at
the Outboard Marine Corporation site. The other
three major remedial actions include the Johns-
Manville Company, Waukegan Paint and Lacquer
and the Waukegan Tar Pit.
At Waukegan Paint and Lacquer, approximately 15
m3 of paints, solvents and flammable solids were
removed from weathered tanks before leaking into
sandy soil next to Lake Michigan. At the Johns-
Manville site, asbestos covering nearly 24 ha has
been remediated to prevent entry into Lake Michi-
gan. Two remedial investigations are underway on
adjacent property of Waukegan Manufactured Gas
and Coke and the Greiss-Pfleger Tannery. Both of
these sites are suspected of contributing to surface
and groundwater contamination. These remedial
investigations are being funded by private parties
through coordination with state and federal regula-
tory agencies.
The Waukegan CAG has been instrumental in
obtaining cooperation from local parties involving
additional investigations. Groundwater monitoring
from local parties is being conducted in an area south
of the harbor. The CAG helped obtain access from
private businesses and federal grant money to install
the monitoring wells. An adjacent salvage yard
ceased operation in 1993 and the CAG is working
with a local bank, who holds the property title, to
resolve environmental concerns about the site.
Other pending actions:
Facilitate an agreed upon location for a confined
disposal facility that would house sediment
dredged from the shipping channel.
Raise funds to fulfill the local share match for
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredging of
the shipping channel.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
1
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Partners
Publications
Citizens of Lake County for Environmental
Action
City of North Chicago
Citizen Representatives
City of Waukegan, Illinois
College of Lake County
Commonwealth Edison Company
AKZO Nobel
EJ & E Railroad
Great Lakes Sports Fishing Council
Illinois Audubon Society
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
LaFarge Corporation
Lake County Chamber of Commerce
Lake County Planning, Building & Development
Department
Lake County Health Department and Commu-
nity Health Center
Lake Michigan Federation
Larsen Marine
League of Women Voters of Illinois
North Shore Gas
North Shore Sanitary District
Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission
Outboard Marine Corporation
Salmon Unlimited
Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great
Lakes National Program Office
Waukegan Charter Boat Association
Waukegan Harbor Citizens Advisory Group
Waukegan Park District
Waukegan Port District
Waukegan Public Library
Waukegan Yacht Club
Research
Multiple research needs have been identified in the
Stage II RAP (IEPA, 1994) including:
Plans and Studies (Chapter 10.1)
Special Remedial Actions (Chapter 10.2)
Maintenance Activities and Protective Measures
(Chapter 10.3)
Hey and Associates of Libertyville, Illinois. A list
of pertinent questions and answers was devel-
oped jointly between the Illinois EPA and the
CAG to clarify the process of possible delisting.
A summary paper is available upon request.
IEPA, 1999. Final Stage III Report -
Waukegan Harbor Remedial Action Plan,
Division of Water Pollution Control, IEPA,
Springfield, Illinois.
IEPA, 1996. Community Relations and the
Waukegan Harbor Cleanup Project. IEPA,
Springfield, Illinois, 1996. Four-minute videocas-
sette.
Schacht, R., and G Michaud, C. Isely III, and M.
Walker, 1996. Citizen Involvement - A New
Way of Doing Business in Illinois Environ-
mental Programs, International Association of
Public Participation Practitioners Newsletter,
The Practitioner, August, 1996.
Gorden, P., 1993. Making Innovations Routine
Business in the Waukegan RAP, International
Joint Commission Newsletter, Focus, Volume 18,
Issue No. 2, July/August, 1993.
Bolattino, C., and M. Tuchman, 1993. A Sum-
mary of Contaminated Sediment Activities
Within the United States Great Lakes Areas of
Concern, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Great Lakes National Program Office,
August, 1993.
Contacts
Bob Schacht, RAP Coordinator
Illinois EPA
9511 Harrison Street
DesPlaines, IL 60016
847-294-4000
bob.schacht@.epa.state.il.us
Chairperson
Waukegan Harbor Citizens Advisory Group
Box297
Waukegan, IL 60079
Compiled: August 29,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/waukegan.html
8
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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State of Indiana
Grand Calumet River Area of Concern
Background
RAP Status
The Grand Calumet River, originating in the east end
of Gary, Indiana, flows 13 miles (21 km) through the
heavily industrialized cities of Gary, East Chicago and
Hammond. The majority of the river's flow drains
into Lake Michigan via the Indiana Harbor and Ship
Canal, sending about one billion gallons of water into
the lake per day. The Area of Concern (AOC)
begins 15 miles (24 km) south of downtown Chicago
and includes the east branch of the river, a small
segment of the west branch and the Indiana Harbor
and Ship Canal. Today, 90% of the river's flow
originates as municipal and industrial effluent, cooling
and process water and stormwater overflows.
Although discharges have been reduced, a number of
contaminants continue to impair the AOC.
HAP Status
Stage
Restoration of Beneficial
Implementation
Planning
oblem Definition
20 40 60 80
Percent Completed
The Stage 2.5 Remedial Action Plan is under revision
for submittal to the International Joint Commission.
Stage 2.5 extends the Stage 2 ecosystem approach
and reviews how each regulatory, voluntary and
enforcement activity in the AOC helps restore
beneficial uses. The document begins to link these
activities to environmental stressors. With the
Citizens Advisory for the Remediation of the Envi-
ronment (CARE) committee's assistance, the State
expects to finish the Stage 2.5. By tracking the
myriad of activities that help restore beneficial uses,
the CARE committee and State have begun to track
Stage 3 progress, implementation.
The State submitted a Stage 2
document to the International Joint
Commission in December 1997.
Stage 2 links physical, biological
and chemical stressors to each use
impairment. Due to extensive use
impairments and the complex
nature of the ecosystem activities
required to restore those uses, the
RAP process divided Stage Two
into smaller, more manageable
components for planning purposes.
It also makes integration of each
new component an important
concern as the planning process
proceeds.
100
For each tfage, & report i* submitted to the ljC
The Remedial Action Plan (RAP)
process produced a Stage One
document in January 1991.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
9
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Beneficial Use Impairments
Use Impairments - Grand Calumet AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Tainting of fish and
wildlife flavor
V Degradation of fish and
wildlife populations
V Fish tumors or other
deformities
V Bird or animal deformi-
ties or reproductive
problems
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Eutrophication or
undesirable algae
V Restrictions on drinking
water consumption, or
taste & odor
V Beach closings
V Degradation of aesthetics
V Degradation of phytoplank-
ton and zooplankton
populations
V Added cost to agriculture
and industry
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
Problems in the AOC include contamination from
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals,
such as mercury, cadmium, chromium and lead.
Additional problems include high fecal coliform
bacteria levels, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
and suspended solids, oil and grease. These contami-
nants originate from both point and nonpoint sources.
Nonpoint sources include:
Contaminated Sediment. The Grand Calumet
River and Indiana Harbor and Canal contain 5 to
10 million cubic yards (3.9 to 7.7 million cubic
meters) of contaminated sediment up to 20 feet
(6 m) deep. Contaminants include toxic com-
pounds (e.g., PAHs, PCBs and heavy metals)
and conventional pollutants (e.g., phosphorus,
nitrogen, iron, magnesium, volatile solids, oil and
grease).
Industrial Waste Site Runoff. Stormwater
runoff and leachate from 11 of 38 waste disposal
and storage sites in the AOC, located within .2
mi (.3 km) of the river, are degrading AOC
water quality. Contaminants include oil, heavy
metals, arsenic, PCBs, PAHs and lead.
CERCLA Sites. There are 52 sites in the AOC
listed in the federal Comprehensive Environmen-
tal Response Compensation and Liability System
(CERCLA). Five of these sites are Superfund
sites on the National Priorities List (NPL).
Hazardous Waste Sites under RCRA. There
are 423 hazardous waste sites in the AOC
regulated under the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA), such as landfills or
surface impoundments, where hazardous waste
is disposed. Twenty-two of these sites are
treatment, storage and disposal facilities.
Underground Storage Tanks (USTs). There
are more than 460 underground storage tanks in
the AOC. More than 150 leaking tank reports
have been filed for the Lake County section of
the AOC since mid-1987.
¦Atmospheric Deposition. Atmospheric
deposition of toxic substances from fossil fuel
burning, waste incineration and evaporation enter
the AOC through direct contact with water,
surface water runoff and leaching of accumu-
lated materials deposited on land. Toxins from
this source include dioxins, PCBs, insecticides
and heavy metals.
Urban Runoff. Rain water passing over paved
urban areas washes grease, oil and toxic organ-
ics such as PCBs and PAHs into AOC surface
waters.
Contaminated Groundwater. Groundwater
contaminated with organic compounds, heavy
metals and petroleum products contaminates
AOC surface waters. The United States Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)
estimates that at least 16.8 million gallons (63.6
million liters) of oil float on top of groundwater
beneath the AOC.
Point sources of contaminants include:
Industrial and Municipal Wastewater Dis-
charges. Three steel manufacturers contribute
90% of industrial point source discharges to the
AOC. One chemical manufacturer discharges
into the AOC. Permitted discharges include
arsenic, cadmium, cyanide, copper, chromium,
10
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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lead and mercury. Three municipal treatment
works (Gary, Hammond and East Chicago
Sanitary Districts) discharge treated domestic
and industrial wastewater into the AOC.
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). Fifteen
CSOs contribute untreated municipal waste,
including conventional and toxic pollutants, to the
AOC. Annually, CSO outfalls discharge an
estimated 11 billion gallons (41.6 billion liters) of
raw wastewater into the harbor and river.
Approximately 57% of the annual CSO volume
is discharged within eight miles (12.9 km) of
Lake Michigan, resulting in nearshore fecal
coliform contamination.
Historically, the Grand Calumet River supported
highly diverse, globally unique fish and wildlife
communities. Today, remnants of this diversity near
the AOC are found in the Gibson Woods and Pine
nature preserves. These areas contain tracks of dune
and swale topography and associated rare plant and
animals species, such as Franklin's ground squirrel,
Blanding's turtle, the glass lizard and the black
crowned night heron, among others. The problems
mentioned above, however, have impaired many
desired uses of the AOC, including the 14 beneficial
uses listed below.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Total fish consumption restrictions exist for the
Grand Calumet River, the Indiana Harbor and the
Canal. Partial consumption restrictions exist for all of
Lake Michigan. The Indiana Department of Environ-
mental Management (IDEM) has identi-
fied degraded fish populations, including
tainted fish.
Tainting of Fish & Wildlife Flavor:
No current information is available on this
BUI. For further information, contact the
RAP Coordinator listed under "Contacts"
below.
Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive
Problems:
No current information is available on this BUI. For
further information, contact the RAP Coordinator
listed under "Contacts" below.
Degradation of Benthos
Only sludge worms inhabit the Indiana Harbor and
ship Canal, suggesting that severe pollution exists.
Phytoplankton counts are low in nearshore Lake
Michigan.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities
Due to concern over disposing of contaminated
sediments, no dredging activities have occurred since
1972. Accumulated sediment in the harbor and
restrictions on sediment removal have reduced
shipping capacity 15%, increasing shipping costs.
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae:
No current information is available on this BUI. For
further information, contact the RAP Coordinator
listed under "Contacts" below.
Restrictions on Drinking Water Consumption,
or Taste & Odor:
No current information is available on this BUI. For
further information, contact the RAP Coordinator
listed under Contacts below.
Beach Closings
Swimming is prohibited in the river, harbor and canal.
The Hammond Beach has been closed for several
years.
Contaminated sediments and other forms of industrial pollution
continue to plague the Grand Calumet River.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Popu-
lations:
A lack of food, low dissolved oxygen and
toxic stress have destabilized river, harbor
and canal resident fish communities.
Pollution-tolerant species such as carp and
oligochates (worms) dominate.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
11
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Degradation of Aesthetics
Debris litters the river banks and the canal. The river
and harbor often have an oily sheen, and nearshore
Lake Michigan waters often appear murky.
Degradation of Phytoplankton & Zooplankton
Populations:
No current information is available on this BUI. For
further information, contact the RAP Coordinator
listed under Contacts below.
Added Cost to Agriculture & Industry:
No current information is available on this BUI. For
further information, contact the RAP Coordinator
listed under Contacts below.
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
No current information is available on this BUI. For
further information, contact the RAP Coordinator
listed under Contacts below.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
The Stage 2.5 RAP is under revision for submit-
tal to the IJC. The CARE committee has
proposed a suite of short-term and long-term
environmental indicators and endpoints to delist
each beneficial use.
The Stage Two document was submitted to the
IJC in December of 1997.
The Remedial Action Plan (RAP) process
produced a Stage One document in January
1991.
The first success of the RAP was the opening of
the first Regional Office in Gary, Indiana in 1990.
Since then, the Northwest Regional Office has
grown to include more than 20 staff people,
including air, land and water quality inspectors,
RAP and Lakewide Management Plan (LAMP)
coordinators and a director of the office.
Recent achievements and other projects:
U.S. Steel Gary Works plans to begin dredging
the East Branch of the Grand Calumet River.
The project should begin in 2002 and will last 3
years.
On July 20,2001, the City of Hammond acquired
the north basin of George Lake. The City of
Hammond will consult with the George Lake
Watershed-Environmental Advisory Committee
on how to restore, preserve and enhance George
Lake.
IDEM is working with the RAP technical
workgroup, USEPA and GLNPO to develop the
AOC delisting guide document. Work began in
June 2001.
IDEM completes technical work for the Total
Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) assessment,
May 2001.
IDEM and The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
release the Sediment Injury Report for the Grand
Calumet River as part of the Natural Resource
Damage Assessment (NRDA), April 2001.
IDEM and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant sponsor:
The First Biannual Grand Calumet River:
Science in the Area of Concern Symposium at
Indiana University Northwest, March, 2001.
ISPAT-Inland performed a demonstration of a
hydraulic dredge (Eddy Pump) in the Indiana
Harbor Ship Canal, September 2000.
Permit for the Passive Dewatering Facility for
U.S. Steel Dredging project is approved by
IDEM and EPA.
Wolf Lake Bi-State Vision Document completed.
IDEM established 14 Technical Teams to
develop indicators for the RAP.
Costal Zone Management Funding is being
sought for the Southern Lake Michigan. The
area includes the AOC.
IDEM is working with USEPA / GLNPO in
developing the Lake Michigan Monitoring
Coordinating Council.
IDEM developed a RAP web page for the
Grand Calumet River Citizens Advisory for the
Environment (CARE).
The City of Hammond has completed the Youth
Golf Course on the south basin of George Lake.
The ADID project is complete.
Dredging of the Grand Calumet is in process
12
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Water Quality and Toxic Pollution Prevention
The draft Water Quality Component of Stage
Two is being finalized in response to public
comments. Several of its provisions are already
being implemented through indirect methods,
although direct resources for implementation
have been limited.
Plumes of toxic pollution into the Grand Cat will soon be a
of the past as implementation of the RAP moves forward.
The RAP process has developed and obtained
funds for a Toxic Pollution Prevention (TPP)
Program on the waterway through a highly
participatory, public process. The Gary,
Hammond and East Chicago Sanitary Districts
(River Districts) have formally adopted the
RAP's Common Policy on Toxic Pollution
Prevention.
The RAP process has involved IDEM's pollution
prevention staff, local industry and the general
public in implementing a Household Hazardous
Waste Collection Project in the AOC. Collections
began in April 1994. Local educators have
helped IDEM develop an Enviromobile which
stops at area schools to educate school children
about ways to prevent pollution while increasing
their environmental consciousness.
IDEM has funded a Steel Industry Pollution
Prevention Project at Indiana University North-
west to involve local steel makers in minimizing
waste.
IDEM and U.S. EPA have funded a sediment
cleanup and restoration alternatives document
through the RAP process. This document is
currently available to the public.
Reduction of Combined Sewer Overflows
The Stage One RAP identified CSOs as a major
cause of contamination of sediments. The RAP
process has begun to address CSOs from the
three municipal sanitary districts on the river.
IDEM and the U.S. EPA Consent Decrees now
require the sanitary districts to implement CSO
Operational Plans and the state is including
additional CSO provisions. IDEM is including
additional CSO requirements in discharge
permits as they are renewed in the basin pursu-
ant to a state CSO Strategy.
Urban Nonpoint Source Pollution Reductions
The RAP process has developed an Urban
Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program
with the Lake County Soil and Water
Conservation District, local officials and
organizations, School of Public and Environ-
mental Affairs and the Purdue School of
Civil Engineering. This project demonstrated
best management practices by cooperating
with public and private landowners, and
estimated the amounts of nonpoint source
pollution and the costs of locally financing
best management practices. A watershed
land use study has been produced for the
AOC and sub-area watershed management
plans are being developed, starting on the
west side of the AOC.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is currently
mapping fill sites, especially the sites where steel
slag has historically been deposited. This fill map
will have multiple uses for ecosystem restoration
due to the high water table and the historical
dune and swale topography of the AOC. It will
be especially useful in identification of likely
sources of groundwater and wetland contamination.
Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration
A volunteer steward from the Friends of Gibson
Woods, Mr. Paul Labus, co-chairs this Subcom-
mittee with Mr. Jim Smith from IDEM's office
of Emergency Response. Mr. Labus and Mr.
Smith lead the Subcommittee in a group consen-
sus process to finalize and prioritize habitat goals
and objectives. They focus on preservation,
protection and restoration of upland natural areas
of high native biodiversity, as well as on improve-
ment of aquatic habitat for beneficial species
(especially native species).
site
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
13
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In a cooperative effort, IDEM, U.S. EPA, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and IDNR have
obtained a new state Nature Preserve on the
Grand Calumet River in Gary through natural
resource damage litigation about the Midco I and
II Superfund sites. Called the "Bongi property",
this 102 ha (253 acre) parcel contains one of the
highest biodiversity areas of vascular plants in
the state and is part of the historic Chicago Lake
Plain of dune and swale topography.
The RAP process has initiated a RAP Rights of
Way (ROW) Project to cooperate with ROW
owners to manage their land in an ecologically
sensitive manner. This project includes railroads,
utilities and pipeline companies in a joint effort to
reconnect portions of the biological corridors
which once paralleled the lake shore.
Volunteer Stewards Network
The RAP's Stage Two Habitat Component calls
for the development of a volunteer stewards
network to restore natural areas of high
biodiversity. The RAP process has fostered the
development of the Friends of Gibson Woods, an
independent volunteer stewardship organization,
to help restore native dunes and oak savannas
toward their pre-settlement condition, including
the Bongi property and the Gibson Woods
Nature Preserves.
The Nature Conservancy, as part of its Southern
Lake Michigan Conservation Initiative, is orga-
nizing a Calumet Stewards Network and will
focus on the preservation and restoration of the
natural areas of highest biodiversity in the
Calumet Region.
Community Involvement
The community is currently involved in the work of
the RAP through the CARE Committee (The
Citizens Advisory for the Remediation of the Envi-
ronment).
Schedule
Meetings:
The Citizens Advisory for the Remediation of the
Environment (CARE Committee) meets every
third Thursday of every month.
Outlook
The Stage Two document currently contains an
ecosystem approach for restoration of 14 impaired
uses. The document uses a matrix system to priori-
tize restoration projects.
Current Priorities include:
Continue the Natural Resources Damages
Assessment.
Complete the three-year Total Maximum Daily
Load for the River and Canal.
Complete design of the proposed confined
disposal facility that will hold dredged sediments
from the Canal's Federal Navigation Channel.
Continue planning USX proj ect to dredge five
miles of Grand Calumet River.
Partners
CARE (Citizens Advisory for the Remediation of
the Environment) Committee
East Chicago Waterway Management District
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great
Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO)
Partners also include numerous local businesses,
organizations, agencies, institutions, units of govern-
ment and individuals.
GRAND CALUMET EIVEB
INDIANA HARBOR SHIP CANAL
14
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Research
Contacts
A Historical Perspective on the Flora of the
Grand Calumet River; What are Realistic
Expectations for Restoration? Robin Scribailo,
Purdue University North Central
Distribution of Chinook Salmon
(Oncorhynchus tchawytscha) in the Grand
Calumet River and Indiana Harbor Canal,
Lake County, Indiana - Joseph Exl, US Fish
and Wildlife Service
Toward a Holistic Ecological Approach to
Restoring the Grand Calumet River Basin -
Richard Whitman and Meredith B. Nevers, U.S.
Geological Survey
Differentiating Human and Non-human E-coli
Contamination by RAPD Analysis - Charles C.
Tseng and Evert W.T. Ting, Purdue University-
Calumet
Poly aromatic Hydrocarbon Analysis of A
Sediment Sample From the West Branch of the
Grand Calumet River - Kay Rowberg, Purdue
University-Calumet
Status of Wetland Flora along the Grand
Calumet River with a Regard to the Potential
Impacts of Proposed Sediment Removal -
Young Choi, Purdue University-Calumet
An Ecosystem Partnership in the Calumet
basin in Illinois: A review with Questions -
Janet I. Haplin and Mark Bouman, Chicago
State University
Alex da Silva, RAP Coordinator
504 Broadway, Suite 418
Gary, IN 46402
219-881-2446
adasilva@.dem.state.in.us
Compiled: August 30,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/grandcal.html
Publications
Proceedings for Grand Calumet River: Science
in the Area of Concern Symposium, held at
Indiana University Northwest - March, 2001.
The Sediment Cleanup and Restoration
Alternatives Project document, funded by
IDEM and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is
currently available to the public.
The Natural Resources Trustees have issued an
assessment plan for public review. This plan
supports the RAP process.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
15
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State of Michigan
Clinton River Area of Concern
Background
RAP Status
Southeastern Michigan's Clinton River, located just
north of Detroit, flows 80 miles (128 km) from its
headwaters to Lake St. Clair near the city of Mt.
Clemens. The river drains 1,968 km (760 square
miles) of southeastern Michigan, including portions of
Oakland and Macomb Counties and small areas of
St. Clair and Lapeer Counties.
The Area of Concern (AOC) includes the entire
watershed. About half of the river's flow is treated
wastewater from six municipal wastewater treat-
ment plants. Land use on the north branch of the
river is agricultural. The main industries in the area
are automotive-related.
Stormwater outfall to Bear Creek, the most polluted
waterway in the Clinton River AOC.
Clinton River priorities include elimination of CSOs
and SSOs, nonpoint source pollution control,
Superfund waste site remediation, spill notification,
habitat restoration, and elimination of illicit connec-
tions and failing septic systems.
The initial RAP document was completed in 1988.
The next iteration of the RAP was completed in
January 1995. The 1998 Clinton River Watershed
Remedial and Preventative Action Plan and the 1998
RAP Update and Progress Report were published in
January 2000. These documents are produced
primarily by work groups consisting of Public Advi-
sory Council (PAC) and RAP Team representatives,
other technical experts, and the general public.
Beneficial Use Impairments
Currently, eight beneficial uses are considered
impaired including: Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife
Consumption, Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Popula-
tions, Degradation of Benthos, Restrictions on
Dredging Activities, Eutrophication or Undesirable
Algae, Beach Closings, Degradation of Aesthetics
and Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat.
Although historical industrial and municipal dis-
charges were the primary causes of environmental
degradation in the Clinton River, and thus of its
designation as an AOC, ongoing contamination
problems are almost exclusively of nonpoint source
origin. There are no major industrial discharges to the
river or its tributaries of process water (only non-
contact cooling water and stormwater), and most
(though not all) municipalities have adequate indus-
trial pretreatment programs and have implemented
combined sewer control plans. As such, stormwater
runoff as a category (including the two municipal
systems still experiencing combined sewer over-
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
17
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Beneficial Use Impairments: (continued)
flows), is probably the single greatest source of
water quality degradation.
Very rapid urban expansion and the subsequent
loss of habitat is the second significant category
of environmental problems related to water
quality in the Clinton River watershed. Oakland
County leads the state in new construction, and
Macomb County is
experiencing rapid urbanization as well. Wet-
lands and other wildlife habitat have been all but
eliminated from the downstream portion of the
basin, and natural drainage has been drastically
altered throughout the watershed.
Historical point source discharges and ongoing
nonpoint sources are responsible for sediment
contamination in the mainstem Clinton River.
Metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
pesticides and other organics have been docu-
mented over several decades in a number of
locations along the Clinton River from Pontiac to
the mouths of both the river
and the spillway.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
In 1990 a fish consumption advisory was issued for
carp due to PCB contamination from polluted river
sediments. Heavy metals have also contaminated
river sediments in the lower Clinton River down-
stream of Mt. Clemens.
Please note: Since fish advisories change year to
year, the Michigan Fish Advisory guide (pub-
lished annually) should be consulted for restric-
tions and advisories. Be sure to check for general
inland lake mercury advisories.
Degradation of Fish &Wildlife Populations:
Contaminated sediment, low dissolved oxygen, poor
physical habitat, and unnatural water flows have
impeded further improvements in fish populations.
Degraded wildlife populations are attributable
primarily to sedimentation, but also to contaminated
sediments in localized areas. Development also has
caused a loss of terrestrial habitat and changes in the
aquatic environment.
Degradation of Benthos:
Contaminated sediments, sedimentation, and biologi-
cal oxygen demand/low dissolved oxygen levels have
impaired the river's benthic community. Excessive
nutrients and organic matter, low flow rates, and high
sedimentation rates have lowered the river's dis-
solved oxygen levels.
The river's lack of slope in the AOC affects benthic
habitat quality (low dissolved oxygen and sedimenta-
tion). A weir upstream from Mt. Clemens causes most
of the river to flow down the spillway (built for
control purposes) rather than down the natural
channel. The benthic community in the lower river
suffers reduced water depth, velocity, water quality.
Fish migrating out of Lake St. Clair are following the
heavier currents in the spillway and are being
blocked at the weir instead of using the natural
channel.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
Restrictions on dredging are attributable to
elevated concentrations of metals, PCBs, and
other parameters in dredge spoils from localized
areas of the navigational channel.
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae:
Present in the lower portions of the river attribut-
able primarily to nutrient loadings from nonpoint
sources.
Beach Closings:
Attributable to bacterial contamination from CSOs,
failed septic systems, illegal connections to storm
sewers, and urban and rural runoff. In recent years,
all four Lake St. Clair public beaches monitored by
the Macomb County Health Department had closings
due to E. coli bacteria levels that exceeded health
department standards.
Use Impairments - Clinton River AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Degradation of fish and
wildlife populations
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Eutrophication or
undesirable algae
V Beach closings
V Degradation of aesthetics
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
18
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Beach closings have become a much-too-
common occurrence for Lake St. Clair.
Degradation of Aesthetics:
Attributable to CSOs, illegal dumping and discharg-
ing, excessive erosion and in-stream sedimentation.
Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat:
Mostly attributable to urban and suburban sprawl,
and the activities which accompany these phenomena.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
1998: Clinton River RAP Update Report
reviewed and completed.
1995: Second iteration of the Clinton River RAP
document completed.
1988: The initial Clinton River RAP document
was completed.
Recent Progress and Achievements:
Several studies, river protection efforts, and remedial
actions have been undertaken in the AOC. Recent
activities and achievements include:
Plans are in the works for DEQ to initiate
sediment dredging using CMI funds in Fiscal
Year 2002.
Ozone purification at the water treatment plant is
being implemented in 2001.
There are numerous nonpoint pollution control
projects in the watershed being planned and
implemented with Section 319 funds.
The Clinton River Watershed Council is develop-
ing a nutrient reduction strategy for golf courses
in the watershed.
Several communities have organized river
cleanup days.
Control of CSOs has been addressed with new
permits, and construction of required improve-
ments is underway. Additionally, sanitary sewer
overflows (SSOs) have been recognized and
corrections are underway.
Illicit sewer connections are being actively
enforced, and fieldwork to discover and correct
these illegal connections is underway. Further
enforcement actions have been taken on failing
septic systems, wetlands violations, etc.
A nonpoint source control plan has been com-
pleted for an urban subwatershed (Bear Creek),
with implementation underway.
Options for improved operation and management
of on-site sewage systems have been identified
and are being implemented.
Combined sewers have been separated in
Almont, Armada, Pontiac, Rochester, and
Warren.
Partial separation and construction of a CSO
retention basin has been accomplished in Mt.
Clemens.
Macomb County has aggressively enforced
provisions of the stormwater permitting program.
A Macomb County special prosecutor for water
quality was hired.
Wetlands functional assessments have been
completed.
Progress has been made by the Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)
and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
in the cleanup of many of the waste sites, using
Act 307 and Superfund monies.
Two years of sediment sampling have occurred
to locate areas of contamination outside the
lower river.
An aquatic habitat survey was completed.
Stormwater management guides were developed
for local governments and site developers.
The Clinton River Watershed Council has
sponsored workshops for local officials on
stormwater and nonpoint source control.
The Clinton River Watershed Council has
conducted many educational programs on water
quality in the watershed.
A volunteer stream monitoring program for
schools has been introduced.
Public education and outreach has been accom-
plished with newsletters, forums, workshops,
public events, etc.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
19
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Oakland County established an infrastructure
fund to financially assist municipalities with
pollution control efforts.
Past Progress and Achievements:
Three work groups, Point Sources/Nonpoint
Sources, Habitat, and Contaminated Sedi-
ments, convened a number of times during the
summer and autumn of 1994. Each group
evaluated the scope and magnitude of the
problems of in the watershed, identified areas
needing further evaluation, and recommended
a series of remedial and preventive actions.
The output from these work group delibera-
tions constitute the foundation for the Clinton
River RAP Biennial Update, was drafted.
The biennial update included data from a
number of studies conducted in 1994.
Sediments throughout the Clinton River water-
shed were sampled for a wide range of contami-
nants during the autumn of 1994 in a cooperative
study involving the RAP Contaminated Sedi-
ments work group, the U.S. EPA Great Lakes
National Program Office (GLNPO), the Michi-
gan Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
and their consultant, Thermo Analytical, Inc.
Although sampling had been done previously in
the mainstem of the river, most of the watershed
has never been evaluated. Preliminary results of
this investigation indicated that sediments
throughout most of the watershed are not
seriously contaminated. However, a number of
locations in the mainstem from Utica to Lake St.
Clair, as well as the Red Run Drain/Plum Brook
subwatershed have elevated levels of a number
of metals, PCBs, pesticides and other organics.
Phase two follow up studies took place in 1995
to determine the extent of the problems in these
areas. These studies determined if sediment
remediation was necessary, and if so, what sorts
of remedial actions would be feasible.
Biosurveys at 15 sites in the watershed were
conducted by the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources (MDNR), now the MDEQ, in
August 1994. Habitat, benthic communities and
fish communities were evaluated at each of
these sites. Water and sediment quality were
evaluated at selected sites. Results were highly
variable. In general, upstream communities were
healthier than downstream. But even in areas
with little toxic contamination, habitat and the
benthic biota were impaired by in-stream sedi-
ment accumulation. Fish communities were
generally fair to excellent in abundance and
diversity except near Pontiac, where fish com-
munity health tended to reflect habitat conditions
and macroinvertebrate community integrity.
Storm drain sampling in 1994 revealed high levels
of bacteria during both dry and wet weather in
many drains. The incidence of illegal sewer
connections to storm drains was suspected of
being more significant than previously thought.
The Macomb County Department of Public
Works initiated efforts to track down illegal
connections.
Sediment sampling revealed that fecal bacteria
were sequestered in the sediments at a number
of locations in the river. Sources of the problem
were CSOs, failed septic systems, illegal connec-
tions to storm drains, and urban and rural
stormwater runoff.
A Clinton River Watershed database and monitor-
ing system was developed at Oakland University
by Dr. Robbin Hough. Seed money for this project
came from the Michigan AOC Grant Program.
Permits for CSO systems for both Mt. Clemens
and the Southeast Oakland County Sewage
Disposal System have been updated.
G&H Landfill litigation settlement monies were
allocated for several projects in the Clinton River
Watershed, all of which were initiated in 1995:
V A cooperative study involving the Oakland
County Health Division, the Macomb County
Health Department and the Clinton River
Watershed Council to investigate failed on-
site sewage disposal systems;
V Best management practices (BMPs) imple-
mentation at sites along the river in Shelby
Township, along Paint Creek, and at Yates
Cider Mill;
20
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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V Development of a program to enforce
construction site BMP regulations, and to
train inspectors of construction sites in BMP
identification and reporting.
Community Involvement
Opportunities for community involvement in the AOC
are available through the following:
The Clinton River Public Advisory Council
(PAC): Meetings take place several times a
year. The PAC welcomes attendance and input
from anyone interested in the environmental
issues confronting the watershed.
The Clinton River Water-
shed Council: The
CRWC is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to
promoting individual and
community actions that
protect and improve the
health of the Clinton
River, assuring that its
natural, economic and
recreational value en-
hances the quality of life of those who live, work
and play in the Clinton River watershed and
Lake St. Clair.
Schedule
Outlook
Communities within the watershed are evaluating
whether or not they should apply for Michigan's
voluntary stormwater permit, which requires devel-
opment of a watershed plan. The Macomb County
Health Department is currently working to identify
and remediate bacterial sources throughout the
watershed. The MDEQ is continuing sediment
assessment to identify hotspots of contamination.
Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI) funds will be used to
clean up the sites of highest contamination. The 56
communities that make up the Area of Concern are
actively working on upgrading the wastewater
treatment system.
$ON />/
WATERSHED COUNCIL
Solutions to many of the most serious
problems (i.e. stormwater manage-
ment plans, habitat protection) in the
Clinton River Watershed require
implementation at the local level
through mechanisms like land use
planning. Because the watershed
encompasses over 50 local units of
government, comprehensive and
coordinated efforts are difficult.
Research
Currently, U.S. EPA monitoring programs are limited
to some monitoring at Superfund sites; there are four
sites within the watershed.
Meetings:
The Clinton River Public Advisory Council
(PAC) meets regularly. Contact the PAC chair
in the "Contacts" section below for more
information.
Partners
Clinton River Public Advisory Council (PAC)
Clinton River Watershed Council
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great
Lakes National Program Office
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) maintains five water
quality monitoring stations in the watershed, which
provide data on several physical and chemical
parameters on a monthly basis. USGS is planning a
Lake Erie basin study on water quality and has
tentatively expressed an interest in focusing on the
Clinton River watershed.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Surface Water Division conducts annual effluent
compliance sampling at major NPDES-permitted
facilities. The Division also undertakes ambient
water quality sampling in association with the five-
year watershed cycle; biosurveys and other water
quality investigations generally take place in the
watershed during the three years prior to the
reissuance of permits. The Division also conducts
fish contaminant monitoring.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
21
-------
Publications
1998: Clinton River RAP Update Report
1998: Clinton River Watershed Remedial and
Preventative Action Plan
1995: Second iteration of the Clinton River RAP
1988: Clinton River Remedial Action Plan
Contacts
William Smith
Clinton River AOC SPAC Rep and PAC Chair
49 Breitmeyer
Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
Phone & Fax: 586-468-4028
Jessica Pitelka Opfer
Clinton River Watershed Council
1970 E. Auburn Rd.
Rochester Hills, MI 48307-4803
248-853-9580
Fax:248-853-0486
planner@crwc.org
Arthur Ostaszewski, RAP Contact
MDEQ Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-1119
Fax: 517-373-2040
ostaszea@michigan.gov
Laura Evans
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5
77 W. Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
312-886-0851
evans. laura@.epa. gov
22
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
State of Michigan
Deer Lake Area of Concern
iv
Background
Deer Lake is a 906 acre impoundment in central
Marquette County near Ishpeming. The Area of
Concern (AOC) includes the Carp River watershed,
comprised of Carp Creek, Deer Lake, and the Carp
River downstream about twenty miles to Lake
Superior in Marquette.
In 1981, fish in Deer Lake were discovered to have
concentrations of mercury that exceeded the 1.5mg
"ban on total consumption" by the Michigan Depart-
ment of Public Health. The mercury in the fish in
Deer Lake far exceeded the mercury found in fish
from similar lakes at this time. There were two
unusual industrial additions of mercury to this area.
The first occurred in the 1880s from the processing
of gold ore in this area (Ropes Gold Mine). Mercury
was the primary processing reagent for gold prior to
1897. The second occurred from the assaying test
that was conducted on ore samples from a Labora-
tory of Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company (CCIC). The
wastewater from the CCIC lab went into the munici-
pal sewage of Ishpeming which flowed into Carp
Creek and then into Deer Lake.
From 1929 to 1964 all wastewater generated in the
City of Ishpeming discharged through combined
sewers into Carp Creek that flowed into Deer Lake,
without any treatment. From 1964 to 1986 there
were Primary treatment plants for this sewage. In
1970 this system was declared inadequate by the
state. The combined waste was separated into
sanitary/process from stormwater runoff of the
sewer system and an enhanced Secondary System
went online in April 1986. This system for sewage
now appears to be adequate. This new plant stopped
the nutrient overloading of Deer Lake that caused
accelerated eutrophication (enrichment) of the lake
leading to nuisance algal blooms. These excessive
algal blooms no longer exist.
Remediation in addition to the new Treatment Plant
consisted of drawing down Deer Lake during 1984-
1986 to the original small lake. The Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) treated the lake to kill the
remaining fish. After the Lake refilled with ad-
equately treated water the DNR planted fingerlings
of walleye and perch. The original RAP plan was to
let natural capping occur and to monitor the results.
Mercury levels in the fish initially increased then
decreased until 1995. The mercury in fish tissue has
since leveled off though not below the trigger level
for fish consumption advisories. There has been
extensive testing in recent years to try to determine
why the mercury concentration in the fish has not
continued to decline.
Deer Lake has become a trophy catch-and-release
fishery for walleye and northern pike. It is illegal to
possess fish taken from this lake. This designation
has resulted in trophy size fisheries for the lake. The
highest concentrations of mercury are found in the
large (old) northern pike.
Deer Lake is currently addressing priorities and will
include them in the new Remedial Action Plan
(RAP) which will be completed July 2002.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
23
-------
RAP Status
The PAC is currently in the process of writing a
RAP Update and will include the identification of
beneficial use impairments as outlined in the
GLWQA. Issues relating to the AOC and goals for
the PAC have been identified.
Beneficial Use Impairments
A 1987 Remedial Action Plan (RAP) was written by
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
(MDNR), now the Michigan Department of Envi-
ronmental Quality (MDEQ). This RAP described
problems known at the time and identified actions
and studies needed to further define and remediate
those problems. However, the RAP was written
before the 1987 amendments to the Great Lakes
Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) which outlined
new guidelines for RAPs including the identification
of potential beneficial use impairments. The primary
impaired use of the AOC is restrictions on fish
consumption, and associated contaminated sedi-
ments. Additionally, dredging restrictions might apply.
Since elimination of the primary nutrient sources to
the watershed with the upgrade of the wastewater
treatment plant and completion of the sewer separa-
tion project in 1986, Carp Creek and Deer Lake have
had no problems with nutrient enrichment. Since then
the lake has become less eutrophic indicated by
improved Secchi disk readings.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Eagles that have high concentrations of mercury
produce eggs that seldom hatch. However, two
eaglets have fledged each year since 1998 from the
original nest. They had not hatched prior to this.
With PAC support, a new nesting platform was
constructed (2001). It is hoped that the new platform
will provide a second nesting site.
Mercury contamination of fish caught in the Deer
Lake AOC has resulted in a ban on fish consumption
since 1981. Sediments also have elevated mercury
levels (2-16 parts per million). It is illegal to possess
fish from Deer Lake.
Please note: Since fish advisories change year to
year, the Michigan Fish Advisory guide (pub-
lished annually) should be consulted for restric-
tions and advisories. Be sure to check for general
inland lake mercury advisories.
Use Impairments - Deer Lake AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Restriction on dredging
activities
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
Dredging would be restricted or have added costs
due to the mercury contamination in the sediments.
The status of the sediment contamination and
recommendations for potential remedial activities are
currently being studied.
Due to the potential for contaminated sediments
within the lake, persons applying for permits to
dredge would be required to provide sediment
testing data. This data could be obtained from the
sediment testing already completed by the State of
Michigan and Cleveland Cliffs, Inc. If data is not
available for that particular area, then sediment
sampling would occur. The sampling is used to
define how sediments could be removed and where
sediments could be disposed.
Photo credit: Don Simonelli (courtesy Michigan Travel Bureau)
Eaglets
have been
fledging
again near
Deer Lake.
24
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
2001: RAP Update in progress. (Note: The PAC
is currently addressing priorities for the updated
RAP which will be completed by summer 2002.)
1999: Committee reports for the RAP Update
completed.
1997: Deer Lake AOC Public Advisory Council
(PAC) was formed, bylaws adopted, officers
elected, and committees assigned for beneficial
use impairment identification.
1987: Deer Lake Remedial Action Plan written
by the MDNR.
1985: Listed as an AOC.
1984-1987: Remediation plan implemented
including lake draw down and treatment.
1981: Fish consumption and health advisories
were issued by Michigan Department of Com-
munity Health.
Other Progress and Achievements:
Sediment sampling for mercury is ongoing.
In-stream sediment traps for the Carp River are
being cleaned regularly.
Decisions will be made in 2002 about remedial
action for the contaminated sediments.
Sewer separation and primary treatment plants
were replaced by secondary wastewater treat-
ment facilities in 1986, leading to the elimination
of the lake's primary nutrient enrichment
sources. Secchi disk readings which are con-
ducted regularly, continue to improve.
2001
Continued testing of sediments and fish by CCIC
and MDEQ; with results expected in 2002.
Continued cleanup of Carp Creek beaver dams.
Maintained fish advisory postings.
Held stream/launch/island site cleanup activities.
EPA Mudpuppy conducting tests on sedimenta-
tion rate of natural capping.
Sediment
sampling
aboard EPA
"Mudpuppy".
2000
Continued testing of sediments and fish by CCIC
and MDEQ.
Results from 1999 extensive testing of fish from
Deer Lake by CCIC and MDEQ reported in
July, 2000 by MDEQ.
EPA Mudpuppy conducting tests on sedimenta-
tion rate of natural capping.
Held stream/launch/island site cleanup activities.
Sponsored beaver dam removals by local
residents and Boy Scouts. As a result of beaver
dam removals in recent years, Carp Creek is
now flowing freely above Deer Lake and moving
sediment into the lake, which then buries con-
taminated sediments (natural attenuation).
Maintained fish advisory postings.
Sponsored lake monitoring program with local
high school.
1999
Extensive testing of additional sources of mer-
cury to watershed.
Deer Lake PAC continued educational programs
throughout the watershed.
The PAC designed, installed and is maintaining
fish advisory and mercury cautionary signage
around the AOC.
Held stream/launch/island/lakeshore site cleanup
activities.
Sponsored beaver dam removals with help from
private citizens and Boy Scouts.
Sponsored stream and lake monitoring program
with local high school.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
25
-------
Progress and Achievements: (continued)
1999 (continued)
Produced and updated educational brochure on
AOC.
Continued public education on health issues.
Developed and distributed additional fact sheets
aimed at subsistence eaters and people from
outside the area who do not understand the
implications of eating mercury contaminated fish.
The lake supported a trophy catch and release
fishery.
1998
Sediment traps in the Carp River were back on a
cleaning schedule.
Lakeshore and island cleanups held.
Stream and lake monitoring with public schools
and PAC was held.
Sponsored beaver dam removals with help from
private citizens and Boy Scouts.
Mercury Contamination
Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company (CCIC) operated the
laboratories that were a source of mercury to the
AOC. A consent judgement for restoring the lake
and for monitoring mercury levels in fish was entered
into between the MDNR and CCIC in 1984. By
consent, Deer Lake was drawn down to the lowest
possible level in the fall of 1984, killing most of the
resident fish. In late 1986, rotenone was used to kill
fish left in the remaining 90 acre natural lake basin.
Carp Creek was temporarily routed around the
natural lake basin to prevent downstream movement
of rotenone during this process. The impoundment
was refilled in 1987. The lake drawdown was
intended to allow the methylation of mercury from
the exposed sediments.
Subsequent fish stocking and monitoring activities
have proceeded as outlined in the consent judgement.
Northern pike re-established in the lake naturally.
Walleye fry and perch were stocked for four years.
The last time the MDNR stocked walleye fry was in
1990. MDNR fishery biologists suggest that natural
reproduction has been sustained in the Deer Lake
walleye fishery. The mean mercury concentrations
for the fish fillets considered still exceed the Michi-
gan Department of Community Health (MDCH) fish
consumption advisory trigger level of 0.5 parts per
million (ppm).
The
walleye
fishery
is on its
way
back in
Deer
Lake.
A recreational fishery has developed since Deer
Lake was restocked The MDEQ has designated the
lake a catch and release fishery to eliminate contami-
nated fish consumption, while still providing recre-
ation opportunities. 11 is illegal to possess fish caught
in Deer Lake. The c£tch and release fishery in Deer
Lake has gained a~ention from anglers throughout
the midwest because of the outstanding walleye
fishery. In 1993, th; ocal Trout Unlimited Chapter in
Marquette and the Natural Resources Conservation
Service, in cooperation with MDNR Fisheries
Division jointly implemented a bank stabilization
project on an erosion site in the Carp River. The
project protected valuable brook trout habitat.
Effective April 29. 1395, MDCH relaxed the fish
consumption advisory on the Carp River in
Marquette County. The "no consumption advisory on
all species" will exclude.brook trout. Brook trout that
were between 7 and 12 inches in length contained a
maximum of only [».31 ppm mercury, with an average
of 0.17 ppm. This reiects the fact that brook trout
depend less on other fish as part of their diet than do
pike. The mercury concentrations in the brook trout
were well below the MDCH trigger level of concern.
Other species of fi*h from the river remain under the
"no consumption" advisory due to mercury contami-
nation.
Continued monitoring will indicate whether mercury
levels in the Deer Lake ecosystem will eventually fall
to levels found elsewhere in Michigan. Substantial
progress is being made. Currently, there is a con-
sumption advisory foe certain large fish caught in all
inland lakes in Mic higan because of concerns about
widespread high mercury levels in the environment.
This general advisocy is in addition to the specific ban
on all consumption for Deer Lake fish because of
mercury.
26
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Marsh Monitoring Program
A marsh monitoring program was initiated during
1995. The program is conducted by the Long Point
Bird Observatory from Ontario Canada. Funding for
activities in the United States was provided through a
grant from the Great Lakes Protection Fund. This
long-term program is coordinated with local volun-
teers who conduct the marsh surveys.
Community Involvement
A Public Advisory Council was formed for the Deer
Lake AOC. The 21-member PAC has positions for
three agency representatives who serve in an
advisory capacity (they participate, but don't vote)
and 15 citizens representing a cross-section of
interests in the Carp River watershed. The formation
of the Public Advisory Council was a very positive
step, with strong community support from a large
stakeholder base.
Schedule
Meetings:
The Deer Lake Area Public Advisory Council
holds meetings quarterly or more often as
needed.
Outlook
A primary goal is to identify and restore beneficial
uses of the Carp River watershed that led to the
lake's designation as an AOC. Goals of the PAC
include addressing the 14 potential Beneficial Use
Impairments, revision of the RAP, restoration of
impaired beneficial uses and promotion of best
management practices for the entire watershed
through identification and communication.
Remediation
Deer Lake sediments and fish are contaminated with
mercury. A mitigation plan was implemented in
1984-86 which included the drawdown of the lake.
The 1987 RAP called for natural capping. There
are ongoing studies to see how effective this has
been. As of September 2001, results are only
available from the summer of 1999. MDEQ has not
yet released year 2000 data. The summer of 2001
data collection/tabulation has not yet been com-
pleted. At this time there is not enough information to
decide if additional steps need to be taken. The
studies are joint efforts between CCIC and MDEQ.
There has been an agreement to not release informa-
tion until both CCIC and MDEQ agree. The Deer
Lake PAC will incorporate the three years of
extensive data (1999-2001) into the new RAP, which
is currently being drafted.
Habitat/Resource Management
The lake supports a trophy catch and release
fisheries. The recommendation to maintain the
catch and release fishery has wide support, but
not consensus within the PAC.
The PAC recommends that the current lake level
be maintained.
Eagles have had
nest success in
recent years
after a consider-
able absence.
Studies and nest
observations are
ongoing to
determine true
success.
The PAC
supports the
relocation of the
boat launch area.
Human Health
The PAC has developed fish advisory and
mercury cautionary signage for the AOC. They
have installed and maintained the signage
throughout the watershed.
Stewardship Sustainability
Without federal and state support the PAC will
cease to exist.
Education and Outreach
The PAC has updated their AOC pamphlet used
for public outreach and education.
Fact sheets relating to mercury contamination
and other AOC issues will be developed and
distributed.
Signage maintenance around the lake will
continue.
Special projects and educational outreach will be
ongoing.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
27
-------
Partners
Contacts
Deer Lake Public Advisory Council
City of Ishpeming
Ishpeming Township
Area public schools
Marquette County
Marquette Soil and Water Conservation District
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great
Lakes National Program Office
Research
The state and CCIC are concurrently conducting
studies within the AOC to help identify and
define the problems and solutions related to
contaminated sediments and fish issues.
The PAC has and will continue to monitor water
quality data related to eutrophication.
Nonpoint source problem areas will be identified
within the watershed.
There is ongoing sampling of fish and sediment
cores.
1987-2001: Studies by the CCIC and MDEQ
concerning mercury concentrations in fish,
sources, effects, remediation options and likely
impact on the Carp River Watershed were
conducted.
Scott Chilman
Deer Lake AOC PAC Chair
102 South Main Street
Ishpeming, MI 49849
906-486-9982
Fax: 906-486-6720
sc@ellerbruch.nmu.edu
Diane Feller
Deer Lake SPAC Representative
102 South Main Street
Ishpeming, MI 49849
dkfeller@aol.com
Sharon Baker, RAP Contact
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-3310
Fax:517-373-2040
BAKERSL@michigan.gov
Steve Hopkins
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Duluth
515 W. First St., #320
Duluth, MN 55802
218-720-5738
Fax:218-728-0111
hopk@.mindsprin|g.com
Publications
1999: Updated AOC brochure produced.
1987: Deer Lake Remedial Action Plan,
MDNR.
Compiled: August 30,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/drlake/index.html
28
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
State of Michigan/Province of Ontario
Detroit River Area of Concern
Background
The Detroit River is a 32-mile international connect-
ing channel linking Lake St. Clair and the upper
Great Lakes to Lake Erie. The Detroit River Area of
Concern (AOC) includes the areas which drain
directly to the river and the drainage area of its
tributaries in Michigan and Ontario (700 square
miles), as well as the City of Detroit "sewershed"
area of 107 square miles. It is a binational AOC.
Approximately 75 percent of the total land area of
the watershed is in Michigan (607.7 square miles).
Nine beneficial use
impairments have been
identified in the Detroit
River. The known
causes of impairments
include urban and
industrial development in
the watershed, bacteria,
PCBs, PAHs, metals,
and oils and greases.
Photo courtesy Friends of the Detroit River
Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and municipal
and industrial discharges are major sources of
contaminants within the AOC. Stormwater runoff
and tributaries in Michigan are also major sources of
contaminants. Additional environmental concerns
include exotic species, changes in the fish community
structure, and reductions in wildlife populations.
Detroit River priorities include control of combined
sewer overflows (CSOs), control of sanitary sewer
overflows (SSOs), point/nonpoint source pollution
controls, remediation of contaminated sediments,
habitat restoration, and pollution prevention.
On April 17,1998 in Windsor, the governments of
Canada, the United States, Ontario and Michigan
signed a Letter of Commitment which will re-
energize the restoration and cleanup of the Detroit,
St. Clair and St. Mary's Rivers. The Letter of
Commitment specifies the roles and responsibilities
of the four agencies in implementing and restoring
the Areas of Concern shared between Canada, the
United States, Ontario and Michigan namely the
Detroit, St. Clair and St. Mary's Rivers. These roles
and responsibilities include
administrative commit-
ments, development of
binational de-listing
process, public involve-
ment and outreach and
reporting progress to the
International Joint Com-
mission and the public.
The 1987 Protocol to the
1978 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, signed
by Canada and the United States, commits both
countries, in cooperation with the Province, States
and others, to undertake the development and
implementation of Remedial Action Plans for Areas
of Concern.
The four agencies will now work toward effective
implementation of the Detroit River cleanup plan.
This work will complement the local community
based, action oriented restoration and cleanup
approaches also being implemented on both the
Canadian and U.S. sides of the Detroit River.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
29
-------
RAP Status
The Detroit River Remedial Action Plan was com-
pleted in 1996 by professionals and community
representatives to address the water quality issues
associated with the Detroit River. The Detroit River
RAP was developed as a binational effort lead by the
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to
address impairments to beneficial uses of the river or
water use goals. Approximately 104 recommenda-
tions were developed with the goal of restoring and
maintaining the integrity of the Detroit River ecosys-
tem to a standard that will provide a safe, clean, and
self-sustaining natural environment, such that (1)
self-reproducing, diverse biological communities are
restored and maintained, and (2) the presence of
contaminants does not limit the use or appreciation of
fish, wildlife or waters of the river.
Despite several limitations, the Action Teams have
carried out numerous activities needed to implement
the Detroit River Remedial Action Plan.
Beneficial Use Impairments
The Remedial Action Planning (RAP) process
identified nine of the Great Lakes Water Quality
Agreement's 14 beneficial uses as being impaired.
Beneficial use impairments in the AOC include
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption, Tainting
of Fish or Wildlife Flavor, Fish Tumors or Other
Deformities, Degradation of Benthos, Restrictions on
Dredging Activities, Restrictions on Drinking Water
Consumption, Beach Closings, Degradation of
Aesthetics, and Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
The specific water use goal is for levels of
contaminants in fish tissues to be less than
Michigan Department of Public Health (MDPH),
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR),
and Ontario Ministry of the Environment
(OMOE) action levels.
There is currently an advisory banning consump-
tion of carp.
Additionally, there are fish consumption adviso-
ries for freshwater drum, northern pike (for
women and children), redhorse sucker (for
women and children), walleye, and yellow perch
(for women and children). These fish consump-
tion advisories are size-dependant. Consult the
Michigan Fish Advisory Guide for species
lengths.
There are no wildlife consumption advisories.
Please note: Since fish advisories change year to
year, the Michigan Fish Advisory guide (pub-
lished annually) should be consulted for restric-
tions and advisories.
Tainting of Fish or Wildlife Flavor:
The specific water use goal is no tainting. The 1996
RAP report includes fish flavor impairment studies
on the Detroit River, which were carried out by the
MDNR and MDPH. The studies indicated the
possibility of a low incidence of flavor-impaired
walleye in the Trenton Channel area of the Detroit
River. Current progress/status reveals a 1996-1997
Health Canada Study, which surveyed 999 anglers
using the Detroit River. Of the 520 anglers who
consumed fish, 3/4 consumed Detroit River fish
because it "tasted good."
Fish Tumors or Other Deformities:
The specific water use goal is for liver and oral or
dermal tumor incidence rates to be no greater than
rates at unimpacted control sites. Additionally,
survey data shall confirm the absence of neoplas-
tic or preneoplastic liver tumors. Status from the
1996 RAP report showed that liver tumors at
levels exceeding background incidence rates had
been found in five species. There have been no
further studies of fish tumors or other deformities
since 1996.
Use Impairments - Detroit River AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Tainting of fish and
wildlife flavor
V Fish tumors or other
deformities
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Restrictions on drinking
water consumption, or
taste & odor
V Beach closings
V Degradation of aesthetics
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
30
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Degradation of Benthos:
The specific water use goals are to establish and
maintain benthic communities such that popula-
tions are diverse and appropriate for the physical
characteristic of the area, and to include pollution
tolerant organisms. The 1996 RAP report stated
that degraded benthic communities had been noted
on the Michigan shoreline, from the Rouge River
to the mouth. Noting current progress, Canada
and the U.S. have both conducted major studies
on sediments in the river. There are 6 major areas
identified for sediment remediation. A sediment
removal project was completed on Monguagon
Creek and two more were slated to begin in 2001.
bacteria concerns and is safe for body contact.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
The specific water use goal is for the concentration
of pollutants in sediments to be below levels that
restrict dredging. The 1996 RAP report detailed that
in Michigan, dredge spoils from the shoreline down-
stream of Conners Creek were not suitable for open
water disposal based on levels of metals and, in some
areas, PCBs in sediments. Mid-river, dredge spoils
from the lower river were not suitable for open
water disposal based on levels of cyanide, copper,
lead and zinc. Currently, areas that were previously
identified with contamination in sediment continue to
restrict dredging.
AOC. The only beach on the Michigan side of the
AOC is on Belle Isle, but it has not been closed due
to bacteria concerns. The number of bacteria
exceedances at Belle Isle beach remamed relatively
unchanged from 1995-1999. The number of bacteria
exceedances at Sandpoint Beach and Holiday Beach
also have not varied significantly since 1996. Exten-
sive planning has been competed and .York has
begun to eliminate/treat CSOs through construction
of retention basins and sewage treatment plant
upgrades in the AOC. A positive change for the BUI
is expected in the future.
Restrictions on Drinking Water Consumption
or Taste & Odor Problems:
The specific water use goal is for no taste or odor
problems to exist. The status from the 1996 RAP
report is that no restrictions on drinking water had
occurred; however, taste and odor problems were
reported in 1990. Current progress reports indicate
that still no restrictions on drinking water have
occurred, and taste and odor problems have not been
identified because there have been no significant
taste and odor episodes for 10 years. Therefore, the
status of this impairment is improving.
Beach Closings:
The specific water use goal is for all AOC areas to
be safe for total body contact activities. Also,
bacteria levels shall meet MDEQ/OMOE criteria,
and there shall be no beach closings in the AOC or
impacted area in Lake Erie due to AOC contamina-
tion. The 1996 RAP report showed that total body
contact activities in areas of the river were periodi-
cally impaired due to elevated bacteria levels. Beach
closings had occurred in the Ontario side of the
Degradation of Aesthetics:
The specific water use goal is eliminator) of the
discharges from CSOs and spills from point sources
and nonpoint sources, such that debris and persistent
objectionable deposits are not found in the river or
along the shoreline. Also, there shall be no visible oil
sheens on the river from any discharge. The 1996
RAP report detailed that debris and persistent
objectionable deposits from CSOs existed along
areas of shoreline. In addition, numerous spills of
various materials had been noted to occur in the
river. Currently, objectionable deposits :ontinue to
persist. However, CSO controls are currently being
implemented and such occurrences shculd be
reduced significantly in the coming years. The
number of reported spills since 1996 are about the
same for each year, although one major discharger in
the U.S. has reduced their reported spills by 80%.
Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat:
The specific water use goal is for wetlands to be
maintained at zero loss in the AOC, anc no net loss
of the productive capacity of fish habitats.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
31
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Loss of Fish and Wildlfie Habitat: (continued) PfO^FCSS £111(1 AchiCVCITI6DtS
Remediation, amelioration and restoration of wet-
lands shall be conducted whenever feasible. Man-
agement plans for fish and wildlife should be devel-
oped, and subsequently evaluated to determine if the
current level of habitat supports the management
plans' goals. Additional evaluation is necessary to
determine the effects of water and sediment quality
on biota. The 1996 RAP report reveals this use to be
impaired as a result of significant loss of wetlands
and habitat, which has occurred due to industrial
development and urbanization. It is recognized that
existing wetlands in the AOC should be protected.
Draft fish community goals also emphasize the
achievement of no net loss of the productive capacity
of fish habitats and the restoration of habitats
wherever possible. Fish and wildlife management
goals are needed to help further determine the extent
of impairment and guide future rehabilitation strategies.
Impairment due to water quality concerns have not
been adequately documented. This area of study
needs further evaluation. Current progress docu-
ments that 524 hectares have been protected or
restored since 1990. There are efforts underway to
map, characterize, and protect remaining wetland.
There is no tracking of overall net loss of wetland,
loss is recorded on an individual site basis. There has
been no progress on assessing impairment due to
water quality. Urbanization continues to grow along
the river, threatening areas like Humbug Marsh, the
largest U.S. wetland left along the river.
This "hydro-ax" was left stuck in the muck near the
shore of Humbug Marsh by a developer, Fall 1999.
RAP Milestones:
May 2001: Release of RAP Update Report
Jan.-March 2001: Public Consultation on
Delisting
January 2001: Joint US/Canadian Steering
Committee Meeting on Delisting
July 2000: Kick off of delisting development
March 2000: Release of Detroit River Update
Report from the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup
Committee (DRCCC)
February 2000: Four Party Compendium of
Papers finalized
2000: Release of binational progress report,
prepared by U.S. EPA
1999: U.S. Implementation Committee estab-
lished
1998: Detroit River Canadian Cleanup Commit-
tee (DRCCC) established
1998: Four Agency Letter of Commitment signed
1997: Monguagon Creek sediment remediation
underway
1996: RAP Report (use impairments and recom-
mendations) forwarded to IJC
1992: Stage 1 RAP forwarded to IJC
1991: Water use goals endorsed
Ongoing Actions:
Habitat
The survey of candidate sites on the Detroit
River for potential habitat rehabilitation/enhance-
ment is underway.
Support of American Heritage Rivers Soft
Shoreline Engineering Initiative, specifically
development of Best Practices Manual, is
underway.
Pollution Prevention and Nonpoint Source Activities
Promoting pollution prevention outreach within
metal finishing sectors is a project currently
underway.
Providing recommendations for water use/reuse
opportunities in non-contact cooling water
applications is another project underway.
Initiating a pollution prevention program for
marinas is a project currently underway.
32
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Education/Outreach
Regular public outreach activities and presenta-
tions are held.
Training sessions on soft-engineering techniques
were held.
Urban Group Session is a project currently
underway.
Detroit Boat Show display and survey is a
project currently underway.
Miscellaneous
The evaluation of Fox Creek CSO discharge is
ongoing.
Control of Windsor CSOs work has been
ongoing since 1994. The target is to provide at
least primary treatment to at least 90% of the
wet weather flow.
There is ongoing assessment of retention basin
technology and CSO treatability of Windsor
CSOs.
Ongoing sewer separation/rehabilitation and
septic tank removal of Windsor Industrial and
Municipal Source controls.
$1,000,000 has been appropriated from Clean
Michigan Initiative to remove and dispose of
35,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment
from the Black Lagoon area of the Detroit River.
The project is on hold pending resolution of a
dispute with US ACE overuse of Pointe Mouilee
CDF for disposal.
Progress & Achievements by Year
2001
Currently carrying out Class Environmental
Assessment for tunnel storage and elimination of
Windsor CSOs.
"Soft Shoreline" engineering demonstration
projects are underway to remediate hard shore-
lines at Belle Isle and other Detroit River
locations. A "Best Practices" Manual has been
created and distributed.
Binational "Biodiversity Atlas" is currently being
created for the St. Clair/Detroit River Corridor.
MDEQ is working to establish a SSO correction
program/schedule for Allen Park, Melvindale,
Western Townships Utility Authority, Grosse lie
and South Huron Valley Utilities Authority.
City of Windsor is conducting Class EA for
upgrade/expansion of Lou Romano Water
Reclamation Plant.
Canadian Salt Company source controls are
resulting in reduced effluent toxicity.
2000
A comprehensive rehabilitation plan for Detroit
River Lake Sturgeon was initiated to understand
Lake Sturgeon population dynamics and habitat
requirements at all life stages.
Photo courtesy Center for Great Lakes and Aquatic Sciences
Detroit River lake sturgeon.
Rehabilitation of all CSO regulators was com-
pleted on 6/1/00.
On 6/15/2000 MDEQ notified 1,000 municipali-
ties of their obligation to report SSO discharges.
SSO reports received subsequent to 7/10/2000
were posted on MDEQ web page, and 35 SSOs
have been reported in Wayne County since then.
1999
The CSO treatment of the 7 Mile detention basin
was completed on 1/28/99 (2.2 MG).
The CSO treatment of the Hubbell-Southfield
detention basin was completed on 3/17/99 (22 MG).
The CSO treatment of the Puritan-Fenkell
detention basin was completed on 8/23/99 (2.8 MG).
1998
Outfall gates on 6 CSOs were completed on 3/1/98.
The Canadian Cleanup Committee and implemen-
tation framework was created as a result of a
series of local stakeholders workshops and meet-
ings sponsored by Environment Canada and the
Ontario Ministry of the Environment in early 1998.
1996
Detroit River RAP completed.
A project to restore and enhance habitat for fish
and wildlife on Belle Isle that began in 1993 was
completed in 1996. The project replaced water
pumps, enhanced aquatic habitat diversity,
stocked desirable fish, eliminated nutrient enrich-
ment from the zoo, deepened the canals, and
opened part of the canal system to the Detroit
River.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
33
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Progress and Achievements: (continued)
1994
The Windsor Skin and Scuba Club Inc. per-
formed their annual Crystal Bay Clean Up for
the sixth year on April 24, 1994. The dive was
part of an Earth Day celebration, and over 30
volunteer divers along with organizers and
coordinators participated in successfully retriev-
ing approximately 45 cubic feet of garbage from
the bay.
1993
"Day at the River", a joint Michigan and Ontario
binational public outreach event, was held on
September 11, 1993. The outreach effort was
held to increase public awareness of the river's
water quality problems, highlight associated
water and land uses, and promote recreational
opportunities along the river.
1992
A newsletter was distributed in spring 1992,
reporting on aspects of the Stage 2 RAP Process
and conveying the Water Use Goals to the
public.
On October 10, 1992, a rescue group consisting
of volunteers including 50 scuba divers from
several police departments, 20 Boy Scouts, 6
biologists, and 50 community volunteers collected
northern riffleshell mussels. The shore crew
removed the zebra mussels from 110 riffleshell
mussels, which were then transplanted.
1991
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department
(DWSD) sent out a bill enclosure informing
Detroit residents of the necessity of disposing of
household hazardous waste properly in 1991.
Emphasis was placed on the importance of not
pouring paints, oils, or chemicals down drains or
sewers. Since then, the Department has taken
further steps to educate the public of proper
household hazardous waste disposal techniques.
The Little River Enhancement Group (Lil' Reg),
a volunteer multi-discipline advisory group, was
formed in 1991 to oversee projects and provide
professional input. The Lil' Reg has created a
partnership with schools, businesses, labor,
OMNR, ERCA, OMOE, the City of Windsor,
and Sandwich South Township. The group has
participated in many cleanup crusades and
actively approaches other schools in the water-
shed and encourages involvement in environmen-
tal projects.
Other Progress and Achievements
City of Windsor conducted testing on four
secondary pilot plant processes over a two year
period for upgrading and expansion of the Lou
Romano Water Reclamation Plant.
Improved effluent quality at Little River STP.
Significant reduction in Zinc loadings to Detroit
River from Ford Motor Company of Canada.
Municipal Pollution control plans completed.
More than $40 million federal/provincial monies
spent on RAP activities and infrastructure
improvements since 1989.
Approximately 530 hectares of wetland/upland
habitat has been protected along the River since
1998 (includes 366 hectares at Ruwe Marsh,
acquisition of land on Stoney, Celeron, Peche and
Mud Islands; and open space lands on Grosse lie).
Preservation of wetlands along the Detroit River,
including open space lands on Grosse lie, are a
high priority.
Implementation of Biodiversity Conservation
Strategy in Canard/Turkey and Little River
watersheds covering 54 hectares.
Over 100 candidate sites for preservation or
restoration have been identified and mapped on
the U.S. side of the Detroit River.
34
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Private corporations funded the removal of
20,000 cubic yards of sediment contaminated by
lead, zinc, PCBs and phenolic compounds in
Monguagon Creek.
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, in
cooperation with the National Wildlife Federa-
tion, implemented a PCB and mercury minimiza-
tion program.
Essex Region Conservation Authority initiated a
soil erosion control program that has increased
no-till farming 30% on Ontario side of Detroit
River.
A sedimentation basin in Farmington Hills was built
as a nonpoint source pollution remediation tool.
Culvert removal at Ford Field Bridge occurred.
Community Involvement
The Detroit River Area of Concern has a number of
local and regional initiatives being carried out at the
community, county, or regional level that implement
the objectives of the Detroit River Remedial Action
Plan. These initiatives, often partnerships or collabo-
rations with local residents, businesses, institutions,
local, county, and state government, deliver educa-
tional programming, habitat restoration projects,
mobilize financial support, and monitor initiatives that
impact water quality within the Detroit River watershed
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
Legislation creating the first international wildlife
refuge that includes part of the United States was
signed into law by President George W. Bush. The
President's signature, in late December 2001,
officially established the Detroit River International
Wildlife Refuge. The refuge will be managed by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and corresponding
Canadian authorities.
The legislation authorizes the Secretary of Interior to
acquire American lands adjacent to the Detroit River
in order to protect its wildlife and habitat. It autho-
rizes the President and secretary of interior to
negotiate with Canadian officials to create a Detroit
River International Wildlife Corridor in the lands
adjacent to the river, including both American and
Canadian lands.
The legislation also authorizes the Secretary of
Interior to conserve, enhance and restore shoreline,
islands and other natural features along the river.
Schedule
Meetings:
Meetings are scheduled and held as needed.
Outlook
Scheduled Projects on the Horizon
A 2001 Detroit River RAP Report is under
development.
In efforts toward controlling combined sewer
overflow, two pilot screening/disinfection facili-
ties are scheduled for 10/1/01.
In efforts toward controlling combined sewer
overflow, the Conner Creek Pump Station
rehabilitation is scheduled for 7/9/04 and the
Conner Creek CSO detention basin (27 MG) is
scheduled for 1/1/05.
Treatment of CSOs upstream of Hubbell
Southfield is scheduled for 8/1/05.
Increase in CSO primary treatment capacity at
WWTP to 1,700 MGD is scheduled for 1/1/04.
Installation of storage dams in major sewers (33
sites) is scheduled for 7/1/05.
Treatment of six Rouge River CSOs down-
stream of Ford Rouge discharge is scheduled for
8/1/12.
Other Projects Pending
In addition to Black Lagoon, five other sites in
the Detroit River/Trenton Channel are targeted
for sediment remediation. Remediation is contin-
gent on negotiation of acceptable disposal site.
Implementing plans for Grassy Island National
Wildlife Refuge
"0
3?
o
o
Michigan legislators and Detroit officials celebrate the
establishment of the Detroit River International Wildlife
Refuge.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
35
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Outlook Projects Pending: (continued)
US Army Corps of Engineers 206 Study for
Hennipen Marsh
Detroit River Sturgeon Study
Biodiversity Atlas
Detroit River Ecological Risk Assessment
Detroit Urban Fisheaters Study
Expand PCB Minimization Program
Expand hospital mercury reduction project to
other medical/clinical facilities
Detroit River framework to implement the
Detroit River RAP
Development of Environmental Justice Strategy
Partners
Environment Canada
Essex Region Conservation Authority
Friends of the Detroit River Greater Detroit
American Heritage River Initiative
Great Lakes Information Management Resource
Great Lakes 2000 Clean Up Fund
Laidlaw Foundation
Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Re-
search (University of Windsor)
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural
Affairs
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Ontario Ministry of Environment
Several Local Municipalities
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5
Research
The US Army Corps of Engineers' Environmen-
tal Reconnaissance Survey is underway.
The Detroit River Bathymetry Study is underway.
Publications
2001: A Conservation Vision for the Lower
Detroit River Ecosystem, Metropolitan Affairs
Coalitiion, Detroit.
2000: Roles and Responsibilities for Imple-
mentation of Shared RAPs. Copies available
from MDEQ agency contact.
1998: Four Party Letter of Commitment. U.S.
EPA, MDEQ, OME, EC. Copies available from
MDEQ agency contact.
1997: IJC Detroit River Area of Concern
Status Assessment.
1996: Detroit River Remedial Action Plan
Report.
1993: Detroit River AOC Technical Options
Study Report.
1991-93: Environmental Assessment of Detroit
River Sediments and Benthic
Macroinvertebrate Communities.
1991: Detroit River Remedial Action Plan -
Stage 1.
Contacts
Arthur Ostaszewski, RAP Contact
MDEQ Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-1119
Fax: 517-373-2040
ostaszea@michigan.gov
Detroit River Remedial Action Team Steering
Committee
Robert Hunt, Co-Chair
MSU Extension
600 Randolph, Suite L-14
Detroit, Michigan 48226
313-224-5824
Fax:313-224-7450
rhunt@co.wavne.mi.us
Kathleen Law
City of Gibraltar, City Council
29866 Lowell
Gibraltar, MI 48173
734-676-6999
kbrown@.wnol .net
36
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Pollution Prevention Team
Marie VanHoeck
Solutia, Inc.
5045 W. Jefferson Ave.
Trenton, MI 48183
734-67 M613
Fax:734-671-1378
mmvanh@solutia.com
Contaminated Sediments
Colette Luff
USAED - Detroit
ATTN: Celre-EP-P (C Luff)
P.O. Box 1027
Detroit, MI 48231-1027
313-226-7485
Fax:313-226-7095
collette.m.luff@IRe02.usace.armv.mil
Land Use Action Team
Lillian Randolph
MSU Extension
640 Temple
Detroit, MI 48201
313-833-4869
Fax:313-833-3298
randolpl@msue.msu.edu
Nonpoint Source
Chad Rhodes
City of Detroit
Department of Environmental Affairs
660 Woodward Ave., Suite 1590
Detroit, MI. 48226
313-237-3093
Fax:313-224-1547
Rhodes@.ci.detroit.mi.us
Education/Outreach/Environmental Justice
Morse Brown
MSU Extension
640 Temple, 6th Floor
Detroit, MI 48201
313-833-3424
Fax:313-833-3298
brown@msue.msu.edu
Habitat
Roberta Urbani
Detroit Energy
Room 1051 WCB
2000 Second St.
Detroit, MI 48226
313-235-8624
Fax:313-235-0285
urbanir@dteenergv.com
Monitoring and Evaluation
James Nicholas
USGS, Water Resource Division
6520 Mercantile Way, Ste. 5
Lansing, MI 48911
517-887-8906
Fax:517-887-8937
irnichols@.usgs. gov
Compiled: August 31,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/detroit/detroitJitml/
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
37
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State of Michigan
Kalamazoo River Area of Concern
Background
The Kalamazoo River is located in the southwest
portion of the lower peninsula of Michigan. The river
flows in a westerly direction and discharges into
Lake Michigan near the town of Saugatuck. The
upstream boundary of the Area of Concern (AOC) is
Morrow Dam, which forms Morrow Pond and
extends downstream to Lake Michigan, a distance of
approximately eighty miles. The Kalamazoo River
has been identified as a site of environmental con-
tamination pursuant to the Michigan Natural Re-
sources and Environmental Protection Act 451 and is
included in the Superfund National Priorities List.
Kalamazoo River priorities include remediation of
PCB contaminated sediments in the river and
landfills in the watershed, nonpoint source pollution
control (including Phosphorus control in the water-
shed), and habitat restoration.
RAP Status
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ), with support from the Kalamazoo River
Watershed Public Advisory Council (PAC) continues
to coordinate efforts to restore beneficial uses in the
AOC. Impaired uses within the AOC have been
identified and recommendations regarding additional
problems associated with land use and fish consump-
tion have been written.
Since the PCB contamination was identified as a
problem in 1971, several actions have been taken to
improve conditions within the AOC. The discharge of
PCBs has been substantially reduced due to the ban
on PCB production, and other regulatory point source
controls, such as the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit program.
However, in-place contaminated sediments in the
upstream areas including the Allied Paper/Portage
Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund site continues to
serve as a source of PCBs to the Kalamazoo River.
PCB-laden sediments eroding from Portage Creek
banks at Bryant Mill Pond have been removed.
PCB-contaminated soils at landfills have been
encapsulated. A remediation plan for PCB-contami-
nated sediments in the Kalamazoo River is being
developed.
In 1998, the Michigan Department of Environmental
Quality published the Kalamazoo River Remedial
Action Plan.
Beneficial Use Impairments
The Kalamazoo River has been identified as a Great
Lakes AOC due to historic releases of poly- chlori-
nated biphenyls (PCBs) from de-inking operations at
local papermills. The Remedial Action Planning
(RAP) process identified eight of the Great Lakes
Water Quality Agreement's 14 beneficial uses as
being impaired. Beneficial use impairments in the
AOC include Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Con-
sumption, Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Popula-
tions, Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive
Problems, Degradation of Benthos, Restrictions on
Dredging Activities, Beach Closings, Degradation of
Aesthetics, and Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
39
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Use Impairments - Kalamazoo River AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
V
Restriction on dredging
wildlife consumption
activities
V Degradation of fish and
wildlife populations
V
Beach closings
V Bird or animal deformi-
V
Degradation of aesthetics
ties or reproductive
problems
V
Loss of fish and wildlife
V Degradation of benthos
habitat
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Fish consumption advisories are due to widespread
PCB contamination within the Kalamazoo River
Area of Concern.
Please note: Since fish advisories change year to
year, the Michigan Fish Advisory guide (pub-
lished annually) should be consulted for restric-
tions and advisories.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
Data collected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
indicate consumption of PCB contaminated fish may
be responsible for continued reproductive failure of
bald eagles nesting within the AOC.
Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive
Problems:
Nesting failure of bald eagles; high PCB concentra-
tions in eggs. PCB concentrations in fish, waterfowl,
piscivorous mammals and raptors are at levels known
to cause reproductive impairment or deformities.
Degradation of Benthos:
Bottom-dwelling communities and habitats are
moderately to severely degraded in many areas
because of the accumulation of excess sediments,
low oxygen levels and sediment contamination.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
PCB contamination has impaired dredging activities.
Beach Closings:
Swimming and other full body contact activities are
not advisable because of poor sediment quality.
Concentrations of fecal bacteria exceeding full body
contact standards result from storm runoff from
livestock waste and septic systems. Localized,
seasonal blooms of potentially toxic algae in area
lakes may make full body contact activities
inadvisable. Zebra mussel colonization suspected
as the primary cause of the bloom.
Degradation of Aesthetics:
Occasional spills or runoff events cause odor or
visual aesthetics problems.
Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat:
Habitat loss due to sediment contamination and
local development pressures is a concern.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
1999: PAC establishes itself as the Kalamazoo
River Watershed Council (KRWC) with 501(c)3
status.
1998: MDEQ published Kalamazoo River RAP
1993: Kalamazoo PAC established.
1987: MDEQ completed draft Stage One
Kalamazoo River Remedial Action Plan.
Other Progress and Achievements:
In the fall of 2000, the Kalamazoo River Water-
shed Council (KRWC) received a Technical
Assistance Grant (TAG) from U.S. EPA. Two
Western Michigan University professors were
hired to analyze data from the consultant for the
potentially responsible parties (PRPs) for the
Kalamazoo River Superfund process, as well as
data from MDEQ.
As part of the TAG grant, KRWC hosted three
public roundtables, with three more to come.
Their purpose is to inform the public of the initial
Superfund document the Remedial Investiga-
tion/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) and assess
areas of agreement and disagreement. The
roundtables have been well attended.
The U.S. EPA and MDEQ are taking additional
core samples in designated areas to determine if
PCB concentration levels have changed and to
what degree.
MDEQ has asked the federal government to
redesignate the Kalamazoo River Superfund site
as a "federal lead" site. The transition more
accurately reflects the U.S. EPA's increased
level of involvement in the project. The KRWC
supports this change.
40
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Progress and Achievements: (continued)
Ten nonpoint source pollution control projects have
been implemented in the Kalamazoo River water-
shed. Additionally, since the PCB contamination was
identified as a problem in 1971, several actions have
been taken to improve conditions within the AOC
including the following:
The discharge of PCBs has been substantially
reduced due to the ban on PCB production and
other regulatory point source controls, such as
the NPDES permit program. However, in-place
contaminated sediments in the upstream areas
serve as a source of PCBs to the Kalamazoo
River. In 1997, the Kalamazoo PAC, with
A pristine reach of the Kalamazoo River.
support from MDEQ, appealed directly to the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
requested Emergency Action on the Bryant
Millpond site. The result was an announcement
by Allied Paper that it would commit up to $5.5
million to remove PCBs from Portage Creek and
contain them on site. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Region 5 Emergency Re-
sponse Branch has since remediated the Bryant
Mill Pond site on Portage Creek to protect the
creek from PCBs in the former pond.
Sheet steel piling was installed by Superfund
along the Kalamazoo River at contaminated
landfill sites to slow erosion of PCBs into the
river.
Impaired uses in the AOC were identified in
1996 and recommendations regarding additional
problems associated with land use and fish
consumption were written.
The implementation of the Davis Creek and
Rabbit River nonpoint source pollution planning
grants took place in 1995. Biological surveys of
these Kalamazoo River AOC tributaries identi-
fied urban and agricultural nonpoint source
pollution as causative factors that have degraded
biological communities. These projects focus on
the identification of source areas within these
watersheds and recommended control measures.
Restoration of degraded habitat on Silver Creek,
a coldwater tributary of the Kalamazoo River
AOC, occurred in 1995. This work was funded
by a soil erosion and sedimentation control grant
from the Great Lakes Commission and was
coordinated by the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of
Trout Unlimited.
Also completed in 1995 was the Kalamazoo
River land-use protection project conducted by
the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy. The
project included an inventory of land features
associated with the Spring Brook and Baseline/
Pine Creek watersheds, identification of property
owners in these watersheds, and educating land
owners about the important link between land
protection and water quality.
The PAC and MDNR RAP Team finalized goals
and objectives for the RAP in early 1994. In
addition to PCB-related human and ecosystem
health concerns, the PAC and RAP team have
identified other priority actions, including nonpoint
source abatement projects, pollution prevention,
control and management of invasive species, and
strategic land use planning. The PAC has
established subcommittees to develop strategies
for enhanced communication, public relations,
and project funding.
Records of Decision for all Superfund operable
units are finalized or under development.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
41
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Community Involvement
The Kalamazoo River Watershed PAC was estab-
lished in 1993. The PAC consists of local residents
representing a variety of stakeholders throughout the
AOC. In 1998, the PAC incorporated as a nonprofit
organization and is actively seeking support grants.
Activities undertaken by the PAC include:
Using a Power Point presentation to educate the
public and local officials on the RAP and water-
shed protection.
Sponsoring a national workshop to assist decision
makers and managers in recognizing the linkages
between economic development, sustainable
resource protection and water quality
Assisting in the development of the first
Kalamazoo AOC public outreach brochure.
A bus tour of the AOC for representatives of
local governments.
Providing funds for initial "Brown Space"
reclamation meetings and co-sponsoring a water
protection video addressing road/stream crossings.
Schedule
Meetings:
The Kalamazoo PAC
meets throughout the
year.
Outlook
The KRWC has
developed and
distributed educa-
tional materials
about their
organization, the
river, and actions
that people can take to protect water quality and
public health throughout the watershed.
Watershed management projects in several sub-
basins are working to reduce pollutant inputs and
develop preventative land use measures.
Stormwater management plans and projects are
underway in both Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.
A phosphorous TMDL (Total Maximum Daily
Load) for Lake Allegan has been established and
reduction implementation is underway.
Records of Decision (RODs) will be developed
soon for all of the Superfund operable units.
These RODs will allow needed remedial work to
move ahead.
The Section 319 nonpoint source projects will
continue.
Partners
Kalamazoo River Watershed Public Advisory
Council
Kalamazoo River Watershed Council
Kalamazoo River Superfund
Lake Michigan Forum
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5
Research
In August 1990, the Allied Paper/Portage Creek/
Kalamazoo River Superfund site was included on the
National Priority List pursuant to CERCLA. The
site includes Portage
Creek, from Cork Street
| | just above the Bryant Mill
Pond to its confluence with
the Kalamazoo River; and
the Kalamazoo River from
this confluence down-
stream to the Allegan City
Dam. The area listed
includes a three-mile
stretch of Portage Creek
¦ ¦ ¦¦ yBBBL and a 35-mile stretch of the
Kalamazoo River. How-
ever, because the data
/ indicate the PCBs have
migrated downstream, the
Superfund remedial
investigation includes the area from Morrow Dam to
the mouth of the Kalamazoo River at Lake Michigan,
approximately eighty miles.
Included in the site are four separate operable units:
Allied Paper/Bryant Mill Pond, the Willow Boule-
vard/A-Site, the King Highway landfill, and the 12th
Street landfill. The remaining areas in the Superfund
site will be addressed in a separate remedial investi-
gation work plan. The investigations will include the
V*|
42
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Research: (continued)
river, impoundments, floodplain, biota and paper mill
properties. Much of the field activities associated
with the remedial investigations have been com-
pleted. Technical memoranda for these studies are
either under review or are available in the public
information repositories at six area libraries.
In addition to the Superfund field activities, biological
surveys throughout the Kalamazoo River watershed
were conducted by MDEQ aquatic biologists. The
surveys conducted within the AOC indicate contin-
ued recovery of the Kalamazoo River mainstem
between Kalamazoo and Plainwell. Reduced biologi-
cal integrity due to nonpoint source pollution was
identified in the urbanized areas of Davis Creek and
Allen Creek.
Publications
2000: Series of four educational brochures
developed and sent to those on mailing list.
1998, MDEQ. The Kalamazoo River: Beauty
and the Beast
1998, KRPAC. Position Statement on the
Cleanup and Protection of the Kalamazoo
River.
Contacts
Sharon Baker, RAP Contact
MDEQ Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-3310
517-373-2040 (FAX)
bakersl@michigan.gov
Robert G Beck, President
Kalamazoo River Watershed Council
P.O. Box 181
Hopkins, MI 49328
616-793-7393
beck robert@si.com
Kalamazoo River Watershed Council
132 North Burdick St., Suite 203
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
616-373-1157
Marcia Damato
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5
77 W. Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
312-886-0266
damato.marcia@epamail.epa.gov
Compiled: July 24,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/kalriv/
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern 43
-------
State of Michigan
Manistique River Area of Concern
'fay
Background RAP Status
The Manistique River flows southwest through
Schoolcraft County in Michigan's central Upper
Peninsula, discharging into Lake Michigan at
Manistique. The Area of Concern (AOC) is the last
1.7 miles of the river, from the dam to the mouth of
the harbor at Lake Michigan. The physical charac-
teristics of this portion of the river have been signifi-
cantly altered over the last century, with construction
of artificial islands in the river for boat docks during
the lumbering era in the late 1800s, building of harbor
breakwaters in 1913, and completion of the dam and
flume in the 1920s.
Historical uses of Manistique River waters in the
AOC include receiving wastes from sawmills, a
paper mill, small industries, the municipal waste
water treatment plant, plus navigation for shipping,
ferrying, recreational boating and commercial fishing.
Current uses include receiving the wastewater
discharges from Manistique Papers, Inc. and the City
of Manistique Wastewater Treatment Plant. Recre-
ational uses are mainly boating, sightseeing, and
fishing.
Manistique River priorities include remediation of
PCB contaminated sediment in the lower river and
harbor and CSO elimination.
The significant progress that has been made in
improving water quality in the AOC over the last
twenty years has resulted from increased treatment
of waste water discharged into the river. Additionally,
to date, over 111,000 cubic yards of contaminated
sediments have been removed for treatment and
disposal. However, some beneficial uses in the AOC
continue to be impaired due to historical pollution
concerns. PCB sediment contamination in the AOC
has continued to be the factor promoting the greatest
concern in the Manistique River AOC. In 1996, the
United States Environmental Protection Agency
(U.S. EPA) proposed that it had developed innova-
tive dredging and treatment technologies that could
result in an environmentally sound dredging project
that could remove PCB contamination from the
AOC. There was mutual support for the effort
among the community, the Potentially Responsible
Parties (PRPs) and the U.S. EPA. The dredging of
contaminated sediments took place in succeeding
years and was completed at the end of 2000.
In 1997, a RAP Update was developed by the local
community to address other impaired beneficial uses
in the AOC.
Beneficial Use Impairments
Beneficial use impairments are thought to have
resulted from poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), oils,
and heavy metals identified as contaminants in the
1970s. Additionally, large quantities of undecomposed
sawdust remain in harbor and river sediments from
the white pine lumbering era over one hundred
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
45
-------
Beneficial Use Impairments: (continued)
years ago, as well as the relatively sterile sandy
sediment that eroded from river banks as a result of
log drives on the river.
The Remedial Action Planning (RAP) process has
identified five of the Great Lakes Water Quality
Agreement's (GLWQA) 14 beneficial uses as being
impaired within the AOC. Impaired beneficial uses in
the AOC include Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife
Consumption, Degradation of Benthos, Restrictions
on Dredging Activities, Beach Closings, and Loss of
Fish & Wildlife Habitat.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Please note: Since fish advisories change year to
year, the Michigan Fish Advisory guide (pub-
lished annually) should be consulted for restric-
tions and advisories.
Degradation of Benthos:
A 1978 benthic macroinvertebrate survey and a 1987
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
(MDNR), currently the Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality (MDEQ), survey found that
pollution tolerant species dominated. The 1978
survey also showed lower benthic organism density
below Manistique Papers as opposed to upstream.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
No current information is available on this BUI. For
further information, contact the RAP Coordinator
listed under "Contacts" below.
Beach Closings & Recreational Access:
Human health risks are due to the presence of PCBs
at the site and the combined sewer overflow (CSO)
pipe located within the AOC that can discharge
sewage during storms and during the spring runoff.
The AOC is on the list of Michigan Sites of Environ-
mental Contamination identified under Public Act 307
due primarily to PCB contamination. It is one of the
highest ranking sites in the state.
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
The Manistique River RAP also found that the main
problem contributing to fishery use impairment was
PCBs. Aquatic nuisance species also threaten the
fishery productivity. The presence of sawdust in the
water and in the sediments severely degrades plant
and animal habitat. The dam at the head of the old
flume restricts fish passage but effectively blocks
lamprey from the upper river.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
2000: Dredging of contaminated sediments
completed.
1997: Local community developed an update
to the RAP.
1995: U. S. EPA began annual dredging with
a demonstration of new dredging technology.
1993: The Manistique River Public Advisory
Council (PAC) was officially established.
1987: MDNR submitted the initial RAP to
the IJC.
Progress and Achievements by Year:
2000
Approximately 141,000 cubic yards of PCB
contaminated sediments have been removed
from the river and harbor from 1994 through
2000.
The dredging of contaminated sediments was
completed at the end of 2000. Final dredging was
done by divers with hydraulic hoses to minimize
resuspension of PCBs and to ensure a clean
substrate when completed.
This Superfund action was conducted by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Emer-
gency Response Branch. Final work is under-
way, based on sampling at the end of the 2000
dredging season.
1999
Manistique Public Advisory Council helped to
fund interpretive signs along the Manistique
Board and River walk. These signs added value
to an outdoor recreational resource within the
Use Impairments - Manistique River AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Beach closings
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
46
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
AOC that is currently heavily used. The signs
have allowed the opportunity to identify the
unique history and environmental balance that
exists along the boardwalk and river walk.
U.S. EPA continued dredging activities.
1298
U.S. EPA produced and distributed the
Manistique River and Harbor Site Fact Sheet in
February 1998.
U.S. EPA produced and distributed the
Manistique Site Update on Cleanup Activities in
November 1998. An average of 124 yards of
sediment was removed each day of the dredging
from May 11 to October 14,1998. During 1998,
about 31,100 cubic yards of wood chips, saw-
dust, and other solid material were dredged. In
addition, about 12,600 tons of waste was shipped
off-site to an approved landfill in Utah. About
1,525 cubic yards of sand containing less than 1
ppm of PCB's was collected year-to-date during
the dredging process.
U.S. EPA continued dredging activities.
1997
During 1997, about 44,000 cubic yards of
sediment was dredged. Over 12,000 tons of
waste was shipped off site for disposal.
U.S. EPA produced and distributed the Manistique
Site Update on Cleanup Activities in April 1997.
1996
The EPA continued dredging, and in 1996,
completed dredging activities in the North Bay
and U.S. Route 2 bridge area.
About 2,116 tons of sediment and other waste
materials were shipped off site for disposal, and
over 35 million gallons of river water was treated
in 1996.
Other Progress and achievements:
Manistique Wastewater Treatment Plant has
made improvements to its system toward
elimination of combined sewer overflows. This
work is essentially complete, with only one CSO
yet to close, and it is rarely active.
Public Advisory Council has completed or
supported a number of local activities noted in
the 1997 Remedial Action Plan. These include
improved access to the river and improvements
to the boardwalk along the river in town.
Considerable progress has been made in restoring
beneficial uses in the AOC. In the spring of 1993,
U.S. EPA notified several firms of being PRPs for
the cleanup of the PCB-contaminated sediments in
the river and harbor. In a cooperative effort, U.S.
EPA and some of the PRPs conducted extensive
testing and engineering studies to evaluate effective
and feasible remedial alternatives. In the fall of 1995,
the U.S. EPA performed a small-scale dredging
demonstration project during which it tested innova-
tive dredging and treatment technologies using diver-
assisted hydraulic dredging in the North Bay area.
Approximately 10,000 cubic yards of PCB-contami-
nated sediments were removed, dewatered and
transported to an approved disposal site. In 1996, the
U.S. EPA proposed that it had developed innovative
dredging and treatment technologies that could result
in an environmentally sound dredging project that
could remove PCB contamination from the AOC.
Dredging officially began in 1996, however, was
unexpectedly slowed due to rock and wood debris at
the bottom of the harbor. The difficulty in dredging
this hard material significantly slowed the entire
process.
Community Involvement
Establishment of a permanent group of citizens and
government agency personnel to guide pollution
prevention and resource conservation in the AOC for
long-term protection of the Manistique River ecosys-
tem has taken place.
Schedule
Meetings:
Meetings are scheduled on an as-needed basis.
Outlook
The dredging of contaminated sediments was
completed at the end of 2000. When sampling and
monitoring confirms completeness of dredging, the
AOC will be ready to begin the process to be
delisted.
Closure of the last CSO under the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System permitting process will
occur within the next few years.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
47
-------
Partners
Lake Michigan Forum
Manistique River Public Advisory Council
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great
Lakes National Program Office
Research
The Manistique River was sampled as part of the
tributary monitoring portion of the Lake Michigan
Mass Balance Study. Results are available for the
organic pollutants and metals that were part of the
mass balance sampling effort.
Publications
Regular PAC Newsletters have been produced
and distributed.
Manistique River Area of Concern (update),
MDEQ, 1997.
Manistique River Remedial Action Plan,
MDNR, 1987.
Contacts
Sharon Baker, RAP Contact
MDEQ Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-3310
Fax: 517-373-2040
bakersl@michigan.gov
Merilee Blowers
Manistique River AOC PAC Chair
453 South Mackinac
Manistique, MI 48954
906-341-4223
mblowers@ma.kruger.com
Jim Hahnenberg
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5
77 W. Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
312-353-4213
hahnenberg.iames@epamail.epa.gov
48
Compiled: July 25,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/mantiaue/
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
States of Michigan and Wisconsin
Menominee River Area of Concern
Background RAP Status
The Menominee River forms the boundary between
the northeast corner of Wisconsin and the southern
tip of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The river's
headwaters originate in both states. The main stem
of the river flows between the cities of Menominee,
Michigan, and Marinette, Wisconsin before emptying
into Green Bay.
The Menominee River Area of Concern (AOC)
includes the lower 4.8 km of the river from the
Upper Scott Paper Company (Wisconsin) Dam to
the river's mouth and approximately 5 km north and
south of the mouth along the adjacent shoreline of
Green Bay. The AOC also includes the cities of
Marinette and Menominee, as well as the adjacent
nearshore area of Green Bay, Wisconsin, extending
three miles north and south of the river mouth. Land
use in the AOC is primarily industrial and residential.
A chemical company, two paper mills, two municipal
wastewater treatment plants, a ship building com-
pany, and a foundry are located along the river.
IMPORTANT BACKGROUND NOTE:
A primary pollutant of concern in the Lower
Menominee River is arsenic, which was discharged
from a herbicide production facility (Ansul) from
1957 to 1977. Under more recent RCRA corrective
action enforcement efforts sediment and groundwa-
ter remediation efforts were implemented in the
Eighth Street Slip area. Additional assessment and
cleanup of the larger turning basin are slated for
implementation over the next several years. Other
pollutants of concern identified in the AOC include
paint sludge and coal tar.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(WDNR) has with the Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to develop and
implement the RAP. The multi-stakeholder Citizens'
Advisory Committee (CAC) and a Technical Advi-
sory Committee (TAC) have been instrumental in the
development of the RAP by mobilizing public support,
increasing awareness, and conducting data and
problem analysis. A vision statement for the desired
future state of the Lower Menominee River was
developed by the CAC and used as guidance in the
preparation of RAP goals and objectives that were
developed jointly by the CAC and TAC.
Beneficial Use Impairments
Six of 14 beneficial use impairments have been
identified through the Remedial Action Plan (RAP)
process. A primary cause of the identified use
impairments is arsenic contamination in the turning
basin and in sediments along the right bank of the
river below the Ansul Fire Protection Company in
Marinette, Wisconsin. This problem was caused from
improper arsenic storage and disposal practices by
Ansul. Other pollutants, such as mercury, polychlori-
nated biphenyls (PCBs), and oil and grease, have
also contributed to use impairments.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Since fish advisories change year to year, the
Michigan and Wisconsin fish advisory guides should
be consulted for restrictions and advisories.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
49
-------
Use Impairments - Menominee River AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Beach closings
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
There is localized degradation of fish populations
from arsenic contamination. There have been
reports of birth defects and reproductive problems
in fish-eating species (migratory waterfowl) from
bio-accumulating pollutants such as Mercury and
PCBs, but recent surveys within the AOC have
shown contaminant levels in wildlife below levels
of concern.
Degradation of Benthos:
Degradation of benthos has been identified primarily
due to arsenic-contaminated sediments, and also
based on some historical data showing impairment in
the lower segment of the river. More data are
needed, however, to better assess the current status
of the benthic population and substrate in the turning
basin and other depositional zones.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
The turning basin cannot be dredged or used for
large vessel navigation due to arsenic contamination
of river sediments. Dredging of the turning basin has
not occurred since 1962 due to sediment contamina-
tion. Much of the arsenic contaminated sediment in
the turning basin would be classified as a hazardous
waste if it were removed without first being treated.
Maintenance dredging of the shipping (main) channel
to its current depth of 21 feet and the entrance
channel to its depth of 23 feet last occurred during
the summer of 1991 and is expected to take place
again in 1998. Dredged materials were disposed of in
the Michigan waters of Green Bay about three miles
north of the AOC.
Beach Closings & Recreational Access:
Fecal coliform bacteria levels exceeding water
quality standards were associated with wet weather
events and have restricted swimming and other
water contact activities in the AOC.
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
There is evidence of habitat loss in the turning basin
and the south channel of the river. Loss of fish
habitat has been identified due to urbanization and an
isolated water quality related cause in the Eighth
Street slip area on the Wisconsin side of the river.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
1996: The Menominee River Area of Concern
Remedial Action Plan Update was completed,
published and distributed by the WDNR in Feb.
1995: Paint sludge removal operations along
Green Bay resulted in the excavation of more
than 10 million pounds of hazardous waste from
the bay. An additional 20 million pounds of
contaminated sediments were removed during
this effort, which was part of an enforcement
order issued to the Lloyd Flanders furniture
company in Menominee.
1991: The Stage 1 RAP Report for the Lower
Menominee River was completed and submitted
to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(U.S. EPA) and the International Joint Commis-
sion (IJC).
1991: A Remedial Action Plan documenting
cleanup and other actions was released by the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in
February.
1988: The Menominee River CAC and TAC
were established.
A significant amount of progress has occurred since
the RAP process began in 1988. Agreements and
programs among government agencies, municipal
authorities, and industry have been created to
address the use impairments. Presented below is a
summary of actions and accomplishments:
The U.S. EPA and WDNR are working with
Ansul Fire Protection Company under the RCRA
Corrective Action Program to address arsenic
contamination in the AOC.
CSO (Menominee) and wet weather bypassing
(Marinette) have been corrected under the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
permit process.
50
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
The paint sludge site was cleaned up with
Michigan's Act 307 authority.
A navigational dredging project was conducted
by the city of Menominee to allow for oceango-
ing vessels to access the lower part of the
Menominee River. Completed in summer 1998,
the dredging project partially restored navigation,
one of the impaired beneficial uses listed for the
AOC. The dredged material was disposed of
upland.
The City of Menominee is conducting sewer
renovations and had applied for a loan to fund
construction of the final combined sewer over-
flow elimination project. Construction work is
now completed.
Remediation work on the contaminated paint
sludge site located on Lake Michigan just north
of the river has been completed. MDNR issued
a unilateral order under Act 307 to Flanders
Industries (1992) for
remedial work at the
site that included
cleanup of the shore-
line, construction of a
dike (1993), and
excavation of 15 tons
of paint sludge from
Lake Michigan (1995).
Analysis of sampling
conducted in 1997 was
to be used to determine
if ecological problems still existed at the site. If
the area was free of problems, the dike was to
be dismantled and the site restored in 1997/1998.
The Menominee River was sampled in 1993-
1995 as part of the tributary monitoring portion of
the Lake Michigan Mass Balance Modeling
project. Results are available for the organic
pollutants and metals that were part of he mass
balance sampling effort.
A follow-up survey of sediment toxicity was
conducted in the Eight Street slip by WDNR in
1993 and revealed similar results to the 1989
testing (complete mortality of the aquatic test
organisms Daphnia magna and significant
reductions in growth and weight of the
Chironomus tentans). Extremely high concentra-
tions of arsenic were detected in samples of both
assessments.
The City of Marinette purchased land in 1992
along the riverfront near the mouth and along
Menominee River
Remedial Action Plan
Green Bay as a first step in a cooperative effort
with WDNR to install a 1,000 meter recreational
walkway along the waterfront from the
Menekaunee Bridge to Red Arrow Park. In
1993, the city received a grant from WDNR and
a Coastal Management grant to proceed with the
development of the scenic walkway. The
walkway was completed and provides an
environmentally friendly recreational facility for
public enjoyment.
The bulkhead line designation along the river on
the Wisconsin side from Sixth Street to the
Menekaunee Bridge was removed, allowing this
section of the river to remain natural and pre-
venting any more land along the river's edge
from being bulkheaded.
The City of Menominee is in compliance with its
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
permit combined sewer overflow (CSO) separa-
tion schedule, and with the
1990 Consent Agreement
with the U.S. EPA for
corrective action on its
C SO/wet weather dis-
charges at outfall #8 was
eliminated in 1992. After ¦
securing a significant
portion of construction
funding for the largest CSO
(Outfall #2) from the State
of Michigan Revolving
Loan Fund, construction was initiated. The
separation project was completed in 1993 and as
been closely monitored to determine the effec-
tiveness of the separation.
The purge well system installed at the
Menominee City Landfill in 1991 has been
connected to the sewer system. The contami-
nated groundwater is being treated at the
Menominee Wastewater Treatment Plant. A silty
sand cap was installed and seeded with grass at
the landfill in 1992. Preliminary reports indicate
that contaminants have been contained on site.
Marinette's wastewater collection and treatment
system was expanded to handle a wet weather
flow of 68 million liters (18 million gallons) of
wastewater effluent per day.
The City of Marinette developed and imple-
mented an industrial pretreatment program to
reduce disruptions of wastewater treatment plant
operations caused by industrial discharges.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
51
-------
Progress and Achievements: (continued)
High concentration of PAHs, typically found in
coal tar waste, had been detected in river
sediments adjacent to the Marinette wastewater
treatment plant as well as in on-site soils and
groundwater. The site, a gas manufacturing plant
until 1962, is under investigation with a potentially
responsible party to determine the extent of
contamination and to assess remediation alternatives.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed a
maintenance dredging operation at the mouth of
the Menominee River during the summer of
1991. The project removed 17,500 m3 of material
from the main channel below the turning basin
and restored channel depths to 6.4-7.0 m.
Laboratory analyses indicated that some of these
sediments contained elevated levels of arsenic.
Community Involvement
A primary goal of the Lower Menominee River RAP
is and has been to include and encourage public
participation in RAP development and implementa-
tion. Public participation has focused on:
Community Recognition
Public Meetings
RAP Advisory Committees
Education and Outreach
Community Cleanup Days
School Presentations
Stakeholder Survey
As part of the RAP process, WDNR and MDEQ
formed a RAP Citizen's Advisory Committee
(CAC). The CAC included area residents, local
government officials, educators, recreation special-
ists, environmentalists, and business and industry
representatives from the Marinette, Wisconsin and
Menominee, Michigan area. Also included were
CAC community education and outreach activities
were also begun and will continue throughout the
RAP process.
Schedule
Meetings:
CAC (Citizens Advisory Committee) meetings
have been scheduled and held on an as-needed
basis.
Outlook
Remediation
Remediation of arsenic contaminated soils and
sediments on the Wisconsin side of the river.
Ansul, Inc. finished the first stage of remediation
for the arsenic in 2000. Further work will be
needed to restore the site.
Remediation of paint sludge deposits in Lake
Michigan above the mouth of the river in Michigan.
Habitat/Resource Management
Fish population and habitat restoration.
Local waterfront redevelopment projects.
Pollution Prevention/Nonpoint Source
Elimination of CSOs in both Michigan and
Wisconsin
Partners
Lake Michigan Forum
Menominee River CAC
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great
Lakes National Program Office
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Research
A benthic survey was conducted by WDNR in
1993. Three artificial substrate samplers were
placed at six locations, including the south
channel, for five weeks. Dissolved oxygen (DO)
was monitored for one week in May as part of
the study and ranged from 5 mg/L to over 10 mg/
L, concentrations well within the DO standard
for a warmwater stream. Sediment samples were
also collected at five of the six locations. The
benthic survey data has been available since 1994.
Fish were collected from the impounded area of
the river between the two Scott Paper dams and
below the second dam for tissue analysis as a
requirement of the Wisconsin and Michigan fish
contaminant monitoring program. Fish flesh is
analyzed at fixed locations for trend analysis
every three to five years. Results, beginning with
1994, are available.
52
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
A caged fish study (channel cat) for a variety of
contaminants was conducted in the river mouth
between the interstate and Menekaunee Bridges
from June 1-July 30, 1993 as part of the Lake
Michigan Lakewide Management Plan effort.
Results were issued in 1994.
Publications
1996: Lower Menominee River Remedial
Action Plan Update, WDNR.
1991: Menominee River Remedial Action Plan,
MDNR.
Contacts
Sharon Baker
MDEQ Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, Ml 30273
517-335-3310
Fax:517-373-2040
bakersl@michigan. gov
Terry Lohr, RAP Coordinator
WDNR, Bureau of Watershed Management
101 South Webster Street
P.O. Box 10448
Madison, WI53707-7921
608-267-2375
lohrt@.dnr.state.wi.us
Nancy Douglas
Menominee River AOC SPAC Representative and
CAC Chair
1005 10th Ave.
Menominee, MI 49858
906-863-2679
Chuck Anderson
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5
77 W. Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
312-886-1501
anderson.charles@epamail.epa.gov
Compiled: July 23,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/lowmeno/
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
State of Michigan
Muskegon Lake Area of Concern
Background
Muskegon Lake is a 4,149 acre inland coastal lake
located in Muskegon County, Michigan along the east
shoreline of Lake Michigan. The Area of Concern
(AOC) includes the entire lake with the lake being
separated from Lake Michigan by sand dunes. The
Muskegon River flows through the lake before
emptying into Lake Michigan. Additional tributaries
include Mosquito Creek, Ryerson Creek, Ruddiman
Creek, Green Creek, and Four Mile Creek. The
immediate inland area is primarily residential and
industrial, with chemical and petrochemical compa-
nies, foundries, a pulp and paper mill, and other
industries located on the lake or within its immediate
watershed.
The Muskegon Conservation District and the Natural
Resources Conservation Service assist the
Muskegon Lake Public Advisory Council (PAC) by
providing project staff as well as educational and
technical support to coordinate and implement the
RAP for the Muskegon Lake AOC. For more details
about the Muskegon Lake PAC, see Community
Involvement below.
Muskegon Lake priorities include remediation of
contaminated sediments in the lake and tributaries,
prevention of eutrophication, nonpoint source pollu-
tion control, brownfield and waterfront restoration,
and habitat restoration.
RAP Status
The initial Muskegon Lake RAP was completed in
1987 and involved limited public involvement. A
Muskegon Lake PAC was officially established in
October 1993 to obtain broad-based stakeholder
input to the development and implementation of the
RAP. The PAC includes representation from various
interest groups in the area. An update to the
Muskegon Lake RAP was completed in October
1994 and focused on four objectives:
1) Affording and insuring participation opportunities
in the process by a PAC as well as a team of
specialists from various MDEQ divisions (Sur-
face Water Quality, Environmental Response,
Waste Management, Fisheries, Air Quality, Land
and Water Management, and Wildlife);
2) Documenting water quality data collected and
analyzed since the 1987 RAP was published;
3) Analyzing the current status of use impairments;
and
4) Making recommendations, that when carried out,
will lay the foundation for the next phase of the
RAP process (i.e., implementing specific mea-
sures to remediate water quality problems and
use impairments) and identification of data gaps.
Studies addressing contaminated sediments, habitat,
and water quality have been completed to fulfill
recommendations of the 1994 RAP. A repository of
that information is located at the offices of the
Muskegon Conservation District. See "Publications"
section below for a complete listing.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
55
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Use Impairments - Muskegon Lake AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Degradation of fish and
wildlife populations
V Degradation of benthos
V Restrictions on dredging
activities
V Degradation of Aesthetics
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
Beneficial Use Impairments
Muskegon Lake was originally identified as an
AOC because prior to 1973, it received direct
discharges of industrial wastewater, municipal
wastewater treatment plant effluent, combined
sewer overflows, and urban runoff. These dis-
charges degraded water and habitat quality in
Muskegon Lake and its tributaries. Through the
Remedial Action Planning (RAP) process the
Muskegon Lake Public Advisory Council (PAC) and
the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ) RAP Team have identified several priority
beneficial uses as being impaired. Beneficial use
impairments in the AOC include Restrictions on Fish
& Wildlife Consumption, Degradation of Fish &
Wildlife Populations, Degradation of Benthos,
Degradation of Aesthetics and Restrictions on
Dredging Activities.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Consumption advisories in the Muskegon Lake Area
of Concern have been imposed due to PCB and
mercury contamination.
Please Note: Since fish advisories change year to
year, the Michigan Fish Advisory guide (pub-
lished annually) should be consulted for restric-
tions and advisories.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
According to Michigan standards, Muskegon Lake is
a fine fishery. Muskegon Lake has also been de-
scribed as the most popular and valuable fishery in
western Michigan. It supports excellent populations
of northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass,
walleye, yellow perch, suckers, sunfish, crappie, and
bullheads. However, many of the highly productive
bays have been dredged or filled for marinas or other
development.
One goal of the AOC is to provide for suitable
habitat to support restoration of warmwater fishery.
There is a need to protect against additional develop-
ment along the North Shore where many of the bays
and inlets are located. Additionally, severe habitat
degradation is evident in Little Bear Creek and its
unnamed tributary.
Degradation of Benthos:
Benthic communities found near localized sediment
contamination are dominated by pollutant-tolerant
species. However, the degradation of benthic
populations have yet to be defined.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities
Every two years or so the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers dredges the channel connecting Muskegon
Lake and Lake Michigan. The cost of analyzing
dredge spoils is very high.
Degradation of Aesthetics:
Aesthetics, overall, have improved over the last 20
years. There are a few places where aesthetics
remain visibly degraded in shallow water where
bottom debris and sludges left from past disposal
practices are visible and where current stormwater
discharges enter the lake.
Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat:
During winter and summer stratification, oxygen
levels in deep water remain depleted, making these
areas uninhabitable for some fish or fish food
species. The shoreline continues to be altered by
dredging and by installation of seawalls, bulkheads,
and riprap. The Muskegon Lake Area of Concern
has received funding for some habitat work toward
remediation.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
1994: Muskegon Lake Remedial Action Plan
Update completed.
1993: Muskegon Lake PAC established.
1987: Muskegon Lake Remedial Action Plan
completed.
56
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Progress and Achievements: (continued)
Considerable progress has been made in implement-
ing the Muskegon Lake RAP and establishing
partnerships necessary to implement an ecosystem
approach for further RAP development and imple-
mentation, including the following activities and
accomplishments:
2000
Lake Michigan Tributary Monitoring Project in
Muskegon Lake AOC/Muskegon River Water-
shed took place.
Muskegon River Mouth Wetland Buffer Zone
Study occurred.
Sediment Toxicity Contamination Study occurred.
A dinner cruise was held aboard the Port City
Princess to celebrate Muskegon County's
Rivers, Lakes, and Streams. It was held in part
by the Muskegon Conservation District through a
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Great
Lakes Commission grant to assess the types of
ecosystem monitoring occurring in the Muskegon
and White River watersheds.
"Muskegon Earth Weeks" (April 15 - May 13,
2000) consisted of many creek and river clean-
ups, water testing, and workshops.
1999
Lake Michigan Tributary Monitoring Project in
Muskegon Lake AOC/Muskegon River Water-
shed took place.
Muskegon River Mouth Wetland Buffer Zone
Study occurred.
Sediment Toxicity Contamination Study occurred.
Ruddiman Creek Phase I Assessment took
place.
The Muskegon and White Lake PACs coordi-
nated a consensus building/public education
campaign with stakeholders for contaminated
sediment remediation activities. The PAC
received local support/coordination for resulting
remedial actions.
The Groundwater Stewardship Program/Home-
A-Syst was coordinated and delivered within five
of the Muskegon and White Lake AOC water-
sheds' school systems.
Both Muskegon and White Lake PACs provided
publicity and activities coordination for the
Muskegon and White Lake "State of the Lake"
events (Muskegon Lake Watershed Cleanup and
Celebrate White Lake).
im
Lower Muskegon River Streambanks Erosion
Survey was completed.
Ten -watershed areas (Muskegon/White Lakes)
completed Adopt-A-Stream/Shore, storm drain
stenciling, dissolved oxygen monitoring, cleanups
and habitat plantings. Over 353 volunteers were
involved in training and performance activities.
Held Contaminated Sediment Forum and Confer-
ence - 70 attendees. This workshop highlighted
the opportunities available to address the major
sites on Muskegon and White Lakes.
Continued support for the Bear Creek/Lake
Watershed initiative with education activities in
the watershed and assessment of issues, con-
cerns and perception of water quality by local
citizens.
Coordinated a Muskegon Lake/White Lake
component as part of a series of monthly teacher
workshops in partnership with the Muskegon
Area Intermediate School District's Math/
Science Center. The workshops trained teachers
on a variety of water quality tests to use with
their students on lakes and streams.
The Youth Volunteer Partnership program
assisted in the writing of a service learning grant
to train Americorps volunteers to work in schools
and integrate water quality monitoring and
habitat restoration activities into teacher's
classroom and field trip activities.
Delivered the Home-A-Syst Groundwater
Stewardship Program through school classroom
presentations to 120 Ruddiman Creek/Muskegon
Lake area students; 100 Bear Creek/Bear Lake/
Muskegon Lake area students.
mi
The Muskegon Lake PAC and MDEQ com-
pleted a Needs Assessment of Ryerson Creek.
Muskegon River Watershed Assessment was
completed.
The PAC worked with the City of Muskegon,
Muskegon Township, the Drain Commissioner,
schools, businesses and others to ensure that
cooperative pollution prevention activities are
implemented and maintained to improve water
quality and habitat in the AOCV Adopt-a-
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
57
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Progress and Achievements: (continued)
Provided 16 educational opportunities for the
public on AOC/RAP water quality concerns,
pollution prevention, and actions needed to
correct problems.
Home-A-Syst (program helping residents solve
water quality issues) delivered to 100 households
in the Ruddiman Creek, Bear Creek, Mill Pond
Trail/Silver Creek and Buttermilk watersheds.
Storm Drain Stenciling and distribution of 300
informational "Stormwater Door Hangers" in
Muskegon and White Lake AOCs.
The Muskegon and White Lake PACs hosted
one Teacher Workshop for both AOCs.
1996
A U.S. EPA grant to the Muskegon Conserva-
tion District funded erosion inventories and
native plant greenbelt establishment along
Muskegon Lake's Ryerson Creek.
A Ruddiman Creek public forum, workshop, and
cleanup were held. (Ruddiman Creek is a small
creek that is a heavily used urban site that has
been identified as having polluted sediments and
bacterial contamination.) As a result of the
forum, a Ruddiman Creek Task Force was
formed to prioritize projects and work with local
officials to solve the on-going and historical
pollution problems.
The Waters s Edge habitat enhancement project
at Muskegon Community College on Four Mile
Creek was expanded to include an upland habitat
area. High school and elementary students,
master Gardeners and other volunteers helped
with preparation and planting.
50 Home-A-Syst evaluations were completed.
Six grant proposals and workplans for RAP
projects were developed by MCD staff.
The Muskegon Lake PAC participated in
numerous other workshops and educational
events. The events and topics included, among
others:
V W.G. Jackson Research Vessel educational
boat tours
V Muskegon Earth Week
V Great Lakes Day
V Muskegon County Fair
V LaMP Forum
V Lake Watch Program (water quality moni-
toring)
V Lake Michigan Beach Sweep
V Adopt-a-Stream Program
V Other activities & topics: storm drain
stenciling, water quality and pollution preven-
tion, nonpoint source pollution, creating
natural landscapes
1995
A 1995-1996 Michigan AOC Program grant to
the Muskegon Conservation District (MCD)
helped develop meaningful partnerships among
the Muskegon Lake PAC and several other
organizations. (See "Partners" section below.)
The Water s Edge Landscaping Award Pro-
gram was developed by the Muskegon Lake
PAC to establish demonstration sites within the
Muskegon Lake watershed for improving water
quality and wildlife habitat through near-shore
management changes. Six planting sites were
established through the program. Applicants
chosen by the PAC Habitat Committee received
monetary incentives and information about native
plants and water's edge landscaping. Public
tours followed the 1995 and 1996 program. Most
sites are on private property. One site is at
Muskegon Community College along Four-Mile
Creek.
An Aquatic Plant Assessment was completed.
A Wildlife Habitat Assessment was completed.
Muskegon & White Lake Watershed Study
The Muskegon Lake PAC assembled a mobile
display.
Numerous environmental education programs,
focusing on pollution prevention, water quality
and the current status of the AOCs were
presented. (Plus many of the events and work-
shops listed above under 1996 also took place.)
1994
The Muskegon Lake PAC was actively and
effectively involved in the process of developing
the 1994 RAP Update. The 1994 RAP Update
summarized the results of the 1987 RAP and
presented information developed over the
previous six years on the AOC. The information
revealed that considerable progress was made in
addressing known point sources of pollution to
Muskegon Lake and in taking steps to remediate
groundwater contamination.
A publ ic meeting was held in November 1994 to
discuss the RAP Update and solicit comments.
58
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Other Progress and Achievements:
Ruddiman Creek, a contaminated tributary on the
southwest corner of Muskegon Lake, has
remedial investigations under development. The
Ruddiman Creek Task Force set up under
auspices of the AOC has successfully brokered
this planning.
Ryerson Creek, a contaminated tributary on the
southeast corner of Muskegon Lake, has reme-
dial investigations under development.
The wastewater treatment for the city and
county was upgraded in the 1980s with the
sanitary sewers extended to surrounding commu-
nities. This eliminated the historic eutrophication
problem in the lake.
Several 319
projects in the
watershed are
controlling nonpoint
source pollution in
specific areas.
Educational re-
search boat W.G.
Jackson is stationed
on the lake and
hosts hundreds of
students each year
for water quality
education trips.
C om m u nity Involvement
t/
The Muskegon Lake PAC is a coalition of commu-
nity interests dedicated to working cooperatively for
the improvement of the Muskegon Lake ecosystem
through the RAP process. Members come from all
sectors of the local community, including business
and labor, environmental and conservation groups,
government and other organizations, as well as the
general public.
Very successful public involvement and education
projects in the AOC have increased public interest
and actions in water quality improvements. Such
projects have been on-going regularly since the
formation of the PAC and the beginning of the RAP
process for Muskegon Lake.
Schedule
Meetings:
The Muskegon Lake PAC meets regularly
during the year.
Outlook
The Muskegon Lake PAC is dedicated to actively
participating in the continuing improvement of the
quality of Muskegon Lake. RAP Team and PAC
coordination is achieved through the scheduling of
regular meetings, developing common objectives, and
developing timetables and budgets for recommended
actions.
Remedial actions for
Ruddiman Creek and
Ryerson Creek are
currently underway using
Clean Michigan Initiative
(CMI) funds. Feasibility
studies and remedial
action plans were to be
completed first. The CMI
funds have leveraged
federal dollars in support
of the projects.
Contaminated sediments in Muskegon Lake and
brownfields on the southern shore of the lake are
planned for remediation using CMI money as more
funds become available.
Partners
Lake M ichigan F orum
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Muskegon Lake Public Advisory Council
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great
Lakes National Program Office
Muskegon Area Intermediate School District
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-
tion (NOAA) Great Lakes Environmental
Research Lab (GLERL)
TimberlandRC&D Council
Lake Michigan Federation
West Michigan Region Environmental Network
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
59
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Research
1999-2000
Muskegon River Mouth Wetland Buffer Zone
Study completed.
Sediment Toxicity Contamination Study com-
pleted.
1995-97
Muskegon Lake PAC and MDEQ completed a
Needs Assessment of Ryerson Creek. At the
request of the PAC and with funding from
MDEQ, the creek's water and sediment quality
were characterized as part of a study of
Muskegon Lake and nearshore tributaries
conducted by Grand Valley State University in
1995. The study indicated that sediments at the
creek mouth and at nearshore areas in
Muskegon Lake were degraded with heavy
metals, oil and grease. However, water quality in
the upper watershed was found to be unimpaired
by these pollutants, low in nutrients and capable
of supporting a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
Wildlife Habitat and Aquatic Plant Studies for the
Muskegon Lake AOC were completed in 1995
to fulfill the Muskegon Lake 1994 RAP/PAC
recommendations that additional research be
conducted to establish objective, quantitative
measures of the effect of habitat changes on
animal populations dependent on nearshore areas
during at least part of their life cycle.
1994
A sediment characterization study of lake
sediments in the vicinity of the Division Street
stormsewer outfall and Hartshorn Marina,
previously noted to be contaminated with heavy
metals, was conducted through a sophisticated
coring process in October 1994. The Michigan
Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers participated in
the study. The preliminary data from the sam-
pling results indicated, as expected, elevated
heavy metals concentrations, especially copper
and lead. Also identified were detectable levels
of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Other Research
The PAC has been collecting benthic organisms
in partnership with the NOAA GLERL's Lake
Michigan Field Station. The organisms are
collected, sorted and stored from seven different
sampling locations in the lake.
LakeWatch, a volunteer water quality monitoring
partnership program, began in 1995 with NOAA/
GLERL, the Muskegon PAC, and the MCD.
Samples are collected monthly by NOAA/
GLERL-trained volunteers. Samples are ana-
lyzed for total phosphorous, chlorophyll, tempera-
ture, and clarity by GLERL. GLERL has pub-
lished reports on the results.
Nonpoint sources of pollution, including urban
stormwater runoff, agricultural runoff, erosion
and sedimentation, and atmospheric deposition
are suspected pollution sources to the Muskegon
Lake AOC, but additional studies are needed to
quantify the contribution and effects of these
sources. While there is a need for attention to
nonpoint sources of pollution, current regulatory
efforts to control point sources of pollution and to
identify and remediate sources of groundwater
contamination must be maintained.
Publications
Lake News and Views, a combined publication
of the Muskegon Lake and White Lake PACs, is
regularly produced and distributed.
The Muskegon Conservation District produces a
regular newsletter.
Muskegon County - Land Use Trends Report
(1998).
Fact sheets on native plants and streambank/
shoreline cleanup data cards were updated and
reprinted to supply ongoing program needs
(1998).
Reprint of the household/yard pollution preven-
tion brochure (1995).
A Public Repository of AOC-related documents for
the Muskegon Lake and White Lake AOCs is
maintained by the:
Muskegon Conservation District
1001 East Wesley
Muskegon, MI 49442
231-773-0129
60
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Publications: (continued)
Contacts
Muskegon Lake Documents in the repository include:
Muskegon Lake Remedial Action Plans, 1987
and 1994.
Muskegon and White Lake Aquatic Assess-
ment, 1995.
Muskegon Lake and Whiter Lake Water
Quality and Sediment Study (tributaries and
storm outfalls), 1995.
Muskegon Lake Wildlife Habitat Assessment,
1995/1996.
Muskegon Lake Sediment, U.S. EPA/MDNR,
1994.
Muskegon River Fisheries Assessment, 1994.
Muskegon Lake and White Lake Maps on
Habitat, Soils, Land Use and Forest Popula-
tion and Geographic Information System
(GIS) capacities on Muskegon and White
Lake AOCs through MCD's Muskegon Lake /
White Lake RAP Implementation and PAC
Project.
Muskegon Lake / White Lake Lake Watch and
Adopt-A-Stream volunteer data.
Sharon Baker, RAP Contact
MDEQ Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-3310
bakersl@michigan.gov
Kathy Evans, PAC Facilitator
Michigan Conservation District
1001 East Wesley Avenue
RoomG
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231)773-0008
kevansmcd@aol.com
Mr. Roland Crummel
Muskegon Lake AOC PAC Chair
3071 Memorial Drive
North Muskegon, MI 49445
(231)744-2454
Dr. Marc Tuchman
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes
National Program Office (GLNPO) (G-17J)
77 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
(312)353-1369
(312) 353-2018 (fax)
tuchman.marc@epa. gov
Compiled: July 31,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/msklake/index.html
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
61
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State of Michigan
River Raisin Area of Concern
Hy
Background
The River Raisin Area of Concern (AOC) is located
in the southeastern portion of Michigan's lower
peninsula in Monroe County. The AOC has been
defined as the lower (2.6 miles) portion of the River
Raisin, downstream from the low head dam (Dam
#6) at Winchester Bridge in the City of Monroe,
extending one-half mile out into Lake Erie following
the Federal Navigation Channel and along the
nearshore zone of Lake Erie, both north and south,
for one mile.
River Raisin priorities include remediation of PCB
contaminated sediments, nonpoint source pollution
control, and elimination of CSOs.
RAP Status
0 20 40 60 80 100
Percent Completed
¦' \ or <\ich a import i> o-ubmilJpd Jo the- SjC
RAP Status
In 2001, the River Raisin PAC became a stand-
ing committee of the River Raisin Watershed
Council.
A PAC was formed in March of 1993 to assist
MDEQ staff on all phases of the RAP project.
Membership consists of citizens representing a
wide range of interests such as the River Raisin
Watershed Council, local government, busi-
nesses, industries, and environmental groups.
The PAC has initiated a number of activities to
benefit not only the AOC, but the entire River
Raisin watershed.
In mid-1992, a River Raisin RAP Team was
formed primarily to deal with technical issues
associated with the project. Membership consists
of representatives from various federal, state and
local agencies such as the Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Michigan
Department of Public Health, Monroe County
Health Department and Monroe County Soil and
Water Conservation District.
The River Raisin RAP was completed and
submitted to the International Joint Commission
in October 1987. The purpose of the RAP was
to compile and analyze existing river data and to
recommend actions needed to address known
problems.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
63
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Use Impairments - River Raisin AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
V Restrictions on
wildlife consumption
dredging activities
V Degradation of fish and
V Eutrophication or
wildlife populations
undesirable algae
V Bird or animal deformi-
V Beach closings
ties or reproductive
V Degradation of
problems
V Degradation of benthos
Aesthetics
V Loss of fish and
wildlife habitat
Beneficial Use Impairments
The Remedial Action Plan (RAP) process identi-
fied nine of the Great Lakes Water Quality
Agreement's 14 beneficial uses as being impaired.
The beneficial use impairments (BUIs) identified
include Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife
Consumption, Degradation of Fish and Wildlife
Populations, Bird or Animal Deformities or
Reproductive Problems, Degradation of Benthos,
Restrictions on Dredging Activities, Eutrophication
or Undesirable Algae, Beach Closings or Restric-
tions on Body Contact (Restrictions on Body
Contact apply to this AOC.), Degradation of
Aesthetics, and Loss of Fish or Wildlife Habitat.
These impairments have been primarily caused by
historical discharges of oils and grease, heavy metals,
and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to the river
from industrial facilities in the area. Additionally,
industrial and municipal waste disposal sites adjacent
to the river are suspected of contaminating river
water and sediments with PCBs and heavy metals
and have also resulted in a loss of fish and wildlife
habitat.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
The primary impaired use in the AOC is fish con-
sumption, due to high levels of PCBs found in fish
samples. The watershed is generally dominated by
non-game species. The lower portion of the river
sees low fishing pressure, while the upper reaches
have more pressure on game fish species.
The PCB levels in the caged fish studies, when
comparing 1988 data with 1998, show an 87%
decrease. The levels of PCB in fish tissue, while
lower, still exceed the trigger levels for fish consump-
tion. The Detroit Edison corporate levy/Plum Creek
area Michigan Department of Community Health
caged fish studies have indicated high concentrations
of PCBs in fish tissues. It is expected that fish
advisories will be issued for that area. Testing for the
fish contaminant monitoring program in that area is
ongoing.
Please Note: Since fish advisories change year to
year, the Michigan Fish Advisory guide (pub-
lished annually) should be consulted for restric-
tions and advisories.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
The chronic toxic effect of contaminated sediments
has led to depressed survival of benthic species,
which depresses the prey species available for
sportfish. Chronic toxicity reduces the reproduction
and growth of benthic organisms. Dams on the river
have restricted fish population movement. Sediment
in transport from within the watershed is high,
probably due to the clay and associated colloidal
materials which dominate area soils.
Bird and Animal Deformities or Reproductive
Problems:
The Ford marsh is home to a number of bald eagles.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have reported
deformities at that location. Most recently crossed
beaks on chicks were observed in 1997 one had to
be destroyed. There are other reports of growths on
fish.
Degradation of Benthos:
Aquatic and benthic organisms have been adversely
affected by toxic discharges into the river.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
Restrictions on dredging are attributable to elevated
concentrations of PCBs in dredge spoils from the
navigational channel. Yearly maintenance of the
lower river channel dredging goes to Sterling State
Park Confined Disposal Facility.
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae:
In the summer months River Raisin's flow is dramati-
cally slowed. This low flow causes nutrients from
upstream to accumulate in the lower Raisin. Water
64
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
quality during this time of year is degraded: it as-
sumes a sludge-like character, oxygen levels are
depressed, and large amounts of undesirable algae
grow.
Beach Closings or Restrictions on Body Contact:
Although beach closings are not a problem in the
AOC due to a lack of beaches, restrictions on body
contact in the river are an ongoing problem. In 2000,
severe spring storms caused major problems at
upstream wastewater facilities. High levels of E-coli
contamination were detected from river samples.
Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) and Combined
Sewer Overflows (CSOs) were the reported source.
The PAC is working with the local health depart-
ments (Monroe and Lenawee County Health Depts.)
and watershed groups to identify sources of bacterial
contamination.
Degradation of Aesthetics:
The lower quarter-mile of River Raisin was once a
great inland swamp filled with waterfowl - a real
sportsman's paradise. Now it is an industrial water-
front with eroded aesthetics. There are still some
wetland areas on the Ford marsh which will soon be
accessible by new walking paths.
Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat:
Loss of fish and wildlife habitat can be attributed to
the contamination of river water and sediments with
PCBs and heavy metals. The entire flow of the
River Raisin is used for cooling water by Detroit
Edison and discharged into the D.E. Corporate
Levee. That water course teems with fish, but
studies completed by the PAC, Monroe Public
Schools and Detroit Edison verify high levels of PCB
warranting the Plum Creek Area to be included in
the 2001 Fish Advisory. PAC members have ex-
pressed great concern that the State and Detroit
Edison
have a
mpublic
1fishing
3site in
this area
5just
down-
stream of
the PCB
Remediating fish and wildlife habitat is hot spot.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
2001: River Raisin RAP Update is in progress.
2001: The River Raisin PAC is formally ap-
proved as a standing committee of the River
Raisin Watershed Council.
1993: The River Raisin PAC was formed.
1992: River Raisin RAP Team was formed.
1987: The River Raisin Remedial Action Plan
was reviewed and completed.
Other Progress and Achievements:
Miscellaneous
The River Raisin Watershed Council continues to
coordinate projects to reduce the amount of soil
eroding into the river.
The River Raisin Watershed Council and the
Public Advisory Council subcommittee continue
to sponsor River Cleanup Days and extensive
educational programs.
Landfill operations along the river have ceased.
2001
The River Raisin PAC officially became a
standing committee of the River Raisin Water-
shed Council. This action provides the PAC with
a nonprofit designation and will enhance both
groups' status for grant eligibility.
In May, it was announced that a $ 12 million
rehabilitation project would commence at Sterling
State Park. In July, the PAC chair toured the
Ford Motor lagoon area, which will be included
in the State Park project. This will make miles of
wetland walking paths open to the public in an
area that has been closed to the public since the
early 1900s.
In a follow-up to a March tour of the AOC and
watershed, State Rep. Randy Richardville was
instrumental in securing $4 million for PCB
remediation of the consolidated site.
Harding ESE Inc. announced in March that they
were ready to proceed with the final workplan
for River Raisin. The plan includes identifying
gaps in existing data, collecting river sediment
samples, evaluating PCBs and heavy metals,
evaluating permitting issues, conducting two
public meetings, determining sediment volumes to
be removed, and developing alternatives for
remediation of sediments.
Remediating fish and wildlife habitat is
an ongoing challenge in the River
Raisin AOC.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
65
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Progress and Achievements: (continued)
A public meeting was held in late July at which staff
from MDEQ and Harding ESE, Inc. provided an
overview of the sediment sampling program.
1922
On September 26,1997, Ford Motor Company
completed an environmental dredging project in the
River Raisin. The project utilized a double silt
containment curtain to hold contaminated sediments
during the removal project to prevent their spreading
downstream. Ford removed approximately 25,000
cubic yards of PCB-contaminated sediment from a
"hot spot" in the River Raisin where PCB concentra-
tions were as high as 40,000 parts per million. River
sediment was dredged down to the native clay to
ensure that the contamination was fully removed.
The contaminated sediment was then transported to
an on-site stabilization facility and mixed with
approximately 14 percent Portland cement. After
quality assurance checks were conducted the
material was transported by truck and disposed of in
an approved, on-site landfill. The landfill was de-
signed utilizing a double-walled containment system
and was capped. Leachate from the landfill will be
collected and transported off site for treatment.
Follow-up monitoring and assessment in the River
Raisin was slated to take place in 2001 and 2002 by
MDEQ-SWQD and USEPA-GLNPO.
1925
A sediment assessment of the River Raisin was
conducted in August, 1995. This was conducted
through MDNR-SWQD, USEPA Region 5, USEPA
Great Lakes National Program Office, and the US
Army Corps of Engineers-Detroit District coopera-
tion.
1994
In May 1994, PCB contaminated sediments
were obtained from the PCB hot spot in the
River Raisin Area of Concern. The analysis was
conducted at a later date.
During the summer of 1994, Monroe County
Community Service Program workers removed
over eight truckloads of logs and other debris
from the Grape Dam site of the River Raisin in
Raisinville Township.
Over 92.5 acres of filter strips were installed as
farmers worked to reduce runoff from fields to
tributaries of the River Raisin. These "green
buffers" filter out up to 50% of sediment. Filter
strips were utilized for four years prior to this,
and have been very successful.
1223
River Raisin sediment samples collected in
October, 1993 from behind three dams in Mon-
roe and analyzed for metals and PCBs. The
purpose of the sampling was to try and deter-
mine if contaminated sediments were present in
sediments immediately upstream of the AOC.
A Public Advisory Committee was formed in
March, 1993 to assist MDNR staff on all phases
of the RAP project. The PAC has initiated a
number of activities to benefit not only the AOC,
but the entire River Raisin watershed.
Students from a Manchester High School biology
class conducted storm drain stenciling for drains
flowing directly into the River Raisin.
Sediment from the River Raisin was obtained from
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Detroit. The
collected sample was part of a large project,
"Treatment Technologies for Removal of Toxic
Metal and Organic Pollutants from Bottom Sedi-
ments," which was concerned with contaminated
bottom sediments in the Great Lakes.
Staff of Great Lakes and Environmental Assess-
ment Section of the MDNR conducted a biologi-
cal survey of the Saline and Raisin Rivers. The
purpose was to do a comprehensive study of the
watershed and to document water quality in the
vicinity of point source discharges prior to
NPDES permit reissuance in 1995.
1992
Zebra mussel samples were collected from
Detroit Edison Power Plant, River Raisin,
Monroe in August, 1992. Samples were also
collected at the River Raisin Monroe Waste
Water Treatment Plant. These samplings, along
with a sampling from Lake St. Clair, were
compiled into a study titled "Evaluation of Zebra
Mussels as Biomonitors of Environmental
Contaminants - Pilot Study." The study was
completed in April, 1993.
In late June of 1992, a crew from the state
prison at Adrian began heavy-duty cleanup of the
river in Adrian behind Citizens Gas Fuel Com^
pany, Trestle Park and the Wastewater Treat-
ment Plant. They continued almost daily into
mid-October.
66
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Three weeks were spent cleaning up the River in
the Tecumseh area on a portion of the Raisin
stretching from the Standish Dam on Burt Street
down to the Tecumseh Recreation Department.
Sixth grade classes in Dundee conducted a year-
long study of the River Raisin; students sampled
and tested the water with two different pH
indicators, thermometers, and a secchi disc to
measure the turbidity as well. Students recorded
their data, and also learned about conservation
practices such as filter strips.
mi
A dredge project took place at Raisin Properties
Ltd., Monroe, a 120-slip marina. Three-thousand
seven-hundred fifty cubic yards of dredge spoils
and upland excavation (mainly fill material) used
as base material for a parking lot across the road
from the marina.
A major logjam and junk accumulation cleanup
was conducted in the summer of 1991, about
one-half mile downstream from Deerfield in
Monroe County. Six young men from Lenawee
County were enrolled through the Federal Job
Training Partnership Act program to work on this
project all summer. Several more persons from
Monroe County and a group of weekend jail
residents from Monroe also helped.
Community Involvement
River Raisin PAC members created a resource
handbook, thanks to a $5,000 State Public Advisory
Council grant. The resource book was distributed to
Monroe County residents and uses student art to
provide information regarding recycling, waste
disposal, water pollution, household hazardous waste,
and numerous topics of interest to local residents.
The River Raisin PAC, in conjunction with the River
Raisin Watershed Council, conducts an annual River
Raisin Cleanup.
Schedule
Meetings:
The River Raisin Watershed Council and its
PAC subcommittee meets regularly.
Outlook
The River Raisin is targeted for further dredging
using Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI) funds.
In 1997 Ford Motor Company completed an
environmental dredging project in the River
Raisin. With the PCB sediment removal project
completed, the Raisin Public Advisory Council
(PAC) can now focus attention on the other use
impairments within the AOC.
In addition to the work occurring within the River
Raisin AOC, MDEQ is investigating several
potential Superfund (Act 307) sites of contami-
nation such as landfills and industrial sites that
are adjacent to or near the river. These sites are
possible sources of some of the contaminants
that are present in the River Raisin AOC. Input
of contaminants to the river from these sites may
be occurring through overland runoff, wind-
blown contaminated soils, or groundwater
discharges.
Partners
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
River Raisin Watershed Council
River Raisin Public Advisory Council
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great
Lakes National Program Office
Research
In May and June 1997 sampling was initiated by the
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ) to further define the extent of PCB
contamination found at certain locations by the EPA
during the 1995 sampling. Sediment sampling
performed in September 1998 was also initiated by
the MDEQ in an effort to further define the extent of
PCB contamination noted during the 1997 survey, to
determine the success of the PCB hotspot cleanup
by Ford, and to determine if PCB contamination was
present in the Detroit Edison discharge canal and
further upstream in Plum Creek. Sampling for
additional chemicals of concern was also conducted
in 1995,1997, and 1998.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
67
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Research: (continued)
PCB Hot Spot
During the collection of samples for their River
Raisin project, Michigan State University (MSU)
staff discovered unexpectedly high levels of PCBs
(40,000 ppm) in sediments located near the outlet of
a former Ford Motor Company wastewater dis-
charge pipe. This pipe is located on the north side of
the River Raisin just downstream from the turning
basin. In an effort to further delineate the source and
extent of contamination associated with the PCB hot
spot and locate other possible PCB sources in the
area, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.
EPA) staff (at the request of the MDNR) conducted
additional sediment sampling in the AOC in Septem-
ber of 1992. Through the use of EPA's research
vessel, the "Mudpuppy", a number of sediment core
profile and grab samples were taken at, above, and
below the PCB hot spot area. U.S. EPA staff also
collected samples for PCB analysis on Ford's
property. This included sampling within the former
wastewater discharge pipe mentioned above.
Although other potential sources of PCBs were
noted, U.S. EPA's sampling confirmed MSU's earlier
sampling, which showed that the highest levels of
PCBs in the lower River Raisin are located in the
vicinity of Ford's former wastewater discharge pipe.
Additionally, analysis of the sample collected from
within the former wastewater discharge pipe showed
PCBs to be present at levels as high as 9,000 ppm.
In view of this new information, at U.S. EPA's
request, Ford staff developed investigation and
cleanup plans to address the PCB contamination in
the sewer system and in the river near the former
wastewater discharge pipe. The investigation/
delineation of the PCB hot spot (determined to be
roughly 600 feet long and 200 feet wide) was
completed during the summer of 1993. The sewer
system investigation was completed in 1994.
ever, although the 1991 PCB uptake concentra-
tion was lower than that of the 1988 study, the
accumulation of 1 ppm PCBs by the caged fish
in such a short time is still very significant.
In early 1991, researchers from MSU were
awarded Great Lakes Protection Fund monies to
assess the possibility of neutralizing (by bacterial
dechlorination) contaminated sediments in River
Raisin. Contaminated sediments and the bacterial
associated with the sediments were collected
from the river in April of 1991. Initial study
results showed that detoxification of PCBs
within the river was occurring at a very slow
rate. However, sediment samples that were
modified (i.e. injected with nutrients, additional
bacteria, etc.) in the laboratory resulted in
detoxification of PCBs at a more rapid rate.
Utilizing an additional grant, MSU staff have
since determined that the addition of 2,3,4-
trichlorobiphenyl to the River Raisin sediments
strongly stimulates dechlorination of PCBs while
additions of nutrients and microorganisms have
little or no effect on this process.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
(MDNR) sampling of the river to further define
PCB and heavy metal areas of contamination
was conducted in 1988 and 1989. This sampling
showed that the area most impacted in the river
was from the turning basin down to the mouth.
A 28-day caged catfish study was conducted
below the turning basin in 1988 primarily to
determine if bioaccumulation of PCBs would
occur in the fish. The study showed PCB
concentrations of 4 parts per million (ppm) in the
fish after 28 days. This level was much higher
than PCB levels in fish from similar studies
performed on the Kalamazoo, Saginaw and
Huron rivers.
Publications
Other Research:
In September and October of 1991, the second
of two 28-day caged fish studies was conducted
in the River Raisin. At the end of the study, PCB
concentrations in the fish were about 1 ppm. The
lower uptake concentration seen during the 1991
study cannot be explained since no remedial
actions to reduce PCB concentrations in the
river had taken place prior to this study. How-
River Raisin Resource Handbook, River Raisin
PAC, 1996.
River Raisin RAP Report, MDEQ, 1995.
River Raisin RAP, MDEQ, 1987.
68
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Contacts
Dan Stefanski
River Raisin AOC PAC Chair
327 Lincoln
Monroe, MI 48161
734-241-5926
Fax:734-241-7780
danski@provide.net
Tracy Cyr
River Raisin Local Coordinator
Monroe County Community College
1555 S. Raisinville Rd.
Monroe, MI 48161
734-384-4213
TCYR@mail.monroe.cc.rni.us
Arthur Ostaszewski, RAP Contact
MDEQ Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909-7773
517-335-1119
Fax:517-373-2040
ostaszea@michi gan.gov
Amy Nerbun
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5
77 W. Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
312-886-9861
nerbun.amv@epamail .epa. gov
Compiled: September 5,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/rvraisn/index.html
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
State of Michigan
Rouge River Area of Concern
rt-
Background
The oldest and most heavily populated and industrial-
ized area in southeast Michigan is located within the
Rouge River Watershed. The Rouge River has four
main branches totaling 125 miles of waterways
primarily flowing through Wayne and Oakland
counties, with some headwaters in Washtenaw
County. The Rouge drains a 438 square mile area
that includes more than 400 lakes and ponds, and
more than 50 miles of parkland along its banks. The
river winds its way through 48 communities and
provides recreational opportunities for more than 1.5
million people. The lower four miles of the river are
maintained as a shipping channel from the turning basin
to the river's mouth at the south end of Zug Island.
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Rouge River priorities include elimination of CSOs
and SSOs, nonpoint source pollution control, industrial
discharge pretreatment, peak storm water discharge
reductions and contaminated site restoration.
RAP Status
The Rouge River RAP was completed in 1989 and
has been heralded as a model for community involve-
ment and public support. The process of implement-
ing and further updating the RAP is ongoing. MDEQ
and its partners will be using a biennial progress
report card as a mechanism to help celebrate
implementation, make mid-course corrections,
provide public accountability, and further develop the
RAP. The last Rouge Report Card was issued in
1999. MDEQ and the Southeast Michigan Council of
Governments (SEMCOG) issued the first Rouge
River RAP Annual Progress Report in 1992. MDEQ,
in cooperation with RRAC. updated the RAP in 1994
and issued a Rouge River RAP Progress Report in
1998.
The Rouge River RAP is a watershed-wide effort
that is led by the Michigan Department of Environ-
mental Quality (MDEQ) in partnership with other
stakeholders. The institutional framework for
updating the RAP is being modified to better meet
the needs for implementation and ensure account-
ability in the planning process. The institutional
structure includes: MDEQ staff with responsibili-
ties to update the RAP; a Rouge Program Office
created for the Rouge River National Wet
Weather Demonstration Project (NWWDP);
technical advisory groups; a newly revised Rouge
River Steering Committee to oversee implementation
activities with the Voluntary Stormwater Permit; and
a Rouge RAP Advisory Council (RRAC) to advise
the MDEQ and assist in updating and implementing
the RAP. The RRAC includes representatives of
industry, environmental interests, citizens, universities,
The highly industrialized Rouge River AOC must combat a
plethora of pollution problems.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
71
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Use Impairments -
- Rouge River AOC
V
Restrictions on fish and
V
Degradation of
wildlife consumption
benthos
V
Tainting of fish and
V
Restrictions on
wildlife flavor
dredging activities
V
Degradation of fish and
V
Eutrophication or
wildlife populations
undesirable algae
V
Fish tumors or other
V
Beach closings
deformities
V
1
Degradation of
Bird or animal deformi-
Aesthetics
ties or reproductive
V
problems
Loss of fish and
wildlife habitat
RAP Status: (continued)
the Natural Resource Conservation Service, local
and county governments, and parks and health
departments.
Beneficial Use Impairments
The Rouge River Watershed covers 1,210 km2 in
southeastern Michigan. It includes sections of
three counties and encompasses 48 municipalities
with a population of 1.5 million people. Degrada-
tion of the Rouge River is representative of that
found in many urbanized and industrialized areas
within the Great Lakes Basin. Over 50% of the
land-use is residential, commercial, or industrial,
with increasing development pressures in the
headwaters. Despite the urbanized and industrial
areas within the watershed, there are over 80 km
of publicly-owned riparian (i.e. land/bank adjacent to
a watercourse) parklands within the northern and
western portions of the watershed consisting mainly
of suburban and rural land uses. Combined sewer
overflows (CSOs), urban storm water discharges,
nonpoint source pollution, and municipal and industrial
discharges all contribute to the use impairments
identified below.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Please Note: Since fish advisories change year to
year, the Michigan Fish Advisory guide (pub-
lished annually) should be consulted for restric-
tions and advisories.
Tainting of Fish & Wildlife Flavor:
Data on flavor tainting is currently lacking, and no
surveys are planned. Hunting of aquatic wildlife
(waterfowl, etc.) is illegal in virtually the entire
watershed. Fish flesh may be contaminated with
flavor-tainting chemicals like petroleum products or
algae-derived chemicals.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
Degree and geographic extent. Severely impaired
further study needed to determine the entire extent
of the impairment. (Main-1, Main-2, Tarabusi and
Tonquish Creeks are not impaired.)
Probable cause: Nonpoint source pollution, point
source stormwater discharges, combined/separated
sewer overflows, contaminated sediments, stream
flow, illegal discharges, point source discharges.
The lower few miles of the river, now channelized
and encased in concrete, used to have sizeable game
fish populations. Historic fish population data indi-
cates a decline in populations of game fish species
and sensitive fish species over the last 50+ years.
Fish Tumors or Other Deformities:
Moderately impaired further study is needed to
determine the degree and extent of the impairment,
though limited surveys indicate very low incidence of
external tumors in fish.
Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive
Problems:
Data on bird or animal deformities or reproductive
problems is currently lacking, and no surveys are
planned. These abnormalities are most commonly
observed in semi-aquatic fish-eating wildlife like
cormorants and mink, in areas whose water or
sediments are contaminated with various organochlo-
rine compounds. Such contaminated areas are
currently restricted to the lower-most few miles of
the Main Branch, where populations of fish-eating
wildlife are minimal or nonexistent.
Degradation of Benthos:
Benthos are considered to be impaired in many
portions of the Rouge River Watershed. In the
Rouge River, benthos populations are degraded by
streambank erosion, stormwater runoff, CSO,
industrial and municipal discharges, contaminated
sediments, erratic stream flow and illegal discharges.
72
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
PCB contamination of sediments restricts dredging
activities in the Rouge. Dredging is severely impaired
in the mouth and Middle Rouge impoundments.
However, based on limited sampling, none of the
Middle Branch impoundments contained contami-
nated sediments. Also, sediments in the navigation
channel are not contaminated to the extent that it
interferes with dredging. Other sediments in that
area are severely contaminated, but the dredging use
as defined by the IJC is restricted to routinely
dredged navigation channels and does not include
"environmental dredging" that might occur outside of
the navigation channel. Further study is needed to
determine impairment status in other areas.
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae:
Eutrophication or undesirable algae can be found in
all branches of the Rouge River. It is most prevalent
in the impoundments and less evident in the headwa-
ters areas. Symptoms of eutrophication include an
increase in plant growth, as well as periods of low
dissolved oxygen concentrations.
Beach Closings:
This BUI is referred to locally as "Swimming and
Other Water-Related Activities", because there is
only one public beach in the watershed. Recreational
use is severely impaired in all branches of the Rouge
River. Bacteria counts are too high for full body
contact most of the year, and too high for partial
body contact after rain events, in the entire water-
shed. Portions of the Middle Rouge River (from
Newburgh Lake downstream to the Nankin Lake
dam) are impaired only after rain events.
Degradation of Aesthetics:
The aesthetic value of the Rouge River is degraded
by large logjams, unnatural color from wastewater
discharges, turbidity or cloudiness, solid waste or
garbage, oil, and unnatural odors. The river is
considered to be impaired for aesthetic value in all
branches, except some headwaters areas.
Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat:
Fish and wildlife habitat is impaired in all branches
and tributaries of the Rouge River. Pressure from
ever-increasing urbanization is destroying critical fish
and wildlife habitats. Most of the land area in the
Rouge River Watershed has been developed for
human use, and the few remaining undeveloped
areas are fast disappearing.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
1999: Rouge River Report Card issued.
1998: The Rouge River RAP Update, a biennial
report on implementation of the Rouge River
RAP, was published.
1994: The Rouge River RAP Update was
published.
1992: The Annual Progress Report was com-
pleted.
February 1989: The Rouge River final working
RAP was completed and adopted.
Numerous remedial and preventive actions from
community activism to municipal and governmental
initiatives have occurred during RAP development
and since its completion. Over $500 million in
community sanitary sewer improvements have been
made since 1988. Another significant milestone in
cleanup efforts is the Rouge River National Wet
Weather Demonstration Project (NWWDP). Man-
aged through the Rouge Program Office, the
NWWDP adheres to a time frame developed to
facilitate greater accountability and achieve a
coordinated effort to address wet weather problems
within the Rouge River Watershed (Tables 3 and 4).
This represents significant progress towards restor-
ing the major issue of restrictions on partial/total body
contact recreation in the Rouge River Watershed.
Assorted forms of pollution, such as these barrels, have
degraded the aesthetics of the Rouge. The river is,
however, making a comeback.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
73
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Recent Progress and Achievements:
RRAC staff attended the AOC delisting work-
shop, held in Toledo in June 2001. Draft delisting
criteria for the Rouge River AOC are in produc-
tion, and will be finalized after the IJC finalizes
the delisting criteria protocol.
The Rouge Gateway Project continues, focusing
on the environmental restoration of the lower
several miles of the river. Ongoing projects
include pilot demonstrations ofphytoremediation
of PAH-contaminated soils, the effectiveness of
porous pavement for reducing stormwater runoff
from parking lots, and the reconnection and
restoration of a small oxbow lake to a
channelized portion of the river. Future projects
are expected to include a fish passageway
around a historic dam, and "softening" the edge
of the channelized concrete channel using
bioengineering techniques.
The 2001 Water Festival was held at the Univer-
sity of Michigan-Dearborn in May. Over 1,500
fifth-graders from around the watershed at-
tended and heard presentations on soil erosion,
wetlands, wildlife, wastewater treatment, etc.
Several citizen "creek groups" have organized
recently, and are addressing issues ranging from
environmental education and river-friendly lawn
care practices to streambank restoration and
reservoir sedimentation. The Rouge Program
Office hosted a workshop for the groups to
provide them with technical resources and
opportunities to network.
The Environmental Interpretive Center opened in
May 2001, on the University of Michigan-
Dearborn campus. The Center is located within
a 300-acre natural area traversed by the Rouge
River. The Center houses interpretive displays,
and hosts environmental education programs and
meetings. Its programs will help facilitate
research and environmental enhancement,
restoration, and recreation.
Almost 20 acres of Detroit park lands were
planted in native prairie grasses and wildflowers
to provide bird and butterfly habitat and reduce
park maintenance costs.
Presented below are examples of actions taken to
implement and further update the RAP. Many of
these achievements and milestones were identified
and celebrated in the 1992, 1994, and 1998 RAP
Update or Progress Reports for the Rouge River.
Sewer Discharge Controls:
Since 1988, over $500 million has been invested in
community sanitary sewer improvements. Improve-
ments will eliminate direct discharges of sewage to
the river during wet weather. Highlights include:
Construction of the Detroit Water and Sewerage
Department's (DWSD) $115 million pump station
2 A. DWSD has computerized all of its in-line
controls as well as expanded its rain gauge
network.
New retention basins constructed have provided
much needed additional sewer infrastructure.
Wayne County's $ 160 million North Huron
Valley/Rouge Valley project is complete, provid-
ing adequate sewer capacity for 14 communities.
Construction of the $33 million First-Hamilton
Relief Outlet Sewer is complete.
Oakland County's $55 million Evergreen/
Farmington Project is complete, providing
additional sewer capacity to 16 communities,
eliminating four raw sewage bypasses, and
equipment to identify and correct future excess
sewage flow problems.
Canton, Northville, and Plymouth Townships
spent $94 million for a sewer correction project
completed in 1994. The retention basins, inter-
ceptors, and force main have all been completed.
The effluent pump station is currently under
construction.
DWSD has completed the Detroit Flow Man-
agement Plan, at a cost of $190 million.
74
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Sewer Discharge Controls: (continued)
Most of the process industrial discharges have
been eliminated by rerouting them from the river
to the Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant
sanitary sewer system.
The RRAC-Nonpoint Source Committee de-
signed an informational downspout brochure for
the general public. The foldout brochure explains
why it is important to direct downspouts to a
vegetated area and not to a sanitary or storm
sewer. The brochure is digitally mastered so that
communities can modify it for their own use.
Combined Sewer Improvements:
In 1989 the Rouge RAP estimated that 7.8 billion
gallons of combined sewage was discharged into the
river annually via CSOs. These discharges create
serious environmental and public health concerns. As
is the case with other discharges to a water body,
CSO discharges are illegal without a NPDES permit.
As recommended in the original RAP, CSO permits
were issued in 1992 with requirements that CSOs be
treated and/or eliminated using a phased approach.
The first phase was designed to demonstrate the
effectiveness of various CSO control and sewer
separation projects and work toward addressing
public health concerns. So far, a total of $384 million
has been spent to control CSOs. With these initial
projects underway, NPDES permits for these CSOs
are in the process of being reissued. Funds for CSO
control projects are being provided by the USEPA
(as part of the Rouge Project), local municipalities,
and the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program.
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Controlling combined sewer overflow outfalls are a high
priority in addressing the CSO problem.
Based on what is learned from the operation of the
first set of CSO control projects, MDEQ will incor-
porate additional requirements to meet public health
standards into the next permit reissuances (scheduled
for the year 2002). Requirements to meet water
quality standards for parameters other than fecal
coliform will also be addressed.
The following are a few examples of activities
conducted to address pollution from CSOs:
Three detention basin projects were completed in
1999 in working toward elimination of CSOs and
SSOs:
1) The 7 Mile detention basin was completed
January 1999.
2) The Hubbell-Southfield detention basin was
completed March 1999.
3) The Puritan-Fenkell detention basin was
completed August 1999.
Outfall gates on six CSOs were completed in
March 1998 toward eventual elimination of the
CSOs.
As a result of funding from the Rouge River
National Wet Weather Demonstration Project, a
number of CSO retention basins have been or
are being constructed to reduce the volume and
improve the quality of CSO discharges. This
includes over $392 million in CSO control
projects to protect public health. Seven CSO
control basins are currently in operation in the
communities of Inkster, Detroit, Redford Town-
ship, Acacia Park, Dearborn Heights, Bloomfield
Village, and Birmingham. Livonia, Plymouth
Township, Wayne, Westland, and Bloomfield
Hills have completed their CSO separation
projects, and Garden City's is nearly complete.
As a result, 68 CSO outfalls are now under
control, and data indicates that these basins are
generally capturing 85% of CSO discharges in
tributary areas.
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department
continues to implement its Industrial Pretreat-
ment Program (IPP), originally developed in the
early 1980s, and have revised and updated it.
The updated program allows for a more compre-
hensive approach towards implementation of the
program.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
75
-------
Future Planned CSO Actions
A CSO retention basin will be constructed in
Bloomfield Hills and a storage tunnel in
Dearborn. As each is constructed, sampling will
be conducted to determine if the basins are
providing adequate treatment.
The treatment of CSOs upstream of Hubbell-
Southfield is scheduled for August 2005.
The treatment of six Rouge River CSOs down-
stream of Ford Rouge discharge is scheduled for
August 2012.
Stormwater Runoff and Other Nonpoint Sources
of Pollution:
The MDEQ-SWQD issued a new Voluntary
General Storm Water Permit on July 30, 1997, to
cover discharges from municipal storm water
systems and other governmental entities such as
road commissions, public school districts, and
public college. The permit, the first of its kind in
the nation, focuses on control of storm water
discharges through illicit discharge elimination,
public education, and storm water pollution
prevention. Permitees are also required to
participate in the development of a watershed
management plan.
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This permit was developed to facilitate coopera-
tive efforts among watershed communities to
address wet weather quality and quantity issues
in a cost-effective manner. Participating commu-
nities will have the opportunity to demonstrate
that a flexible, locally driven program can
effectively address storm water issues.
This permit program is unique and has become a
national model. It is intended to reduce or
eliminate the adverse effects of stormwater
runoff from the watershed communities. All of
the communities and counties in the watershed
have applied for Michigan's Voluntary
Stormwater Permit. A total of 42 permit applica-
tions were submitted.
The following activities have been conducted to
address polluted stormwater runoff:
In May of 1996, MDEQ-SWQD created the
Rouge River Watershed Soil Erosion and Sedi-
mentation Control (SESC) Core Group, a group
consisting of representatives of SESC agencies.
The group meets monthly to develop uniform
SESC programs throughout the watershed,
maintain better compliance, and reduce soil
erosion and off-site sedimentation.
In December of 1995 the Rouge Project sur-
veyed the magnitude and extent of streambank
erosion on the river's four major branches and
selected tributaries. Survey results estimate that
60 to 90% of the river's banks in the major branches
are eroded, with less erosion in the tributaries.
In 1995, Oakland County completed a second
survey of onsite sewage disposal systems in
selected areas of Southfield and Farmington
Hills. There was an overall failure rate of 39% in
the 61 sites tested.
The Rouge Project has developed demonstration
wetlands adjacent to the Lower Rouge in Inkster
and is monitoring their effect on water quality.
Results so far indicate that the wetlands are
assimilating pollutants in storm water runoff that
would otherwise be discharged to the river
The RRAC Onsite Sewage Disposal Committee
is developing inspection guidelines and uniform
construction standards. Wayne County continues
its illicit connection elimination program, designed
to seek out and eliminate improper discharges to
storm sewers or the river itself. The County has
also conducted an outfall survey on selected
portions of the Rouge River to look for evidence
of illegal discharges.
The Friends of the Rouge conducts volunteer
storm drain stenciling. This project helps elimi-
nate dumping household hazardous wastes into
storm sewers.
West Bloomfield Township is enforcing strong
floodplain and wetlands ordinances with a
detailed permit system.
Stormwater issues are being confronted in the AOC
through Michigan's Voluntary Stormwater Permit
program.
76
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Stormwater Runoff and Other Nonpoint Sources
of Pollution:
Dearborn Heights is requiring onsite stormwater
retention for new development to limit flow
discharge rates. In addition, streets are being
swept regularly to reduce solid waste loadings to
the storm sewers.
Wayne County Parks and Recreation Depart-
ment is mapping sites along the Rouge River
where garbage has been illegally dumped to
target them for cleanup and is limiting access
routes to these sites to deter further dumping.
The County has posted signs asking citizens to
report illegal dumping.
West Bloomfield Township has adopted a
fertilizer and pesticide regulation ordinance and a
leaf burning ordinance to control several forms
of nonpoint source pollution.
Resource Improvements
Newburgh Lake, an impoundment on the Middle
Branch of the Rouge contaminated with PCBs,
was drained, dredged, and restored. The Rouge
Project removed an estimated 530,000 tons of
PCB-contaminated sediment the lake. The
project was completed in October of 1998.
Although Newburgh Lake has been cleaned up,
the fish consumption advisory will be in effect at
least through fall 2001. The advisory may be
removed at some point thereafter, pending the
results of the resampling.
Newburgh Lake, although cleaned up, is still
undergoing follow-up sediment sampling.
A major source of animal waste was eliminated
from the Lower Rouge in 1997 with a
remediation project done at a dairy farm located
in Canton Township. This facility had been
discharging all of its animal waste from over a
thousand head of cattle directly into Fowler
Creek for many years. The farmer has been
required to divert his waste away from the
stream onto nearby agricultural land and to
develop a manure management plan. The
discharge has been eliminated and Fowler Creek
is beginning to recover.
In April 1997, Friends of the Rouge conducted a
streambank stabilization project on a 200-foot
section of the Rouge River in Eliza Howell Park.
A bioengineering approach used live plant
materials to provide bank stability.
In 1997, MDEQ-SWQD removed 6,900 cubic
yards of PCB-contaminated sediment from
Evans Products ditch.
Since 1986, the Friends of the Rouge have
organized an annual "Rouge Rescue" that has
involved 15,000 volunteers and removed over
14,500 m3 of debris. In 1993, Rouge Rescue
expanded to 23 sites and included setting up 150
bird nesting boxes, stabilizing river banks,
planting trees, creating wood chip trails, and
cleaning areas to make the river available for
canoeing.
Many communities, such as Detroit, conduct
cleanups of debris and logs several times each
year to enhance flow and aesthetics.
Wayne County Parks and Recreation Depart-
ment has used more than $600,000 in state and
local funds to implement their Middle Rouge
Parkway Improvement Plan. The plan calls for
taking advantage of Parkway qualities to im-
prove public access and enhance and preserve
historical and natural resources.
Canton Township created a wetland area
adjacent to Willow Creek to improve water
quality and flood control.
An innovative $8,000 project by the City of
Southfield created 0.8 km of fish habitat. The
project utilized volunteer effort and received the
1988 Clean Waters Award from the Michigan
Outdoor Writers Association.
As a result of a NPDES permit violation, Rouge
Steel Company and USX were required to
dredge 30,600 m3 of zinc-contaminated sediment
costing $ 1 million and place it in a confined
disposal facility.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
77
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Public Information and Education: (continued)
encouraged to take action in their communities
based on what they have learned.
Oakland County gives presentations on water-
shed issues and has developed educational
materials about household hazardous waste and
septic tank maintenance.
Canton Township, Van Buren Township,
Southfield, Dearborn, Detroit, Novi, and Oakland
and Wayne Counties were involved in
fundraising, developing videos, placing informa-
tion spots on local cable stations, and hosting
educational events to heighten public awareness
of the Rouge River.
Community Involvement
Shortly after the inception of the Rouge River
National Wet Weather Demonstration Project
(Rouge Project) in 1992, it was clear that a compre-
hensive public involvement and education program
was necessary to support Rouge River restoration
activities. A survey of watershed residents deter-
mined that while few people viewed the Rouge River
as a viable resource because of its pollution, the
majority broadly supported and were optimistic about
efforts to improve its quality.
This necessitated creating a strong consensus
building public involvement program to address the
concerns of area residents, educate the community
about the effect of their current activities on the
watershed and include all stakeholders in the mission
to restore the Rouge River. A Rouge River Public
Involvement Action Plan was created in the fall of
1994 based upon the survey.
The goal of the Action Plan was to engage numerous
stakeholders, inform them, gain their support and
encourage them to change their behavior to help
achieve and maintain a healthy watershed. The
public involvement strategy used the philosophy that
communication with Rouge River watershed stake-
holders must be continual, consistent, truthful and
always two-way. In addition, since many of those
surveyed thought the causes of pollution to the
Rouge River was from industrial sources, a public
education campaign had to explain the impact of
storm water and non-point source pollution on the
river. Finally, the campaign had to explain to every-
one their personal responsibility in Rouge River
restoration efforts.
In the following two years, from 1995-97, strategies
were developed, materials were drafted and out-
reach activities were created to discover what best
engaged the general public.
In the following two years, from 1995-97, strategies
were developed, materials were drafted and out-
reach activities were created to discover what best
engaged the general public.
Rouge River restoration messages include:
Use your head, you live in a watershed.
Storm drains aren't garbage cans.
When it comes to pollution, every home is
waterfront property.
Everyone is part of the problem and needs to be
part of the solution.
Simple changes can make big differences.
Informational materials were developed incorporating
these messages for a variety of audiences, such as
businesses, students, citizens, etc. In addition,
stewardship opportunities are successfully being
made available and implemented through:
The River Friendly Partners Program (see below)
Friends of the Rouge programs, such as storm
drain stenciling, the Frog and Toad Survey, the
Rouge Education Program, Rouge Rescue/River
Day, and other community pollution prevention
initiatives funded by the Rouge Project.
The Public Involvement Team has also helped
facilitate public education and public participation
activities in the seven Rouge River subwatersheds
required by the Michigan General Storm Water
Permit.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
79
-------
In addition to programs and materials offered by the
Wayne County Rouge Program Office and Friends
of the Rouge, many of the 48 communities in the
watershed are sponsoring their own public involve-
ment and education activities as part of the require-
ments of the Michigan General Storm Water Permit.
ROUGE RIVER PROJECT
A WORLD CLASS EFFORT
MG OUR RIVER BACK TO LIFE
Rouge River Opportunities for Community Involve-
ment:
Friends of the Rouse is a local nonprofit organi-
zation dedicated to promoting restoration and
stewardship of the Rouge River through educa-
tion and citizen involvement. The organization is
best known for Rouge Rescue, their annual
cleanup of the Rouge River held on the first
Saturday in June. The event helps bring improve-
ments to the health, safety, and aesthetics of the
Rouge River. Additionally, Friends of the Rouge
leads efforts to educate both young people and
adults about the causes and effects of river
pollution and helps citizens achieve a sense of
ownership of their streams and watershed.
The River Friendly Partners Program has a
mission to restore the water quality of the Rouge
River by reducing pollutants entering the river. In
this program, information and assistance is
provided to businesses and communities to help
them prevent pollution. Participants benefit in
several ways including enhanced community
relations.
Rouge River Watch is an opportunity for inter-
ested individuals, Scouts or community groups to
organize a group of volunteers to adopt a section
of the Rouge River, a wetland or other type of
waterbody within the Rouge River Watershed.
Activities may include water quality sampling,
biological monitoring or other field measure-
ments, and river/watershed cleanups (including
coordination of the annual Rouge Rescue).
These activities can be performed independently
or as part of the Rouge Friendly Neighborhood
program.
Fishing derbies are held in various communities
throughout the watershed.
Schedule
Meetings:
The Rouge River RAP Advisory Council
(RRAC) meets bimonthly and all meetings are
open to the public.
Outlook
Nearly all of the initial CSO control construction
projects proposed in the 1994 RAP have been or
are nearing completion. Many retention/treat-
ment basins are now in the evaluation phase to
determine their effectiveness during various rain
events. In general, it appears that the basins are
capturing 85% of previous CSO discharges. As a
result of these efforts, odor and bacterial prob-
lems have been reduced.
Because of the community-based, watershed
approach initiated by the RAP and the substantial
progress made to date, the relative importance of
different sources of pollution has changed.
Pollution caused by sanitary overflows and
CSOs has been significantly reduced, other
sources of pollution (e.g. urban storm water
runoff, illicit connections, failing septic systems,
flow, habitat loss) are becoming a higher priority.
Addressing these issues will require working
with stakeholders on a subwatershed scale. The
subwatershed advisory groups have produced
draft subwatershed management plans, and each
community is in the process of writing
stormwater pollution prevention initiative docu-
ments.
Concurrently, a revision of the RAP is underway,
as is formulation of delisting criteria for the
impaired beneficial uses. Both should be com-
pleted in 2002.
As a result of data collected in the past several
years and numerous remedial actions taken,
there is a clearer picture of where the Rouge
80
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Outlook: (continued)
River RAP needs to focus its efforts. The
foundation of the revised RAP will be the
watershed management plans being developed
by the stormwater advisory groups. Success in
this next phase will in large part be dependent
upon successes within these advisory groups. It
has become obvious that stormwater and the
pollutants that it carries must be the next major
focus for restoring the Rouge. Control of this
form of pollution is difficult because it is wide-
spread, diverse, and abundant.
Other key focus areas are the many issues still
not being adequately addressed. Among these
are the pressures of ever-increasing urbanization,
which destroys habitat and decreases fish,
wildlife, and other aquatic populations. Critical
habitat must be preserved and development done
in an environmentally sensitive manner.
Partners
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great
Lakes National Program Office
The Rouge River Project
Friends of the Rouge
Research
From March to May 1998, the Friends of the
Rouge Wildlife Habitat Inventory was con-
ducted. The nearly 150 volunteers inventoried
four species of frogs and toads as an indicator of
wildlife habitat quality in a 60-mile square area of
the watershed. Early data showed that the four
species were present, a good sign.
A Fisheries Watershed Assessment was com-
pleted in 1997 by the MDNR for the Rouge
River Watershed with funding from the Rouge
Project. The study profiled the river and its fish
populations. In 1995, 53 species of fish were
identified in the Rouge River. The greatest game
fish populations were found in the impound-
ments. Researchers found that many factors
negatively affect fisheries such as excessive
flow instability, degraded water quality due to
input of sewage and storm water, sedimentation
from erosion and storm water flows, and frag-
mentation due to dams, paving of the stream
channel, and habitat destruction.
University of Michigan researchers conducted a
study of the fisheries potential of the river with
funding from the Rouge Project. The results of
the study found that the downstream, larger
reaches of the Rouge River have the greatest
potential for developing recreational sport
fisheries. Fisheries in these areas are, however,
currently severely degraded by poor water
quality. Fish communities in the headwater
streams of the Rouge are in relatively good
condition, supporting fisheries similar to non-
urbanized streams in southern Michigan. The
recently augmented flow of the Lower Branch
of the Rouge River has greatly enhanced its
potential as a fishery. Researchers state that
watershed-wide reductions in stormwater runoff
will likely be necessary to rehabilitate fish
communities.
As part of the Rouge River Reconnaissance
Survey, the Rouge Project surveyed all outfalls in
over 90 miles of the Rouge River system.
Suspected contamination was recorded. A total
of 630 outfalls were observed. The sources of
suspected contamination will be investigated as a
follow up to this survey.
The MDEQ-SWQD and the Michigan Depart-
ment of Community Health conducted caged fish
studies on the Main Branch of the Rouge in 1995
to study bioaccumulative contaminants and
sources, in particular the Hubbell-Southfield CSO
outfall. Levels of PCBs in fish downstream of
tie Hubbell-Southfield outfall were twice as high
as upstream fish, flagging this discharge as a
large PCB source.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
81
-------
Research: (continued)
The Rouge Project has combined recent data
collected with historical data to establish baseline
water quality during both wet and dry weather.
Forty ambient stations and eight CSO stations
are being monitored for oxygen demand, nutri-
ents, solids, bacteria, and metals. The study also
included sediment sampling at 182 sites and
assessment of biological conditions in the river.
Wayne, Oakland and Washtenaw County Health
Departments conducted a coordinated sampling
effort to test for fecal coliform bacteria to
determine its prevalence during both wet and dry
weather.
Wayne State University maintains and updates a
Rouge River Archive, with historical and RAP-
related data and information.
Publications
Rouge River Remedial Action Plan Progress
Report, 1998
A Guide for Salvage Yard Owners. MDEQ,
University of Mi-Dearborn Student Internship
Program, and SEMCOG, 1996. This guide
describes proper management practices for
environmental protection and was mailed to over
200 salvage yard owners in Southeast Michigan.
The Rouge Project created a colorful foldout
map and index of Rouge River Watershed Public
Recreation Areas and Activities. This practical
guide encourages use of existing recreational
areas and shows where facilities are located and
lists what amenities are offered.
A Summary of Contaminated Sediment Activi-
ties Within the United States Great Lakes
Areas of Concern, 1993.
Contacts
Mr. Kurt Heise, RRAC Chair
City of Dearborn Heights
6045 FentonAve.
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127-3294
313-277-7413
Fax:313-274-7765
kheise@dhol.org
Bill Craig, RRAC Vice Chair
Holliday Nature Preserve Association
20050 Milburn
Livonia, MI 48153
248-476-5127
envirowhc@aol.com
Joe Rathbun, RAP Contact
MDEQ Surface Water Quality Division
Southeast Michigan District Office
38980 W. Seven Mile Rd.
Livonia, MI 48152
734-432-1266
Fax:734-953-1467
rathbuni @michigan. gov
Arthur Ostaszewski, RAP Contact
MDEQ Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-1119
Fax:517-373-2040
ostaszea@michigan.gov
Quintin White
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5
77 W. Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
312-886-0135
white.quintin@epamail.epa.gov
Compiled: August 2,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/rougriv/
82
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
State of Michigan
Saginaw River/Bay Area of Concern
Background
RAP Status
Saginaw Bay is a southwestern extension of Lake
Huron, located in the east central portion of
Michigan's lower peninsula. The boundaries of this
Area of Concern (AOC) include the entire 35 km
length of the Saginaw River and all of Saginaw Bay
(2,960 km2 or 1,143 square miles) out into its inter-
face with open Lake Huron at an imaginary line
drawn between Au Sable Point and Point Aux
Barques. Over half of the land use in the region is
agricultural. The primary urban and industrial centers
are Flint, Saginaw, Bay City and Midland.
The Saginaw Bay Watershed is one of Michigan's
most diverse areas-it's rich resources support
agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, outdoor recre-
ations, and a vast variety of wildlife. It is also
Michigan's largest watershed (8,709 square miles in
size) and includes all or part of 22 counties and is
America's largest contiguous freshwater coastal
wetland system. The watershed drains approximately
15% of Michigan's total land area.
Contaminated sediments, fish consumption adviso-
ries, degraded fisheries and loss of significant
recreational values are the major reasons for this
Area of Concern designation. These problems are
mainly caused by high amounts of soil erosion,
excessive nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen
entering the water, and contaminated sediments.
Saginaw Bay priorities include remediation of PCB
contaminated sediment, nonpoint pollution control,
wetland restoration, and habitat restoration.
The Saginaw River/Bay Remedial Action Plan
(RAP) process began in July 1986. After several
drafts, the initial RAP document was completed in
September 1988. Substantial progress has been made
since then, with over two-thirds of the actions
identified in the 1988 RAP having been implemented.
Development of an updated Saginaw River/Bay
RAP document occurred in 1994. Meanwhile,
extensive efforts continue on the coordination and
implementation of ongoing activities and in seeking
funding for, and ways to implement, the remaining
actions.
The Measures of Success report (2001) provides a
foundation for redirecting and refocusing efforts. It
recommends a list of targeted restored conditions
that should be viewed as steps toward delistment of
the Saginaw Bay/River AOC.
Preparation of the updated Saginaw River/Bay RAP
is being done through the committee structure of the
Partnership for the Saginaw Bay Watershed. The
bulk of the technical work is being conducted by
Public Sector Consultants.
RAP Status
Stage
of Betwftcja!
% t- i Hal jon
¦. Problem Definition-
0 20 40 60 80 100
Percent Completed
* I o {ms h ^ rM|.jorl k vuhimH**' to {»«> IJT
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
83
-------
Use Impairments - Saginaw River/Bay AOC
V
Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V
Restrictions on
drinking water
V
consumption, or taste
Degradation of fish and
and odor
wildlife populations
V
V
Beach closings
Bird or animal deformi-
V
ties or reproductive
Degradation of
problems
Aesthetics
V
Degradation of benthos
V
Degradation of
V
phytoplankton and
Restrictions on dredging
activities
zooplankton popula-
tions
V
Eutrophication or
undesirable algae
V
Loss of fish and
wildlife habitat
Beneficial Use Impairments
Beneficial use impairments in the Saginaw River/
Bay AOC are caused by cultural Eutrophication
(nutrients), toxic substances, bacterial contamina-
tion, and sedimentation. There are a variety of
sources that continue to contribute contaminants
to the Saginaw River and Bay, including sediment
bedload and transport, industrial and municipal
discharges, combined sewer overflows, contami-
nated sediments in the river and bay bottom, urban
and agricultural nonpoint source runoff, old waste
disposal sites, and atmospheric deposition.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Saginaw River/Bay watershed is the largest
watershed in the state. Waterbodies which
presently have fish consumption advisories
include: Saginaw River (entire length), Saginaw
Bay, Bad River, Caro Impoundment, Caff River,
Cheboyganing Creek, Flint River (below Flint),
Holloway Reservoir (Genesee Co.), Kawkawlin
River, Pine River (Alma Impoundment and down-
stream of Alma Dam), Sanford Lake (Midland Co.),
Shiawassee River (below Owosso, Byron to
Owosso, South Branch M-59 to Byron), Tawas
River, Thompson Lake (Livingston Co.), Thread
Creek, Tittabawassee (below Midland), and Topico
Wetland.
Please Note: Since fish advisories change year to
year, the Michigan Fish Advisory guide (pub-
lished annually) should be consulted for restric-
tions and advisories. Be sure to check for general
inland lake mercury advisories.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
Many changes in the fish populations of the bay and
river began to occur in the early 1900s. Fish numbers
were affected by (1) water pollution, (2) the intro-
duction or invasion of exotic species like carp,
rainbow smelt, and (later) alewife, and (3) dams
blocking major spawning tributaries in both the
Saginaw River watershed and other tributaries to the
bay. There is also evidence that excessive commer-
cial harvest exacerbated the drastic decline recorded
for several species on into the mid-late 20th century.
The total combined commercial fish harvest reported
in 1974 of 1.4 million pounds was only 10 percent of
the peak catch recorded in 1902.
Saginaw Bay historically contained the largest
wetland/lake prairie complex in the Great Lakes
region. Massive land use changes since the mid-
1800s have significantly altered the quantity, diversity,
and quality of habitat available to support wildlife. In
addition, the manufacture, use and subsequent
discharge of persistent toxic chemicals into the
waters of the area have had a significant negative
impact on the growth and survival of a number of
fish-eating wildlife species. Further, habitat has been
destroyed through the industrial development along
the shorelines of the Saginaw River/Bay and the
drainage of wetlands throughout the watershed. Of
the estimated 462 km2 (115,000 acres) of coastal
wetlands that fringed the inner Saginaw Bay prior to
settlement, only about 40,000 acres remained as of
the early 1970s (Great Lakes Basin Commission,
1975).
Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive
Problems:
Caspian terns in the bay have had an unusually high
incidence of birth defects and poor reproductive
success. Additionally, herring gulls have been moni-
tored extensively in the Saginaw River/Bay area
because they are year-round residents after reaching
breeding age. As a top predator, they readily
bioaccumulate organochlorines. Several organic
compounds have been detected in eggs of herring
gulls at Channel/Shelter Island.
84
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Degradation of Benthos:
Saginaw Bay is a shallow region that once supported
a rich riverine invertebrate bottom fauna, but under-
went drastic changes in response to increased inputs
of pollutants, primarily during the period from 1956 to
1978. High sediment oxygen demands eliminated
many species of invertebrates that were replaced by
pollution tolerant forms. Hence, the species composi-
tion changed from a mesotrophic to a eutrophic
assemblage.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
PCBs contaminate the sediment in the AOC. Sedi-
ment contamination in the river is most significant
immediately downstream of Saginaw and Bay City.
The most contaminated bay sediments are north of
the Saginaw River mouth. These sediments can
release toxics and nutrients into the water if dis-
turbed by dredging activities.
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae:
Nutrient inputs lead to growth of nuisance species,
such as blue-green algae, which threaten more
desirable species by decreasing dissolved oxygen
levels (eutrophication), and thereby alter the aquatic
ecosystem.
Since the
1960s,
Saginaw Bay
waters have
contained
much higher
levels of
phosphorus
than the
remainder of
Lake Huron,
which has
shifted the
bay from a
mesotrophic (middle of the productivity scale) to a
eutrophic (high nutrient level, high productivity)
system. When rapid eutrophication occurs, many
beneficial uses associated with lower productivity
levels are impaired.
During the 1970s and 1980s, the Saginaw River
added nearly two metric tons of total phosphorus per
day to the bay, the largest contribution of phosphorus
to the Great Lakes by any river in Michigan. The
added phosphorus increased the growth of nuisance
blue-green algal that was likely responsible for the
foul odors and poor taste of drinking water with-
drawn from the bay. This added phosphorus is also
linked to associated beach closings.
Restrictions on Drinking Water Consumption,
or Taste & Odor Problems:
There has been a history of taste and odors in the
drinking water taken from Saginaw Bay, with the
problem particularly pervasive prior to 1980. The
Saginaw/Midland water intake, which accounts for
85 percent of all drinking water taken from the bay,
had significant taste and odor problems associated
with its water during the 1970s. In the mid-late
1970s, test results at the Saginaw/Midland water
intake exceeded the federal threshold odor standard.
Water from the Bay City water intake also had
severe taste and odor problems.
The serious taste and odor problems associated with
water supplies withdrawn from the Saginaw Bay in
the 1970s have been traced to two organisms that
thrive under nutrient rich conditions: specifically, the
blue-green algae aphanizomenon and actinomycetes,
a common soil bacteria. High levels of nutrients were
recorded in the period from 1974 to 1986. Nuisance
algae blooms of the blue-green algae, microcystis,
have occurred in the bay since 1994.
Beach Closings
High fecal coliform counts in the Saginaw River has
been a major contributing factor to beach closings
along the Saginaw River/Bay. The high counts were
a direct result of combined sewer overflows (CSOs)
in the following municipalities: Bay City, City of
Essexville, City of Midland, City of Saginaw,
Carrollton Township and Saginaw Township. In
addition, the City of Flushing was responsible for
untreated sewage discharge to the Flint River during
wet weather periods.
Degradation of Aesthetics
Increased biological productivity in the Saginaw Bay
during the 1970s and 1980s, primarily due to
eutrophication, resulted in an increase in organic
debris washing up on area swimming beaches. This
consisted of decomposing algae, aquatic plants, and
small invertebrate animals. The smell andunsightli-
ness of this beach debris prompted citizen complaints
and concern about pollution entering the bay.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
85
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Degradation of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton
Populations
The phytoplankton flora of the bay, documented in
the early 1980s, contained large populations of
diatoms and green and blue-green algae, which
indicated eutrophic or disturbed conditions. In
addition, the seasonal cycle of phytoplankton abun-
dance and major group dominance during the 1980s
remained more typical of a hypereutrophic system
than of one that was balanced and efficiently produc-
tive.
Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Significant habitat loss and degradation have oc-
curred in the Saginaw River and Bay. Only about
17,800 acres of Saginaw's emergent coastal marsh
vegetation remain of the 37,400 acres estimated to
have existed prior to European settlement. Other
habitat degradation includes the sedimentation of fish
spawning reefs in Saginaw Bay, human development
of riparian lands along Saginaw Bay and River,
removal of bottom substrates by dredging, numerous
impacts from exotic species, and anoxic bottom
conditions. This habitat loss and degradation has
impaired the reproductive success and growth of
numerous aquatic and wildlife species.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
2001: RAP update in progress. Preparation of
the updated Saginaw River/Bay RAP is being
done through the committee structure of the
Partnership for the Saginaw Bay Watershed.
The bulk of the technical work is being con-
ducted by Public Sector Consultants.
1995: The Remedial Action Plan (RAP) and
Updates DRAFT was completed.
September 1988: Stage One RAP document
completed.
Other Progress and Achievements:
2001
The NRDA dredging of PCB contaminated
sediments in the Saginaw river was completed.
In 1998 and again in 2001, Ducks Unlimited
received grants of $774,750 and $1,000,000,
respectively, from the North American Wetlands
Conservation Act on behalf of its partners to
conserve wetlands and associated habitats in the
Saginaw Bay watershed. These funds will be
used to focus on protection and restoration of
Great Lakes coastal marshes and their associ-
ated habitats along the Saginaw Bay shore,
expansion of existing state and federal wildlife
areas with the restoration of newly acquired
lands where possible, and restoration and
enhancement of small wetlands and associated
uplands on private lands throughout the water-
shed.
2000
Preliminary development of the Saginaw River/
Bay sustainable Measures of Success project
was supported by the Watershed Initiative
Network (WIN) and the Bay Area Community
Foundation. The intent of the Measures of
Success project is to develop environmentally
sound restoration measures that are sensitive to
the regional economy and community concerns.
It was released in spring 2001.
1999
Land use planning educational efforts for local
official and planners using GIS technology took
place.
Fisheries concerns were addressed by fisheries
biologists, wetland specialists and aquatic
biologists who met with groups before and during
project design.
Water quality monitoring took place where
subwatersheds converge.
Continued pollution prevention/agricultural
projects and educational outreach activities.
Continued development of projects related to
land use issues.
Developed/distributed public educational materi-
als relating to health and watershed issues.
Communicated water resource issues to water-
shed residents.
Completed enhancement of the area's tourism
economy by improving birding opportunities.
86
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Progress and Achievements: (continued)
1998
The Natural Resources Damage Assessment
Settlement (see below for details) for Saginaw
River/Bay, resulting in a $28.2 million settlement
of issues regarding contamination of the Saginaw
Bay and River, was signed November 24, 1998.
The collaborative, innovative settlement will
restore, enhance, and preserve the environment
and ecology of the Saginaw Bay and River area.
(Dredging, a primary component of the program,
began in April 2000, and it is expected that
implementation of the program will take about six
years to complete.)
watershed. In an effort to better define problem
areas and sources of impacts, a subwatershed
prioritization process was begun in late 1993. Simply
put, the purpose of this process is to evaluate the 69
subwatersheds (into which the basin was divided for
this purpose), based on the magnitude of resource
impacts and the resource values in the
subwatersheds, relative to each other and their
impacts on the bay.
1995
Report produced as a result of the joint Michigan
DNR, NOAA, and USEPA studies on the
Saginaw Bay Ecosystem with respect to zebra
mussels.
A study was conducted and a report made in
respect to phosphorus retention of existing and
restored wetlands in the Quanicassee River
Watershed.
A draft Biennial Report, Volumes 1 and 2, were
completed.
A second iteration of the Saginaw River/Bay
RAP was prepared that describes the actions
implemented since 1988; the current environ-
mental status of, and goals for, Saginaw Bay and
the watershed; the growth of the Saginaw RAP
process; and the additional actions needed to
move forward with the RAP effort. This draft
1995 Saginaw River/Bay RAP was developed
jointly by numerous governmental agencies
(local, state and federal), local governments,
public organizations, and business representa-
tives, through the committee structure of the
Saginaw Bay National Watershed Initiative. The
draft 1995 report focused on land use, nutrients,
conventional water quality parameters, soil
erosion/sedimentation, and upland habitat. It was
envisioned that the 1997 biennial RAP would
focus on toxic substances, contaminated sedi-
ments, and aquatic habitat.
One objective of the Saginaw River/Bay RAP
process is to ensure that the programs and projects
undertaken by participants are directed toward
actions that will have the greatest benefit within the
Other Key Accomplishments:
As a result of the Saginaw Bay Natural Re-
sources Damage Assessment, about 345,000
cubic yards of contaminated sediments are being
removed from five areas in the lower Saginaw
River as part of a $28.2 million natural resources
damages settlement with General Motors Corp.
and the cities of Bay City and Saginaw in 1998.
The sediments, contaminated with polychlori-
nated biphenyls (PCBs), are being removed in
the vicinity of Bay City and Essexville. Approxi-
mately 90 percent of the PCBs remaining in the
lower river will be removed through this project.
The work is expected to significantly reduce the
level of PCB contamination associated with the
river water and sediments, as well as with
aquatic and terrestrial organisms in and around
the river and Saginaw Bay. A 15-cubic yard
s s
fl> (Q
¦tl
O
The initial
subwateished
ratings
presented
in the
draft 1995
RAP are
based on
technical
data
(water
quality,
biological
communi-
ties,
hydrology, habitat, land use, etc.). It is envisioned that
the technical ratings will eventually be combined with
local community uses and goals for each of the
subwatersheds. This will help assure that projects
are implemented at locations where the actions are
consistent with watershed uses and goals, and in
areas where there is good likelihood of success for
obtaining the desired environmental results.
Using sheet steel to help separate and
solidify contaminated sediments is a
technique used in the Pine River
subwatershed.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
87
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capacity environmental clamshell bucket is being
used to remove the contaminated sediments for
placement on barges.
Saginaw Bay Natural Resources Damage
Assessment provided protection of almost 1,700
acres of coastal wetland along Saginaw Bay and
restoration of over 200 acres.
The USDA and the State of Michigan are
implementing a $177 million Conservation
Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) to
improve the water quality of the Saginaw Bay
Watershed and many of the streams and rivers
that feed into these bodies of water. CREP is a
Federal-State conservation partnership program
that targets significant environmental effects
related to agriculture. It is a voluntary program
that uses financial incentives to encourage
farmers to enroll in contracts of 10 to 15 years in
duration to remove land from agricultural produc-
tion. The Michigan CREP has been designed to
reduce the amount of sediment entering the
Saginaw River by over 784,000 metric tons over
the next 20 years. CREP will fund filter strips
and riparian buffers to be planted next to
streams, rivers, and drainage ditches to prevent
sediment and pollutants from entering the water
bodies. The Federal and state shares are $142
million and $35 million, respectively.
Partnership for the Saginaw Bay Watershed
completed a project to establish the criteria
necessary to gauge the restoration of the
Saginaw River/Bay Area of Concern. Funded by
the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network
(WIN) and the Bay Area Community Foundation
the Measures of Success program established
measurable and achievable parameters through
the efforts of five separate task forces. The
report focuses on the following impairment
areas:
1) bacterial contamination (coliform, E. coli, etc.),
2) fisheries and fisheries habitat
3) wildlife and wildlife habitat
4) ecosystem degradation (including degraded
benthos, phytoplankton and zooplankton and
5) contaminated sediments.
Saginaw Bay lake sturgeon are successfully
reproducing once again.
Targeted Restored Conditions from Measures of
Success: Addressing Environmental Impairments
in the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay
Bacteria (contamination by microorganisms):
Three consecutive years of testing for E. coli
bacteria, an indicator of harmful microorganisms,
confirm that the state water quality standards for
full-body recreation are being met in the Saginaw
River.
No more that three swimming beach closures
per year lasting no more that two days each on
the Saginaw Bay. (Note: this has been achieved
at least within Bay County, where routine
sampling by the Bay County Flealth Department
has demonstrated bacteria standards for full-
body contact recreation are being met.)
Sediment Contamination (restrictions on dredging):
The level of contaminants in Saginaw River/Bay
sediments no longer imposes additional costs due
to requirements for the removal, confinement,
and remediation of dredge spoils.
Fisheries (habitat, fish populations, contaminant
levels, and tainting):
Dissolved oxygen levels in the river meet the
state water quality standard of 5.0 mg/1 during
summer months.
Critical coastal marsh areas are adequately
protected.
There is an increase in abundance of walleye in
the bay, ultimately through natural reproduction,
such that growth rates approximate more closely
statewide averages for this species and reflect
improved use of available forage in the bay.
There is a sustained annual harvest of 750,000
pounds of yellow perch per year with increasing
abundance of larger, faster growing individuals.
There is documented evidence of natural repro-
duction of Lake Sturgeon in the Saginaw River.
Levels of PCBs, and dioxins in walleye taken
from the Saginaw River/Bay are equal to or less
than the levels found in comparable fish taken
from other areas of the Great Lakes not listed as
AOCs.
PCB and dioxin levels in fish tissues from caged
fish studies in the Saginaw and Tittabawassee
rivers indicate that former sources of these
contaminants have been effectively controlled.
88
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Targeted Restored Conditions: (continued)
Fisheries (continued):
Taste and odor problems reported by anglers for
any species taken from the Tittabawassee River
downstream from Midland and the Saginaw
River and Saginaw Bay represent less than 1 in
10,000 of the estimated total annual catch for
that species for three consecutive years. In
addition, no specific sites of fish tainting have
been identified that would justify remedial action.
Wildlife (coastal marshes and contaminant levels):
At least 60 percent of the coastal marsh areas
(below the 585-foot contour) and adequate
upland buffers representing essential fish and
wildlife habitat is preserved through public
ownership, covered under conservation ease-
ment, or otherwise protected under agreements
with landowners.
The most vulnerable portions of the remaining 40
percent of the essential coastal marsh areas are
clearly identified so that governmental agencies,
local conservation/environmental organizations,
and concerned citizens can monitor their status,
enhance enforcement of existing laws, and
conduct public education programs to better
protect these areas.
The reproductive success of bald eagles in the
Saginaw Bay area is equivalent to that found in
other Lake Huron coastal areas in Michigan.
PCB levels in herring gull eggs taken from
Saginaw Bay area nest sites are not significantly
higher than those found in other Lake Huron
sampling locations.
Bay Ecosystem (eutrophication, benthic commu-
nity, drinking water supplies):
The average concentration of total phosphorus is
15 ug/1 or less, in accordance with the supple-
ment to Annex 3 of the 1978 Great Lakes Water
Quality Agreement.
Samples of mayfly nymphs collected in the open
waters of Saginaw Bay exceeded 30/m2 for two
consecutive years, based upon established
sampling methods.
The nitrogen/phosphorus (N:P) ratio measured in
Saginaw Bay is at least 29:1, indicating that
conditions once favoring blue-green algal popula-
tions responsible for former taste and odor
problems in drinking water withdrawn from the
bay are no longer present.
Natural Resource Damages Settlement:
Dredging Project:
345,000 cubic yards of the most contaminated areas
of the river are to be dredged. 204,000 cubic yards
were dredged in 2000, and the project is scheduled
for completion in 2001.
Habitat Protection and Restoration:
Over 1,600 acres have been acquired and are in
public ownership, including most of Big and Little
Charity Islands. 200-400 acres of coastal wetlands
and lakeplain prairie are being restored in 2001-2002.
Green Point Environmental Learning Center:
Two rent-free 99-year leases have been provided to
USFWS, including an interpretive center building and
80 acres of riparian and upland habitat. $520,000 for
additional restoration is to be provided in 2003.
(Managed by Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.)
Tobico Marsh Restoration:
Restoration of water flow between Saginaw Bay and
the marsh is being implemented in 2001-2002, and
there is an emphasis on restoration of northern pike
and yellow perch spawning.
Recreational/Educational Areas:
There are currently three areas with boat launches,
nature-viewing opportunities, and interpretive signs.
Bay City will operate and maintain two of the areas,
and the MDNR will own and operate the third.
Restoration Account:
$3,000,000 is to be provided to the Trustee Council
starting in July of2004. There is an emphasis on
monitoring recovery and implementing additional
restoration projects.
Cost Recovery:
Trustees were reimbursed for $2,000,000 of their
assessment costs.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
89
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Community Involvement
«/
The Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network
(WIN) is a community-based, voluntary initiative that
connects people, resources, organizations, and
programs. The group works to improve the quality of
life in the area by developing
projects, supporting related
organizations, and developing
the region's identity as a
sustainable community. WIN's
emphasis is on supporting local
projects. These projects link
economic, environmental and
community goals. A key part of
the group's mission is to
increase communication
between existing efforts and to
provide appropriate support to
help address local priorities and
provide regional benefits. The
partnership includes communities, conservationists,
foundations, and businesses working together to
balance the region's economic, environmental, and
social goals.
Numerous activities continue to be implemented by
local groups. Spearheading these activities is the
Partnership for the Saginaw Bay Watershed
(PSBW). PSBW is a voluntary, membership-based
coalition of public and non-governmental agencies,
organizations, and individuals committed to sustaining
or restoring the ecology of the Saginaw Bay Water-
shed, while ensuring economic viability. Toward that
end, the Partnership promotes comprehensive
resource management and educational services by
facilitating inter-governmental coordination and public
involvement, conducting studies, formulating public
policy recommendations, providing advice to public
officials and citizens, and undertaking various
programs and projects to restore, protect and en-
hance Michigan's largest watershed.
In addition, the Partnership for the Saginaw Bay
Watershed (PAC) is revitalizing membership to
develop a strategic plan for achieving goals starting
with bacteria, followed by nutrient loadings, then
toxics.
Schedule
Meetings:
The Partnership for the Saginaw Bay Watershed
(Saginaw River/Bay PAC) meets on the first
Wednesday of the month, except near holidays,
when some modification of the schedule may
occur, i.e., meetings on the second Wednesday
of January and July.
Outlook
The Saginaw River/Bay RAP process has been very
successful to date and has moved forward at a rapid
pace. Significant remedial actions are being taken,
extensive studies are underway to fill important data
gaps, and comprehensive coordination efforts
continue among local, state, and federal organiza-
tions.
However, much remains to be done. As with most
any issue, available funds are not sufficient for
conducting desired levels of effort. Consequently,
though many actions are currently being imple-
mented, few of these are being fully implemented
due to limited funds. A new problem, the colonization
of Saginaw Bay by zebra mussels, has the potential
to significantly impact biological communities and
contaminant cycling in the Saginaw Bay. This may
result in changing remedial actions over time.
Continued work is in progress, as well as developing
future projects to restore, enhance, and protect the
Saginaw River/Bay Watershed. Pollution prevention/
agricultural projects and educational outreach
activities are to be continued. Work will continue
toward development of projects related to land use
issues. Educational materials are to be developed,
and water resource issues will be discussed with
watershed residents. An additional objective is to
enhance the area of tourism economy by improving
birding opportunities. An additional goal is to revital-
ize partnership membership.
All the activity taking place within the scope of the
Saginaw River/Bay RAP indicates:
an enhanced interest in this area since inception
of the RAP process; and
a belief among local, state and federal organiza-
tions that this valuable natural resource can be
significantly enhanced.
90
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Outlook: (continued)
Restoring impaired beneficial uses will benefit
indigenous aquatic life and wildlife, as well as the
quality of life for basin residents. The support of local
communities, the general public, the private sector,
and local, state and federal agencies for the RAP to
date is commendable. By continuing to work to-
gether, we can have a substantial impact on restoring
impaired beneficial uses in Saginaw River and Bay.
Partners
Partnership for the Saginaw Bay Watershed
County Conservation Districts
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality,
Surface Water Quality Division
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality,
Office of the Great Lakes
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan Lakes and Streams Association
Michigan State University Extension - Bay County
Michigan Statewide Public Advisory Council
Public Sector Consultants
Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great
Lakes National Program Office
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Saginaw Valley State University
Research
WETNET, a cooperative school water quality
monitoring and data management program used in
the Saginaw Bay Watershed emphasizes hands-on
learning, environmental stewardship and interactive
computer mapping on the Internet.
Publications
Remedial Action Plan for the Saginaw River /
Bay Area of Concern
Measures of Success: Addressing Environ-
mental Impairments in the Saginaw River and
Saginaw Bay, Public Sector Consultants, August
2000.
Saginaw River/Bay Area of Concern -
Progress Report, January 1994.
"Watershed Initiative Promotes Local Action
around Michigan's Saginaw Bay", Issue 32
(October 1993), Nonpoint Source News-Notes,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Information Summary, Area of Concern:
Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay.
Saginaw Bay Watershed: A Strategy for
Wetland Restoration.
Historical Wetlands of the Saginaw Bay
Watershed.
Contacts
Charlie Bauer, Saginaw Bay Initiative Contact
MDEQ Surface Water Quality Division
503 Euclid Ave.
Bay City, MI 4870
989-686-8025 ext. 8261
Fax:989-684-9799
bauerc@michigan.gov
Arthur Ostaszewski, RAP Contact
MDEQ Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-1119
Fax:517-373-2040
ostaszea@michi gan.gov
Charles Lyon
Vice Chair, Partnership for the Saginaw Bay Watershed
P.O. Box 120
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
989-652-9955
CLvon@frankenmuth.kl 2.mi.us
Bill Wright
Saginaw County Planning Department
615 Court Street
Saginaw, MI 48602
989-797-6800
Fax:989-797-6809
wwright@saginawcountv.com
Dennis Zimmerman, SPAC Representative
716 East Forest Blvd.
P.O. Box 325
Lake George, MI 48633
989-588-9343 (also FAX)
Compiled: September 5,2001
URL: httD://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/sagriver/sagrivr.html
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
91
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State of Michigan/Province of Ontario
St. Clair River Area of Concern
ft/
Background
The St. Clair River flows southward about 40 miles
(64 km) connecting the southern tip of Lake Huron
to Lake St. Clair. The river is part of the boundary
between the United States and Canada.
The St. Clair River branches into several channels
near its mouth at Lake St. Clair, creating a broad
delta region. The Area of Concern (AOC) includes
these important wetlands from St. Johns Marsh on
the west (near Anchor Bay) to the north shore of
Mitchell's Bay in Ontario.
Agriculture is the predominant land use within the
river's watershed. But, intensive development has
occurred in and near the cities of Port Huron and
Samia. The heaviest concentration of industry
(including a large petrochemical complex) lies along
the Ontario shore near Samia. Several communities
along the St. Clair rely on the river as their primary
source of drinking water. Industries including
petroleum refineries, chemical manufacturers, paper
mills, salt producers and electric power plants
need high quality water for their operations as well.
Ships carrying cargo between the upper and lower
Great Lakes ply the St. Clair River.
St. Clair River priorities include contaminated
sediment remediation on the Canadian side of the
river, elimination of CSOs and SSOs on both sides of
the river, elimination of spills to the river from
"Chemical Valley" downstream of Sarnia, Ontario,
and ensuring proper notification when spills do occur.
RAP Status
The Stage 2 Remedial Action Plan was updated in
September 1999. The Stage 2 process for the three
Michigan-Ontario binational Remedial Action Plans
(St. Clair, St. Marys, and Detroit rivers AOCs)
involved the use of a task-oriented focus. As part of
this process, the St. Clair River RAP Team and
BPAC established four "Task Teams" to undertake
the assessment and evaluation of remedial options.
Each Task Team consisted of BPAC and RAP Team
members and others having interests and expertise
relating to various tasks. Agency representatives on
each Task Team provided technical input and support
as required.
Beneficial Use Impairments
Seven of 14 beneficial use impairments have been
identified through the Remedial Action Plan (RAP)
process:
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Fish consumption restrictions for certain species and
sizes of fish have been identified due to elevated
body burden levels of mercury and PCB toxicity
levels.
Please note: Since fish advisories change year to
year, the Michigan Fish Advisory guide (pub-
lished annually) should be consulted for restric-
tions and advisories.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
93
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Use Impairments - St. Clair River AOC
"V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Bird or animal deformi-
ties or reproductive
problems
V Degradation of benthos
V Restrictions on dredging
activities
V Beach closings
V Degradation of
Aesthetics
V Loss of fish and
wildlife habitat
Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive
Problems:
No current information is available on this BUI.
For further information, contact the RAP Coordi-
nator listed under "Contacts" below.
Degradation of Benthos:
Benthic community health is good on the Michigan
side of the river but, as of 1990, was "degraded"
or "impaired" in a series of seven short segments
along the Ontario shore for a total distance of
about 6 km, or about half the distance identified
from the 1985 survey. The "severely degraded"
zone was not found in the 1990 survey.
As of 1995, sediments contaminated with heavy
metals, chlorides and organic pollutants had reduced
benthic habitat quality and populations. A trend of
increasing downstream mean invertebrate diversity
and organism density was observed, reaching a
steady state 15 to 20 km downstream of Sarnia
(south of Corunna), with diversity higher in Ontario
and densities higher in Michigan.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
Concentrations of arsenic, copper, cadmium, chro-
mium, iron, lead, mercury, nickel, zinc, total PCBs,
total PAHs, hexachlorobenzene, total organic carbon,
TKN, total phosphorus, and oil and grease along the
Ontario shoreline exceed PSQG and/or U.S. EPA
interim guidelines for the Disposal of Great Lakes
Harbor Sediments. Most exceedances occur along
the Sarnia industrial waterfront, as far downstream
as the Lambton Generating Station, and the mouths
of Talfourd Creek, Baby Creek and the Murphy
Drain. Confirmed Concentrations of total Kjeldahl
nitrogen, oil and grease, arsenic, copper, chromium,
iron, lead and manganese from the Michigan shore
are considered moderately or heavily polluted by
U.S. EPA guidelines and exceed OMOE disposal
guidelines or PSQG.
Beach Closings:
All areas downstream of Michigan CSOs are
identified as impaired areas due to the periodic
discharge of inadequately treated sewage. High
bacterial levels have been noted on the Michigan
side, with levels above the yardstick noted from
1993-97. Data indicates that the small creeks draining
into the St. Clair are a significant source of bacterial
contamination. It has been recommended that public be
made aware of effects of heavy rains on bacterial
levels with resulting restrictions on recreational uses.
Degradation of Aesthetics:
Floating scums, oil slicks, spills and odors have been
periodically reported. Studies have addressed the
issue of foam on the St. Clair river and concluded
that some of the foam observed on the St. Clair is a
biologically derived phenomena which can be
concentrated through a combination of limnological,
hydrological, meteorological, and geographic factors
(F. Kemp, City of Port Huron, personal communica-
tion, 1997). However, objectionable surface films,
foams, etc. are still reported that must be attributed
to pollution events (e.g., Combined Sewer Overflow
events).
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
Habitat has been lost due to filling, draining, dredging
and bulkheading for industrial, urban, agricultural and
navigational uses. Significant losses of wetlands have
occurred particularly in the delta region of the AOC.
There is also evidence of habitat loss in the turning
basin and the south channel of the river.
Habitat loss in the St. Clair River has been
due, in part, to navigational uses of the
waterway.
94
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
The Stage 2 Remedial Action Plan was updated
in September 1999.
Stage 2 RAP Implementation Annex: September
1997 (draft); February 1998 (final).
Stage 1 update: May 1997 (draft); February 1998
(final)
Government Response to Stage 2: July 1997
Stage 2 Submitted to Governments: March 1995
Draft Stage 2 for Public Review: submitted
August 1994
Draft Stage 2 to RAP Steering Committee:
submitted July 1994
Draft Implementation Plan: submitted April 1994
Identification of Preferred Options: submitted
April 1994
Remedial Options Described: submitted April
1993
Public Use Goals: submitted July 1992
Stage 1 Report to IJC: submitted January 1992
Other Progress and Achievements:
A $ 180 million (U.S.) sewer separation initiative
in Port Huron and a $30 million (Canadian)
upgrade to the Sarnia Sewage Treatment Plant
are currently being implemented.
The issue of spills notification was raised as a
concern by the St. Clair River BPAC and the
Macomb County, MI Water Quality Board. This
resulted in a review of current spills notification
protocol. These discussions have highlighted the
significant reduction in the size and frequency of
spills to the St. Clair River since the mid-1980s
from well 100 spills per year to 10 or fewer on
an annual basis in recent years.
Since many of the industries along the river in
Sarnia, Ontario have substantially reduced the
number of chemical spills to the river, this led to
the restoration of two beneficial uses (Restric-
tions on Drinking Water Consumption and Added
Costs to Agriculture or Industry) in the AOC.
In May 2001, Dow Chemical Canada Inc.'s
Sarnia plant began sampling of St. Clair River
sediments near its property. The sampling is part
of plans, announced in March, to remediate the
St. Clair River sediments adjacent to its property
where chemicals associated with historical
operations can be found.
By the end of current contracts (2001), 5 CSOs
will be eliminated, a reduction of 162 million
gallons per year. More than 50% of annual
average CSO flows have been eliminated by the
5th year of a 15-year program.
Friends of the St. Clair River (Michigan) re-
ceived a $30,000 grant from U.S. EPA for
nonpoint source pollution elimination. Projects
included three innovative wetlands wastewater
treatment systems, two agricultural buffer strip
projects and a streambank stabilization project on
the Belle River.
Friends of the St. Clair River (Ontario) secured
grants from Environment Canada and the
Ontario Ministry of Environment for hiring a
coordinator to manage habitat improvement
activities and upgrade the group's website.
In 2000, the Rural Lambton Stewardship Net-
work implemented over $1 million for habitat and
nonpoint source projects. Of this, $316K was in
grants from Environment Canada and Dow
Chemical and $84IK was contributed by land-
owners. Projects included planting of shrubs and
trees, tall prairie grass planting, wetland en-
hancement, septic system upgrades, conservation
tillage, soil testing, and benthic community
monitoring.
In late 2000, the Bluewater Task Force, formed
in 1999, secured more than $ 1 million from the
Clean Michigan Initiative for the following
projects:
V Continuation of the Mill Creek volunteer
monitoring project.
V Repair of livestock erosion problems on
drains at the headwaters of the Pine River.
V Beach monitoring in St. Clair and Sanilac
counties.
V Design and construction of a wetlands
wastewater treatment system for the Village
of Avoca.
V Study and design of a similar project for the
Village of Emmett.
V Inspection and elimination of illicit connec-
tions to county drains.
V Inspection and elimination of illicit connec-
tions to road ditches and natural water-
courses.
Also in 2000, the Bluewater Task force received
a $30K grant from EPA for habitat enhancement
and water quality improvement. The Task Force
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
95
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Progress and Achievements: (continued)
also received a Section 319 grant to develop an
Anchor Bay Watershed Plan jointly with
Macomb County. This plan will neatly bridge the
gap in northern Lake St. Clair between the St.
Clair River RAP and the Clinton River RAP
The Bluewater Task Force also recommended
the appointment of a permanent Water Quality
Board similar to the one in Macomb County. The
new board was approved and convened its first
meeting in July 2001.
A model is being used to evaluate sediment
dynamics and contaminant transport over a
period of more than 10 years given different
remediation scenarios (no action-natural recov-
ery, dredging, and capping). Specific activities to
address data gaps in the 1995 sediment charac-
terization study are ongoing.
An environmental risk assessment, toxicity
identification evaluation, establishment of refer-
ence conditions, investigation of fathead minnow
toxicity when exposed to aquatic sediments, and
data comparison to Great Lakes benthic refer-
ence data area all underway to provide the
specific data needed to provide the rationale for
remediation.
The Mill Creek Volunteer Monitoring Proj ect
was initiated in the spring of 1999. MDEQ staff
trained all volunteers before the drainage project
was undertaken. Sampling began in 1999, and
the MDEQ grant went into effect in the fiscal
year 2000. The Mill Creek Volunteer Monitoring
Project will continue to monitor the sites, gather
data, and issue annual reports.
The municipalities in the watershed on the
Michigan side of the river are all under
corrective action orders through the NPDES
permit program to eliminate all CSOs and SSOs.
Several communities are holding River
Celebrations including cleanups and water
quality monitoring.
The Clean Stream Program samples rivers
and educates landowners specifically for
pesticides and nutrients in rivers and steams.
The Animal Waste Control Program assists
and educates livestock owners with less than
400 animals in waste management practices.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture Clean
Sweep Program allows farmers and chemical
distributors to turn in out of date chemicals for
proper disposal.
In 1996, an area of highly contaminated sedi-
ments immediately downstream from Cole Drain
was dredged (organics known as the "toxic
blob").
Overall, industrial pollution discharges along the
St. Clair River have been substantially reduced.
Although there are some exceptions, many
industrial point sources now meet current water
quality standards, and many businesses have
implemented spill and pollution prevention plans.
Marysville, St. Clair and Marine City, Mich.,
have separated their sanitary and storm sewer
systems, or are in the process of implementing
combined sewer overflow (CSO) control plans.
Port Huron has submitted a plan to control CSOs
through sewer separation and construction of
stormwater retention basins. Sarnia has drafted a
plan for installing secondary sewage treatment
and eliminating CSOs.
The zones of sediment contamination along the
Ontario shoreline have shrunk to about half the
size they were in 1985, and are now individual
"hot spots" of contamination adjacent to point
source discharges.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has
started identifying areas for possible habitat
restoration along the Canadian shore, such as
along the Chenal Ecarte and on Stag Island. In
Michigan, a comprehensive management plan for
the St. Clair Flats has been developed. Plans
have also been made to acquire habitat on
Harsens Island, and wetlands are being restored
in Algonac State Park.
Habitat restoration, including many areas of wetlands, is an
ongoing process in the St. Clair River AOC.
96
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Community Involvement Partners
A St. Clair River "RAP Team" of staff from federal,
state and provincial agencies was formed in 1987 to
begin technical work on the RAP. In 1988, a "Bina-
tional Public Advisory Council" (BPAC) was formed
to ensure continuous public participation in the RAP,
and to advise the RAP Team on all aspects of the
planning process. BPAC elects four of its own
representatives (two each from Michigan and
Ontario) to serve on the RAP Team.
The St. Clair River environmental problems and their
causes were identified in the original RAP document
published in 1991. A1995 plan outlines solutions to
the problems corrective actions ranging from
pollution prevention initiatives to wetland restoration.
Government agencies, community groups, industries,
environmental organizations, schools, colleges and
universities, and interested citizens are involved in the
corrective activities overseen by a RAP Imple-
mentation Committee.
Specific public involvement activities have included
the development of environmental education pro-
grams to put RAP information in the hands of
teachers and students, creation of an interactive
computer game about the St. Clair River RAP,
sponsorship of an annual St. Clair River photo
contest, and presentation of yearly environmental
achievement awards. In addition, BPAC volunteers
have organized a cleanup of Stag Island, and helped
sponsor a storm drain marking program by Girl
Guides in Ontario and Girl Scouts in Michigan.
Schedule
Meetings:
BPAC meetings are scheduled and held as
needed.
Outlook
Port Huron, Michigan and Sarnia, Ontario are
working to eliminate combined sewer overflow
(CSO) discharges to the river, and wastewater
treatment plant upgrades are expected in Sarnia,
Ontario. Industries on both sides of the river are
working to eliminate all spills to the river.
Binational Public Advisory Council (BPAC)
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great
Lakes National Program Office
Agriculture Canada
Atlantic Geoscience Centre - Geologic Survey of
Canada
Canadian Coast Guard
Canadian Wildlife Service
Centre by the Bay
Chippewas of Sarnia
City of Sarnia
City of Port Huron
County of Lambton
Dow Chemical of Canada Inc.
Feher Metals
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Girl Guides of Sarnia Lambton
Girl Scouts of Port Huron
Great Lakes 2000 Cleanup Fund
Great Lakes Commission
Great Lakes Information Management Resource
Great Lakes Pollution Prevention Centre - Sarnia
Great Lakes Protection Fund
Green Thumb Project
Health Canada
Kent County Roman Catholic Separate School
Board
Lambton County Separate School Board
Lambton County School Board
Lambton Health Unit
Lambton Industrial Society
Lambton Industrial Society Member Companies
Lambton Stewardship Network, Wildlife Habitat
Enhancement Council
Lambton College/St. Clair County Community
College
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
(Department of Environmental Quality)
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural
Affairs
Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technologies
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
97
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Partners: (continued)
Rural Private Sector: Ducks Unlimited, Eastern
Habitat Joint Venture, Nature Conservancy of
Canada
Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
(SEMCOG)
St. Clair County Health Department
St. Clair Region Conservation Authority
St. Clair Parkway Commission
St. Clair River Binational Public Advisory
Committee (BPAC)
Trinity Theatre
Tuberate Ltd.
U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural
Resource Conservation Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Walpole Island First Nation
Wastewater Technology Centre -Burlington
Wildlife Habitat Council
Publications
1995: Remedial Action Plan Stage 2 Recom-
mended Plan
1991: Original RAP document published
Contacts
Fred Kemp, U.S. Co-Chair, BPAC
City of Port Huron 100 McMorran Blvd.
Port Huron, MI 48060
810-984-9730
Fax: 810-984-2463
Ron Denning, Canadian Co-Chair, BPAC
School of Technology and Applied Science
Lambton College
1457 London Road
Sarnia, ONT N7S-6K4
519-542-7751 ext 3237
Fax:519-541-2429
ron.denning@lambton.on.ca
Sharon Bender, SPAC Representative
P.O. Box 610843
Port Huron, MI 48061-0843
810-364-3983
Fax: 810-364-0970
bendersharon@yahoo.com
Arthur Ostaszewski, RAP Contact
MDEQ Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-1119
Fax:517-373-2040
ostaszea@michigan.gov
Gary Johnson
Ontario Ministry of the Environment
Sarnia District Office
1094 London Rd.
Sarnia, ONT N7S 1P1
519-383-3794
Fax:519-336-4280
garv.iohnson@ene.gov.on.ca
Compiled: September 5,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/stclair/st-clair.html
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State of Michigan/Province of Ontario
St. Marys River Area of Concern
Background
The St. Mary's River is a 112 kin connecting channel
between Lakes Superior and Huron. The Area of
Concern extends from the head of the river at
Whitefish Bay (Point Iroquois - Gros Cap), down-
stream through the St. Joseph Channel to Humburg
Point on the Ontario side, and to the straits of Detour
on the Michigan side. Severe impairment of water
quality, sediment, and biota remain on the Ontario
shoreline due to major point source discharges;
sediments became contaminated with arsenic,
cadmium, chromium, copper, cyanide and lead.
Contaminants of concern include oils and greases,
suspended solids, metals, phenols, ammonia, bacteria,
and PAHs. Sources contributing to the use impair-
ments include Algoma Steel, the east end water
pollution control plants in Ontario, St. Mary's Paper,
and three Ontario tributaries. Nonpoint sources, such
as the Cannelton Tannery site in Michigan (which
operated during the years of 1900 - 1958), contribute
to a lesser extent than the point sources. Combined
sewer overflows in Michigan and wet weather,
bypass events in Ontario also contribute to the use
impairments. Loss of wetlands and rapids habitat due
to urban/industrial development and operation of
navigational structures are also a concern.
Priorities for the Michigan side of the St. Mary's
River are cleanup of the Superfund site, sea lamprey
control, and elimination of combined sewer over-
flows.
RAP Status
Results from ongoing projects pertaining to sediment
remediation and habitat restoration, along with Task
Team reports, are being incorporated into the Stage 2
Report for the RAP. Some progress has been made
toward restoring beneficial uses. The Cannelton
Superfund site has been restored for reuse by the
city of Sault Ste. Marie and its citizens. The site now
supports light industry, residential homes, and park
areas. Certain use restrictions apply to various parts
of the site to prevent contamination from affecting
human or ecosystem health. The sea lamprey control
efforts will help restore impaired fisheries in the St.
Marys River as well as northern Lake Huron. Lake
Michigan and Lake Erie. This will be a long-term,
continuing effort since the opportunistic lamprey can
take quick advantage of any lapse in larvae and adult
control measures. Combined sewer separation in
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan has already eliminated the
worst of the occasional overflows of sewage to the
St. Marys River in Michigan waters. Continued work
on this will eventually stop all potential for untreated
sewage entering the river, even in the worst runoff
events. The steel mill and paper mill in Sault Ste.
Marie, Ontario have greatly improved the quality of
their effluent due to new provincial guidelines.
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
99
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Use Impairments - St. Marys River AOC
V
Restrictions on fish and
V
Eutrophication or
wildlife consumption
undesirable algae
V
Degradation of fish and
V
Beach closings
wildlife populations
V
V
Degradation of aesthetics
Fish tumors or other
V
deformities
Loss of fish and wildlife
V
habitat
Degradation of benthos
V
Restriction on dredging
activities
Beneficial Use Impairments
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Restrictions on fish consumption are due to
mercury and PCBs.
Please note: Since fish advisories change year
to year, the Michigan Fish Advisory guide
(published annually) should be consulted for
restrictions and advisories.
Although there are no guidelines for human
consumption of wildlife, the Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources (OMNR) has advised against
the consumption of kidneys and liver from moose,
black bear, and deer because of high cadmium
levels.
Priorities/Proposed Recommendations
Virtually eliminate all persistent and
bioaccumulative contaminants from industrial and
municipal discharge.
Continue with sport fish contaminant monitoring
programs in the St. Marys River and tributaries.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
Dynamics of fish populations The St. Mary's
River remains the major contributor of sea lamprey
infestation to northern Lake Huron, as well as Lake
Michigan and Lake Erie, where parasitic lamprey
account for an annual mortality of 54% of adult lake
trout. Excessive mortality rates preclude lake trout
rehabilitation efforts as well as other Lake Huron
fishery programs (GLFC 1997). Sea lamprey popula-
tion in the St. Mary's River is estimated to be ~5.2
million. Sea Lamprey control measures are expected
to reduce lamprey populations appreciably. Fish
communities are diverse and healthy in the St.
Mary's River, however, populations of native fish
have been reduced and assemblages have changed
due to habitat alteration, over fishing, pollution, exotic
species and stocking. Zebra mussels were discov-
ered in the Ontario waters of the St. Marys River in
1994. They were found near the U.S. Army Corps
locks in Michigan several years earlier.
Body Burdens of Fish Hepatic mixed function
oxidase (MFO) activity in white suckers sampled
below the power dam on the St. Mary's River
suggests exposure to chemicals with MFO inducing
potential (e.g. PAHs and PCBs)(Smith et al 1990).
The condition reflects localized contamination of the
sediments, water and benthic invertebrates.
Most resin and fatty acids were non-detectable in
white suckers collected downstream of St. Marys
Paper Ltd.; however the presence of dehydroabletic
acid (DHA) indicates the bioaccumulation of resin
acids as a result of exposure to the pulp mill effluent
(Beak 1996). Resin acid levels in fish tissue are
expected to decline now that secondary treatment of
mill effluent is in place.
Dynamics of Wildlife Populations Extensive
development on both sides of the river has resulted in
the degradation and loss of aquatic and terrestrial
habitat. The potential effect of this development on
birds, mammals, and other animals has not been well
documented.
Wildlife populations appear to be stable or increasing
(i.e., double-crested cormorants) but assessment
criteria are required. Ring-billed gull numbers are
increasing while common tern populations are
decreasing due to a decline in nesting habitat (CWS
study of colonial waterbirds nesting on the Great
Lakes).
Body Burdens of Wildlife Mercury concentrations
in waterfowl breast meat ranged from 0.12-0.46 mg/
kg. Aroclor (PCB) was detected in all samples
ranging from 0.002-4.873 mg/kg, however there is no
criteria for assessment (CWS National Wildlife
Research Center).
100
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
(continued)
Priorities/Proposed Recommendations
Continue to support sea lamprey control efforts.
Complete a Canadian Wildlife Survey assess-
ment of common tern and black tern populations
for the entire St. Marys River.
Analyze contaminant levels in eggs from herring
gull, black tern, and common tern nests in the
AOC.
Herring gull
Virtually eliminate all persistent and
bioaccumulative contaminants from industrial and
municipal discharge.
Monitor the receiving water every three years at
St. Marys Paper Ltd. to document response of
fish communities to improved effluent quality as
mill upgrades and process improvements are
implemented.
A monitoring program should be developed to
assess change in fish and wildlife populations in
the AOC in response to habitat enhancement
efforts.
Continue with St. Marys River Fishery Task
Group efforts to develop a 10 year assessment
program for the river.
Fish Tumors and Other Deformities:
Live tumors have been identified in white suckers
from industrialized sites on the Great Lakes. The
prevalence of hepatic neoplasms in excess of 5%
should be interpreted as an indicator of environmen-
tal degradation. White suckers sampled from the St.
Mary's River (1985-1990) exhibited tumor preva-
lence in excess of 9% (N=185). It is likely that
hepatic cancers are associated with exposure to
chemical contaminants, such as PAHs in contami-
nated sediments. Liver cancers have also been
identified in brown bullheads from Munuscong Bay.
Priorities/Proposed Recommendations
Resample fish for tumors.
Virtually eliminate all persistent and
bioaccumulative contaminants from industrial and
municipal discharge.
Continue with process improvements at industrial
and municipal facilities.
Degradation of Benthos:
Dynamics of Benthic Populations Benthic
community health on the Michigan side of the
AOC appears to be good, however detailed
studies are necessary to confirm this. In localized
areas on the Ontario side, benthic communities
are moderately impaired relative to upstream
unimpaired areas. Impairment also occurs on
both sides of the Lake George Channel, within
Little Lake George, and at the north end of Lake
George. Since 1985, sediments in the vicinity of
Bellevue Marine Park have had a relatively
diverse benthic fauna. These is a reduction from
previous years, likely associated with reduced
surficial sediment concentration (Kilgour and
Morton 1998).
Body Burdens of Benthic Organisms Arsenic,
mercury, and PCBs tend to bioaccumulate in benthic
organisms. Caged mussels placed downstream of the
Algoma Slip acquired the highest total PAH levels in
comparison to mussels placed upstream of the
Algoma Slip and near the Michigan shore. Elevated
PAH levels were also noted in mussels exposed to
sediments along the Algoma Slag Dump shoreline
(Kauss 1999a). The effects of these contaminants on
benthic organisms are not known.
Priorities/Proposed Recommendations
Monitor effluent from East End Water Pollution
Control Plant for concentrations and loadings of
persistent contaminants exceeding guidelines in
Lake George Channel sediments.
Complete sediment chemistry analysis and
benthic community assessment as part of the St.
Marys River Contaminated Sediment Zones
Evaluation (Kauss 1999b).
Periodically conduct benthic, toxicity, and
sediment chemistry studies in the Bellevue
Marine Park area.
Resample river sediments every five years to
obtain trend with time information.
Algoma Steel Inc. has removed sediments from
the slip during maintenance dredging operations.
Therefore, further sediment quality and benthic
community assessments should be made to
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
101
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Degradation of Benthos: (continued)
Priorities/Proposed Recommendations (continued)
determine the effectiveness of contaminant
removal and to determine the need for further
dredging.
Conduct further studies to characterize sediment
quality in high priority areas (i.e., adjacent to
Algoma Slag Dump, portion of Little Lake
George Channel downstream of East End
WPCP, and the Algoma Slip).
Monitor the receiving water every three years at
St. Marys Paper Ltd. to document response of
benthic communities to improved effluent quality
as mill upgrades and process improvements are
implemented.
Develop a multi-agency sediment management
plan for the river to address remedial options and
implement actions for contaminated sediments,
including long-term sediment contamination
studies.
Monitor surface water, groundwater, wetland
soils, and biota at the Cannelton Industries
Superfund site to ensure protection of the
ecological food chain. Conduct a site review
(U.S. EPA) every five years to ensure that the
remedy continues to provide adequate protection.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
Contaminated dredged spoils from the Algoma Slip
must be disposed of in an approved waste disposal
site. Dredged spoils from navigation channels have
always been approved for open water disposal.
Sediments from several sites have had contaminant
levels that exceeded OMOE or U.S. EPA guidelines
for the disposal of contaminated sediment.
Priorities/Proposed Recommendations
Evaluate sediment quality in the Algoma Slip to
determine need for further dredging.
Develop a multi-agency sediment management
plan for the river to address immediate dredging
needs.
Priorities/Proposed Recommendations
Upgrade East End Water Pollution Control Plant
to secondary treatment.
Control non point source pollution from agricul-
tural activities.
Beach Closings:
In Michigan, total body contact activities are periodi-
cally impaired due to elevated bacteria levels (e.g.
beach closings on Sugar Island after rain events due
to combined sewer overflows and releases of raw
sewage from the Sault, Ontario system). Bacterial
densities have exceeded Provincial Water Quality
Objectives and Michigan Water Quality Standards.
Priorities/Proposed Recommendations
Continue separation of combined sewers in Sault
Ste. Marie, MI
Upgrade East End Water Pollution Control Plant
to secondary treatment.
Reduce storm water infiltration to prevent
sewage bypasses in Sault Ste. Marie, ONT.
Degradation of Aesthetics
The municipalities on both sides of the river have
been increasing access and development along the
waterfront. Future projects will be encouraged as
long as the development proceeds within the context
of protecting and enhancing the natural environment
of the river. Oil slicks downstream of the Algoma
Slip and Terminal Basin have occurred, however, no
complaints have been received since March 1990.
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae
Eutrophication and algae continue to be an issue in
the vicinity of the East End Water Pollution Control
Plant (WPCP). Conditions in embayments and in
slow moving parts of the river downstream from the
WPCP have not been documented.
Development along the St. Marys includes this
hydropower plant.
Oily fibrous material mixed with woody debris
anecdotally occurs along the Ontario shoreline.
Periodic spills have also been reported. Given the
extensive use of the river for transport, oil spills from
102
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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.
Oil spills or other shipping accidents are a continuous
threat to the St. Marys River as they move through the Soo
Locks.
ships or accidents that release chemicals to the river
are a threat to the AOC. Aesthetic impairment also
exists downstream of the East End Water Pollution
Control Plant. Floating scum periodically occurs
along the north shore of Sugar Island and the Ontario
shoreline of Lake George Channel, downstream frorr
the East End Plant.
Priorities/Proposed Recontmen dations
Relocate discharge pipe from East End Water
Pollution Control Plant to deeper, faster movmg
water in the Lake George Channel in order to
improve dispersion of discharge plume.
The Algoma Slag Dump shoreline is an eyesore.
Shoreline stabilization and providing habitat far
plant growth (e.g.., via soil addition) would help
to soften and stabilize the landscape.
Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat:
Significant loss of fish and wildlife habitat has
occurred as a result of shoreline alteration, industrial-
ization, urbanization, and shipping activities - particu-
larly within and immediately above and below the St.
Marys rapids. The unnatural flow regime resulting
from the present operation of the Compensating
Works the gated, flow-control structure at the
head of the rapids has resulted in changes to the
biological integrity and productive potential of the
remaining rapids habitat (Edsall and Gannon 1993).
While agreements on water use have guaranteed
minimum amounts of water for the rapids, it is a
significant change in flow from pre-1985 that has
resulted in both a reduction in the size of the rapids
habitat and a reduction in discharge over the rapids.
Specific habitats throughout the river are threatened
by colonization of exotic species such as purple
loosestrife, Eurasian fish species (ruffe and goby),
zebra mussels and other exotic invertebrates.
Habitat is also being degraded due to increased
sedimentation resulting from poor road construc-
tion practices, soil erosion, poor farming practices
and unregulated development along tributaries to
the St. Marys River.
Priorities/Proposed Recommendations
Control non point source pollution from
agricultural activities and road crossings on
tributaries.
A monitoring program should be developed to
assess change in fish and wildlife use of the
AOC in response to habitat enhancement
efforts.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
Draft Stage 2 Report released December
1999
St. Marys River AOC Michigan Progress Report
produced by the MDEQ issued November
1999
Remedial Options Described submitted April
28,1993
Stage 1 Report to IJC, published by OME
submitted May 1992
Public Use Goals submitted December 1990
The following actions and resulting achievements
indicate a clear commitment to the remediation of the
St. Marys River AOC:
Point Source Pollution Restoration and Protection
Measures
Combined Sewer Overflows:
Commitment from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to
eliminate combined sanitary and storm water sewers
in its wastewater treatment system
Algoma Steel Inc.:
Commissioning of a main filtration plant in 1990
to reduce suspended solids and phenols
Signing of Letter of Commitment to $45 million in
environmental improvements
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
103
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Point Source Pollution Restoration and Protection
Measures (continued)
Algoma Steel Inc.:
Process improvements including basic oxygen
furnace emissions project, blast furnace contact
water recirculation facility, biological treatment
plant the eliminates phenols and cyanide from
coke oven wastes, and fixed ammonia removal
system
Established air quality monitoring station to
record dustfall and total suspended particulates
Implemented street washing program for resi-
dents near coke ovens and enhanced dust control
measures with use of dust suppressants and
paving
St. Marys Paper Ltd.:
Activated sludge secondary treatment facility
completed in 1995 resulting in reduced BOD and
suspended solid levels
Installed scrubbers to eliminate particulate
emissions from two boilers Water Pollution
Control Plants:
Continuous phosphorus removal system added to
East End Water Pollution Control Plant
New sludge handling facilities added to East End
Plant
Non Point Source Pollution Restoration and Protec-
tion Measures
Contaminated Sediments:
Pilot test of chemical injection system to treat
contaminated sediments was completed
Relocation of Trader's Metal to clean up and
beautify the St. Marys River waterfront
Ongoing air quality monitoring program in vicinity
of Algoma steel
Remediation of Cannelton Industries Superfund
site
Restoration and Protection Measures for Flora and
Fauna
St. Marys Rapids hydrology study
Little Rapids restoration project
Geozone mapping of the AOC
Sea lamprey control
Enhanced fish access to Munuscong Bay
Waterfowl Sanctuary
Formation of St. Marys River Fisheries Task
Group
Other Progress and Achievements:
2000
After an extraordinary international effort, the Great
Lakes Fishery Commission has announced that
preliminary assessments show significant reductions
in sea lamprey larvae populations in the St. Mary's
River. The reductions are the result of large-scale
Canadian and U.S. control efforts there this past
summer. The announcement came following reports
from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife
Service, and the
U.S. Geological
Survey, who
assessed and
carried out the St.
Mary's River sea
lamprey control in
July, 2000. Their
data indicate that
the lampricide
treatment elimi-
nated nearly half of the sea lampreys in the St.
Mary's River. They also achieved a significant
increase in trapping and sterile-male-release. The
integrated lampricide, trapping, and sterile-male-
release puts the Commission on-track to eliminate
92% of the sea lampreys produced in the river,
thereby achieving the goal of reducing parasitic
lampreys in Lake Huron and northern Lake Michigan
by 85% over the next 15 years.
1999
The following actions took place under the auspices
of Lake Superior State University (LSSU):
Developed a library/clearinghouse of all materi-
als dealing with the St. Mary's River AOC.
Opened library with catalogued collection of
documents regarding the St. Mary's River in
general and specifically documents pertaining to
the concerns outlined in the AOC.
Developed and maintained a GIS specific to the
St. Mary's River for planning and information
use.
Developed educational information on the St.
Mary's AOC in the form of a website
(gale.lssu.edu/bpac/default.htm).
Made GIS available via the web site. The GIS
contains layers for geomorphology converted
from files made available from local resource
management agencies.
Sea lamprey
104
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Excavation and disposal of contaminated soils
along the site of the former tannery was com-
pleted in October 1999 at the Cannelton
superfund site.
A bridge pilings/debris dam, which contributed to
bank erosion along Munuscong River, was
removed in 1999.
The St. Mary's River Fisheries Task Group, with
support of the Lake Huron Committee, Great
Lakes Fisheries Commission, initiated a project
to collect fish harvest information from the entire
St. Mary's River from May 1999-March 2000.
1998
LSSU students did outdoor classroom work with
bird feeders, weather station equipment, and
water quality monitoring devices constructed on-
site in 1998.
1997
The BPAC used St. Mary's River Watershed
Report to better educate local residents of the
pollution problems needing to be resolved.
The Michigan WWTP continued separation of
CSOs. Phase A, consisting of closing two
combined sewer overflow outfalls at a cost of
$8M, was completed in 1997. Phase B, consist-
ing of closing two additional CSO outfalls at a
cost of $6.5 million (US), is scheduled for
completion in Dec. 2002. Phase C consisting of
closing seven additional CSO outfalls is tenta-
tively scheduled for completion in 2020.
Local high school students stenciled warning on
storm drains in 1997.
1995
The City of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan submitted
a plan to the MDNR to separate storm sewers
from sanitary sewers to control combined sewer
overflows (CSOs) to the St. Marys River. The
24-year, $ 17 million (US) project began in 1995.
The St. Mary's River Binational Public Advisory
Council completed the following actions:
V St. Mary's River Watershed Project.
V Formed a Watershed Committee.
V Educated and informed the general public.
V Provided a Resource Center for interested
members of general public, BPAC and RAP
team.
v Generated interest and public participation by
organizing and conducting various interesting
events related to environmental protection of
the St. Mary's River and the Great Lakes
Basin.
Amphipodlfreshwater scud
1992-93
A Stage 1 (environmental conditions and problem
definitions) RAP document was submitted to the
International Joint Commission (IJC) by the
OMOEE in May 1992. The MDNR and the
BPAC raised some concerns about the accuracy
and completeness of the Stage 1 RAP as
submitted. The IJC completed its review of the
Stage I RAP in August, 1993. Concerns of the
MDNR and the BPAC have been addressed in
the process of developing the Stage 2 RAP.
The U.S. EPA issued a Record of Decision
(ROD) in the late fall of 1992 for the former
tannery site, now the Cannelton Superfund Site.
The ROD called for: removal and disposal of
debris, waste, soils, and sediments in an on-site
landfill; dewatering of areas during excavation;
treatment and disposal of groundwater from the
dewatering operation; and preservation of on-site
wetlands to the extent possible. Implementing
ROD requests was estimated to take three to
four years at a cost of $14.4 million (US).
The OMOEE completed a slag disposal site
investigation in March 1992 of the Algoma Steel
slag dump. This waste site forms part of the St.
Marys River shoreline in Sault Ste. Marie,
Ontario. The slag site contributed about 15% of
the BTX (benzene, toluene, xylene) load and
32% of the PAH load to the St. Marys River
during the study period.
Environment Canada conducted a sediment
injection demonstration for remediation of
contaminated sediments in 1992-93. This tech-
nique showed potential for remediation of oil and
grease contamination by increasing microbial
activity to break down these organic compounds.
Ambient water and sediment sampling was
completed in 1992 to ascertain PAH concentra
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
105
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Other Progress and Achievements:
Community Involvement
«/
1992-93 (continued)
tions at nine stations on the St. Marys River in
1992. Results of a risk analysis completed in
1993 indicated elevated risks of skin health
problems from frequent swimming at certain
PAH contaminated sites in the river.
Algoma Steel installed a staged sand filter plant
that removes most of the oil and grease that
formerly went to the river. This has significantly
improved the
quality of the
effluent. A
drainage and
collection
system was
installed at the
former Domtar
facility on the
slag site that
reduces the
PAH load to the
river.
Ongoing Activities
A joint project
has been
undertaken by
the U.S. EPA,
Inter-Tribal
Council of
Michigan,
MDEQ, Ontario
Ministry of the
Environment,
and Environ-
ment Canada to
deploy an air quality monitoring network in Sault
Ste. Marie, Michigan. This project began in
1999.
The Department of Environmental Quality
collects water samples from 2 locations on the
St. Mary's River once each month from April-
September as an ambient water quality monitor-
ing project.
Contaminants known to cause advisories on fish
consumption are regularly monitored in fish in the
St. Mary's River. Fish are collected from fixed
stations on a 2-5 year schedule by the Depart-
ment of Environmental Quality.
The (BPAC) was formed in 1988 to provide in-
formed and continuous public participation in the St.
Marys River RAP. The citizen-based group repre-
sents interests from both Ontario and Michigan.
Members work with and advise RAP participants on
key aspects of the planning process. A number of
workshops were held in support of the Stage 2
process to ensure broad based public involvement in
RAP development. As a result, the BPAC and RAP
participants
developed a set of
water use goals
and delisting
criteria for the St.
Marys River
AOC. The goals
represent a wide
variety of envi-
ronmental prin-
ciples, which must
be considered
with future
development
along the shores
of the St. Marys
River, to ensure
that river water
quality and the
overall ecosystem
are protected and
enhanced for all
users. The
delisting criteria
will be used to
guide the develop-
ment of remedial actions, preventative measures, and
regulatory programs, and to direct monitoring efforts
in the AOC. These guidelines will also assist in
measuring the progress towards achievement of
water use goals and alleviating use impairments. In
addition, four task teams were formed to develop
strategic plans for the restoration of impaired benefi-
cial uses. Task team participants, including agency
and BPAC representatives, examined Point Sources
of contamination, Education and Reporting programs.
Clean Up and Restoration of contaminated sedi-
ments, and Flora and Fauna habitat issues in the
AOC. The principle findings and recommendations of
the task teams have been incorporated into the Stage 2
report.
Aerial view of the St. Marys River watershed with the Soo Locks in
the foreground.
106
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Schedule
Partners
Meetings:
A schedule of Binational Public Advisory Council
(BPAC) meetings and a host of other informa-
tion is available at the BPAC resource office and
the St. Marys River resource library.
Outlook
RAP recommendations are in reports from RAP
Task Teams that addressed issues in the St. Marys
River AOC from the spring of 1993 to the fall of
1994. These teams had local, state, provincial and
federal representatives from the public and private
sectors. Some of the key recommendations are
highlighted below:
Continuation of a technically-focused contami-
nated sediments task team to support remedial
action on sediments;
Continuation of current sediment monitoring
efforts;
Superfund monitoring of the C annelton Indus-
tries site;
Upgrade the East End Water Pollution Control
Plant (Canada) to secondary treatment;
Reduce storm water infiltration to the East End
Water Pollution Control Plant collection system
(Canada);
Address contaminants in storm water discharge
systems (U.S. and Canada) through programs
for business, industry, and the public;
Design and implement a monitoring system for
storm water;
Continue the resource center for information on
the St. Marys River AOC;
Develop a range of educational programs;
Ensure no loss of existing habitat;
Encourage restoration/rehabilitation of degraded
habitat, especially rapids habitat;
Establish a wildlife monitoring system;
Define indicator species and habitats within
ecosystems;
Nonpoint source work in tributary watersheds.
Lake Superior Binational Forum
Lake Superior Binational Forum (2)
Lake Superior Binational Program (intro)
Lake Superior Binational Program
Lake Superior Binational Program (2)
Lake Superior Binational Program (brochure)
Lake Superior LaMP
Lake Superior State University
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
United States Environmental Protection Agency
- Great Lakes National Program Office
Environment Canada - Great Lakes Information
Management Resource
Research
Superfund monitoring of Cannelton Industries
site.
Resample river sediments every five years to
obtain trend with time information.
Evaluate sediment quality in the Algoma Slip to
determine need for further dredging.
The Soo Locks
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
107
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Publications
Contacts
RAP Update for Michigan side published in
November of 1999. Copies are available from
MDEQ agency contact or www.deq.state.mi.us/
swq/remedial/docs/remdocs.htm.
Four Party Letter of Commitment, 1998. US
EPA, MDEQ, OME, EC. Copies available from
MDEQ agency contact.
Cannelton Superfund Site Record of Deci-
sion, 1998. US EPA. Copies available at the
Lake Superior State University library, Sault Ste.
Marie, MI.
Clean Michigan Initiative, 1998. State of Michi-
gan. Overview available at www.deq.state.mi.us.
National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System Permit, 1995. City of Sault Ste. Marie,
MI and Michigan DEQ. Copies available from
the MDEQ, Marquette, MI, 906-228-6568.
Stage 1 Remedial Action Plan for the St.
Mary's River Area of Concern, 1992. Ontario
Ministry of the Environment. Copies available at
the Lake Superior State University library, Sault
Ste. Marie, MI.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. International Bridge in the
background.
Compiled: June 26,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/stmarvs.html
Michael Ripley, BPAC Co-chair
Chippewa Ottawa Treaty Fishery Mgt. Authority
179 West Three Mile Rd.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783
906-632-0072
Fax: 906-632-1141
m r i p 1 e v (a. n o rt h e ra w a v. n e t
Greg Zimmerman, AOC Local Coordinator
Gale Gleason Institute
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
906-635-2470
Fax: 906-635-2111
gzimmerman@gw.lssu.edu
Arthur Ostaszewski, RAP Contact
MDEQ Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-1119
Fax: 517-373-2040
ostaszea@michigan.gov
Jim Waybrant
Michigan Department of Natural Resources,
Fisheries Division
RR #4
Newberry, MI 49868
906-293-5131
Fax: 906-293-8728
wavbrani @michigan. gov
Jennifer Manville
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Government Center
400 Boardman Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49684
231-922-4769
Fax: 231-922-4499
manville.jennifer@epa.gov
Terry Morse
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sea Lamprey Control
1924 Industrial Parkway
Marquette, MI 49855
906-226-6571
Fax: 906-226-3632
terry morse@fws.gov
108
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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State of Michigan
Torch Lake Area of Concern
. .
Background
The Torch Lake AOC is located on the Keweenaw
Peninsula which roughly divides Lake Superior's
southern shore into its eastern and western halves.
The Area of Concern (AOC) spans the lower portion
of the peninsula, encompassing the Keweenaw
Waterway, (North Entry Harbor of Refuge, Portage
Lake, and Torch Lake), its watershed, portions of
two other adjacent watersheds (Trout River and the
Eagle River Complex), and several miles of its
western Lake Superior shoreline; a total of approxi-
mately 368 square miles all contained within the
northern half of Houghton County, Michigan. The
AOC boundaries include all of the Superfund sites
and associated watersheds.
The unifying problem shared by
these areas is widely scattered
deposits of copper mining waste
materials accumulated over more
than 100 years of mining, milling,
smelting and recovery activities.
These wastes occur both on the
uplands and in the lake and occur
in four forms: poor rock piles, slag
and slag enriched sediments,
stamp sands, and abandoned mine slurry settling
ponds. The associated contaminants include copper,
mercury, arsenic, lead, chromium, and other heavy
metals.
The largest site within the AOC is the western shore
of Torch Lake (about 2,700 acres in size). Torch
Lake had 20% of its volume filled in with over 200
million tons of stamp sands and smelter slag wastes
and is part of the Superfund site. For Superfund
management purposes, the Superfund site has been
grouped into three Operable Units (OU's). OU I
includes surface tailings and slag piles on the western
shore of Torch Lake. An estimated 440 acres of
tailings are exposed surficially in OU I and are
located near the towns of Lake Linden, Hubbell/
Tamarack and Mason. OU II includes groundwater,
surface water, submerged tailings and sediments in
Torch Lake, Portage Lake, the Portage Channel, and
other water bodies at the Superfund site. OU III
includes tailings and slag deposits located in the north
entry of Lake Superior, Michigan Smelter, Quincy
Smelter, Calumet Lake, Isle-Royale, Boston Pond,
Scales Creek, Dollar Bay and Grosse-Point. Quincy
Smelter is part of the Quincy Mining
Historic District which is proposed
as a National Historical Park. The
Traprock River, the river that Scales
Creek empties into, is a major
tributary to Torch Lake. The Tra-
prock contributes a significant part
of the copper and other metals found
in the lake sediments and uplands.
In its investigation of the areas of contamination, the
EPA identified 14 Superfund sites which shared
similar problems. Seven are located in the
Keweenaw Waterway, four along Lake Superior, and
three are in the upland locations. For Superfund
management purposes, these sites have been
grouped into three Operational Units (OUs). OU I is
the above water stamp sand and slag contaminated
western shore of Torch Lake. OU II is the water
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
109
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Background: (continued)
column and contaminated sediments throughout the
Keweenaw Waterway, its tributaries, and associated
ground water. The contaminated upland areas and
Lake Superior shoreline were combined into OU III.
RAP Status
The first draft of the RAP update has been com-
pleted and distributed by the TLPAC Technical
Committee to TLPAC members for review and
comment. The selected remedies for the Superfund
site were documented in two Record of Decisions
(ROD). A ROD for OU I and OU EI was com-
pleted in 1992 and a ROD for OU II was completed
in 1994. Remedies were selected to address the
mine tailings, slag piles, Torch Lake itself and other
water bodies. The remedies primarily address
ecological impacts. The most significant ecological
impact is the severe degradation of the benthic
communities in Torch Lake as a result of metal
loadings from the mine tailings. The primary
components of the selected remedy for OU I and
OU III include a soil (6 inches of sandy loam soil)
and vegetative cover over about 700 acres of
tailing and slag piles to reduce metal loadings to
Torch Lake and other water bodies in the area.
The selected remedy for OU II is no action with
natural recovery of the bottom of Torch Lake and
other water bodies. Long-term monitoring of the
lake is also required as part of the selected remedy
for OU I and OU in to measure and verily the
lake's recovery progress. Additional components of
the selected remedy for OU I and OU HI include
groundwater monitoring and institutional controls.
Superfund site remediation work began in 1999. The
U.S. EPA funded the remediation at SI 5.2 million with
10% state match. Monitoring data collection for Torch
Lake began during the summer of 1999. The Lake
Linden Sands site remediation was completed in 1999.
The operation and maintenance baseline monitoring for
the lake was completed in 2000. The Traprock River/
Scales Creek subwatershed survey report was com-
pleted in 1999 by the NRCS with distribution to the
Torch Lake PAC, natural resource managers, and local
governmental agencies for watershed planning pur-
poses. Tamarack City sands site remediation, including
Hubbell, was completed in 2000. Mason sands are
scheduled to begin remediation in 2001, and all stamp
sand work is scheduled for completion in 2003.
Beneficial Use Impairments
The Remedial Action Plan (RAP), initially written by
the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
(MDNR) in 1987, described known problems and
identified actions and studies needed to further define
and remediate those problems. However, the RAP
was written before the 1987 amendments to the
Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement's (GLWQA)
and did not include the required site-specific evalua-
tion of the 14 potential beneficial use impairments.
The RAP is currently being revised by the Torch
Lake Area Public Action Council's Technical Com-
mittee. The beneficial use impairments inferred from
the 1987 RAP included restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption, fish tumors or other deformi-
ties, contaminated sediments, loss of fish and wildlife
habitat, restrictions on drinking water consumption,
restrictions on dredging and shipping activities, and
degradation of benthos. With a RAP update currently
in process, this list is undergoing revision.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Please note: Since fish advisories change year to
year, the Michigan Fish Advisory guide (pub-
lished annually) should be consulted for restric-
tions and advisories.
Degradation of Benthos:
Benthic organisms (bottom dwellers) have been
adversely affected by the toxicity of the stampsands,
slag and associated sediments to the extent that very
little if any colonization of impacted bottom lands has
occurred. The total area of impact greatly exceeds
the surface area of the above water contaminated
sites. The bottom of Torch Lake in certain areas is
chemically stratified, with an approximately 10-
centimeter thick sediment cap. The pink slurry below
this cap has high concentrations of heavy metals.
When present, benthic organism populations are
Use Impairments - Torch Lake AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Restrictions on drinking
water consumption or
taste and odor
V Degradation of aesthetics
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
110
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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comprised of pollution tolerant species. Population
densities increase in a gradient from west to east
across the lake, with the eastern shoreline having the
most organisms and highest diversity. The North
Entry site, for instance, is the result of long shore
transport of stamp sand by the Keweenaw Current
from mill sites several miles to the southwest. As of
the early 1980s over 40 square kilometers of that
near shore Lake Superior bottomland were docu-
mented as impaired with decreased benthic species
diversity and population size compared to control
areas. Similar though smaller areas occur throughout
the Waterway wherever stamp sand and slag
deposits are found. The Natural Resources Conser-
vation Service (NRCS) remediation planner has
determined that several hundred acres of the above
surface, unremediated stamp sand areas continue to
erode into the adjacent waters at a rate of 19 to 22
tons per acre per year, constantly recontaminating
the benthic environment. Adjacent unimpacted
bottomlands, however, have generally been found to
have a rich and varied community structure.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
Restrictions currently exist on dredging activities and
the disposal of spoils. At the North Entry Harbor of
Refuge, bioassays of sediment toxicity have led to
the construction of a large, on shore, dredging spoils
impoundment facility. Charged with maintaining a
navigable depth for commercial ship traffic through
the Keweenaw Waterway, the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers now places all bottom material dredged
from the Entry shipping channel into the impound-
ment rather than using less expensive offshore
disposal techniques. The EPA's OU II Record of
Decision also prohibits dredging of Torch Lake
primarily because of the elevated levels of heavy
metal contaminants in the area of the Hubbell
smelter ship dock. Other sites of a similar nature
along the Waterway will be evaluated in the future
assessment of this beneficial use impairment.
Restrictions on Drinking Water Consumption
or Taste & Odor Problems:
The Houghton County Health Department has well
permit guidelines in place for drinking water well
depth to protect human health.
Degradation of Aesthetics:
Although hindered by past industrial activity, aesthet-
ics improve as remedial actions take place.
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
The stamp sand, slag, and associated contaminated
sediments have adversely impacted large areas of
former fish and wildlife habitat. Large stretches of
shoreline and wetland areas have been covered over
by the deposits. The resultant landscape is expected
to recover slowly with the completion of ongoing
remedial activities along the shoreline. Additional
habitat improvement remedial activities are recom-
mended.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
July 2001: The draft RAP document prepared by
the PAC was released to MDEQ for comment
and is currently being reviewed by state techni-
cal staff.
December 1999: The Torch Lake Public Action
Council (TLPAC) released the second draft of
the RAP to the PAC Board for comment.
1999: First Draft of RAP Update completed by
TLPAC technical committee and distributed to
TLPAC for review and comment, prior to
release to state agencies.
Progress and Achievements by Year:
2001
August: The operation and maintenance baseline
monitoring report was completed (Baseline
Study Report, Torch Lake Superfund Site,
Houghton County, Michigan).
July: Draft Area of Concern brochure completed
by PAC.
2000
The operation and maintenance baseline monitor-
ing study for the lake was completed.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
111
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1999
The operation and maintenance baseline monitor-
ing study was begun for the lake.
The Traprock River watershed survey report
was completed in 1999 by the NRCS with
distribution to the Torch Lake PAC, natural
resource managers, and local governmental
agencies for watershed planning purposes.
Traprock River Remediation plan completed by
NRCS project manager.
Lake Linden Superfund Site Remediation
completed
Educational outreach support given to Michigan
Technological University-GEM Center
AOC health concerns survey conducted by local
Health Department.
Monitoring in OU11 begun.
1998
$ 15.2 million in federal funding approved with
10% state match.
Remediated breached mine settling pond at
Scales Creek, a tributary to Torch Lake, which
released thousands of tons of stamp sands and
fines.
Fish advisory reinstated for women and children
(due to PCB content).
1997 and Prior Years
1997: Torch Lake Public Action Council was
formed by public election of stakeholder repre-
sentatives.
1994: Declaration for the Record of Decision
for Operable Unit II.
1992: Declaration for the Record of Decision
for Operable Units I & III.
1989: Fish consumption advisory for Torch Lake
sauger and walleye removed.
1988: U.S. EPA initiated Remedial Investigation/
Feasibility Study for the Superfund site.
1987: Torch Lake RAP written by MDNR.
1986: Contaminated areas within the AOC
become designated as Superfund sites.
1983: The International Joint Commission Water
Quality Board designated the Waterway the
Torch Lake Area of Concern.
1983: The Michigan Department of Public
Health announces a consumption advisory for
Waterway sauger and walleye because of the
presence of tumors of unexplained origin.
1982: First national disclosure of fish tumors
problems in the Keweenaw Waterway: Black, J,
et. al. Epizootic Neoplasms in Fishes From a
Lake Polluted by Copper Mining Wastes, Journal
of the National Cancer Institute Vol. 69, No.4.
1974: First systematic documentation of the
presence of tumors and other abnormalities in
fish from the Keweenaw Waterway:
Tomljanovich, D.A. Growth Phenomena and
Abnormalities of the sauger, Stizostedion
canadense, of the Keweenaw Waterway. M.S.
Thesis, Michigan Technological University,
Houghton Michigan.
Other Progress and Achievements:
Remediation:
The Mason locale of the Torch Lake AOC was
scheduled for remediation work to begin in 2001,
and the completion of all remedial stamp sand
work is scheduled for 2003.
More than 330 acres have been completely
remediated and are now in the monitoring
process. Tamarack City sands site remediation,
including Hubbell, was completed in 2000.
The U.S. EPA's Superfund remediation designs
for OU I & II were completed by the NRCS in
1998, and the U.S. EPA funded the remediation
at $ 15.2 million with 10% state match.
Remediation work began in 1999 for OUs I and
III, and is expected to take approximately five
years to complete. No estimate has been made
for the amount of time required for the natural
recovery of OU II.
Remediation work was completed at the Lake
Linden site in the fall of 1999. The Village of
Lake Linden has remediated many acres of
former Torch Lake industrial sites and stamp
sand deposits converting them to public parks,
marina facilities, campgrounds, and other public
112
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
uses. During the spring of 1997 the village, in
cooperation with the Houghton County Natural
Resources Conservation Service, installed a fish
spawning reef on a littoral area of stamp sand
bank that was subject to significant erosion from
wave action. This structure should significantly
reduce adjacent shoreline erosion while at the
same time improve fish spawning habitat within
the lake.
Scales Creek remediation/stabilization work was
completed in the summer of 1998. The NRCS
was awarded a Michigan Nonpoint Source grant
to design and remediate a mining settling pond
that breached its retaining dam and released
thousands of tons of stampsand and fines into
Scales Creek, a tributary of the Traprock River,
the major tributary to Torch Lake.
Monitoring data collection from Torch Lake,
which is required to by the Record of Decision,
began during the summer of 1999. The monitor-
ing design plan was developed by the U.S. EPA
-FIELDS group, along with the Region 5
Superfund, and MDEQ-ERD and SWQD staff.
Preliminary data from summer 1999 seems to
indicate that the sediments and flocculate remain
toxic. The sampling also found little to no benthic
invertebrates. The final report on the sampling
has yet to be released.
The NRCS Project manager developed a map of
the Traprock/Scales Creek watershed that
pinpoints nonpoint source problems, stamp sand
and slag sources, and other problems impacting
the watershed. The manager also has identified
and contacted landowners along impacted areas,
and worked with the PAC on community out-
reach and portions of the RAP update.
The City of Houghton had developed a canal
complex with approximately 30 private residen-
tial waterfront lots; the proceeds from the sale of
the lots were used to underwrite the cost of the
area's remediation. The city is developing non-
motorized hiking pathways along the Waterway
to increase public access and developed a small,
artificial wetland upon a submerged portion of
stamp sand adjacent to the waterfront lots.
Two local sewage authorities have sited treat-
ment facilities on stamp sand deposits in both
Torch and Portage Lakes. They have been
permitted to spread the treated sludge on the
sands to assist in revegetation while at the same
time reducing sludge disposal costs.
Two townships have received funding to plan the
remediation and development of several small
Superfund sites of historical importance given to
them by private owners. Their goal is to develop
these spaces into "Cooperating Sites" within the
Keweenaw National Historical Park. These sites
will help interpret the milling and smelting aspects
of the copper industry at the places where the
processes actually occurred. Owned and main-
tained by the townships, they will ultimately be
linked by pathways to other areas throughout the
National Historical Park and further enhance the
quality of the public lands.
Privately financed remediation efforts have also
been underway along the Waterway. Real estate
companies and private individuals have pur-
Former contaminated sites are now becoming economi-
cally productive residential sites in the Torch Lake AOC.
chased and have been capping smaller stamp
sand deposits for eventual residential develop-
ment. Sites that in the past have been liabilities
are rapidly becoming important revenue produc-
ing properties on the public tax rolls.
Habitat/Resource Management:
In the Spring of 1997 the Village of Lake Linden,
in cooperation with the Houghton County Natural
Resources Conservation Service, installed a fish
spawning reef on a littoral area of stamp sand
bank that was subject to significant erosion from
wave action. This structure should significantly
reduce adjacent shoreline erosion while at the
same time improve fish spawning habitat within
the lake.
The City of Houghton developed a small, artifi-
cial wetland upon a submerged portion of stamp
and adjacent to the waterfront lots.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
113
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Human Health:
A health concerns survey was completed in
1999. The Health Department surveyed local
citizens regarding health concerns associated
with the AOC.
Education and Outreach:
1999-Present: TLPAC maintains its website. The
website posts AOC issues, meeting minutes, and
meeting announcements.
1999-2000: TLPAC provided educational
outreach matching grant support to Michigan
Technological University-GEM Center.
1998-99: The Torch Lake Public Action Council
(TLPAC) utilized the services of a Michigan
Technological University graduate level class in
Environmental Decision Making to conduct an
introductory review of the 14 beneficial use
impairments and publish those reviews in the
local daily newspaper, The Daily Mining
Gazette.
Utilizing funds awarded by the Statewide Public
Advisory Council (SPAC), the Houghton-
Keweenaw Soil and Water Conservation District
initiated several projects in cooperation with local
groups. These included:
V The funding of logistical expenses to support
the creation of the TLPAC;
V The purchase of educational materials for
demonstrating how erosion control will be
used in remediating stamp sands and con-
taminated lake bottom sediments;
V Equipment purchases for two local libraries
to assist them in making AOC information
available to the public;
V The purchase of equipment and supplies to
augment seven local Adopt-A-Stream projects;
V Construction of two traveling displays which
explain the problems within the AOC;
V Creation of a brochure and a professionally
produced 18-minute video which explain the
historical roots of the AOC and anticipated
remedial actions;
V Sponsorship of public information meetings
and tours of various sites throughout the
AOC and on board the U.S. National Park
Service's Isle Royale ferry, the Ranger III.
The Torch Lake PAC has also been successful
in receiving various grants and donations allow-
ing special projects to continue to take place,
including public outreach and education.
Community Involvement
Public election of the members of the TLPAC
took place in the spring of 1997. In less than one
year the group adopted its bylaws, mission
statement, goals and objectives, and incorporated
as a tax-exempt, nonprofit Michigan corporation.
It has received contributions from local govern-
ments, businesses, environmental groups, and
private individuals to help defray logistical
expenses. In addition, TLPAC has been awarded
over $24,000 from agency grants and private
foundations.
Currently, there are seven schools within the
AOC that have instituted Adopt-A-Stream
projects.
The Keweenaw Waterway Trail Association, in
cooperation with local and state agencies, has
developed a series of low-impact boating camp-
sites along the Waterway.
Schedule
Meetings:
The Torch Lake Public Action Council meets
monthly on alternating third or last Wednesdays
of each month. Meetings are usually held in the
Lake Linden-Hubbell High School and begin
promptly at 6:30 p.m.
Outlook
The Torch Lake PAC's highest priority is to facilitate
delisting as both an AOC and a Superfund Site. To
reach this goal they will provide continued stake-
holder input to all involved agencies and continue
working on the RAP. A draft of the RAP has been
completed, approved by the TLPAC, and submitted
to MDEQ and U.S. EPA. The TLPAC will also
provide continued support of Superfund site
remediations, public outreach and education, website
maintenance, updates to AOC informational bro-
chures, and volunteer water quality monitoring with
local schools. The PAC members are also involved
with the creation of historical mining sites.
Remediation efforts by federal, state and local
governments; private corporations and individuals will
continue to proceed as funds become available.
114
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Partners
Torch Lake Public Action Council
Michigan Technological University, Center for
Science and Environmental Outreach
Houghton Co. Natural Resources Conservation
Service
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great
Lakes National Program Office
U.S. EPA Superfund
Houghton County Board of Commissioners
Calumet Township
Schoolcraft Township
Torch Lake Township
Osceola Township
Stanton Township
Adams Township
Portage Township
Quincy Township
Franklin Township
City of Houghton
City of Hancock
Lake Linden Village
Chassell Township
Elm River Township
Hancock Township
Keweenaw National Historical Park
Keweenaw Bay Indians, Band of Chippewa
Michigan Statewide Public Advisory Council
Area public schools
Research
As a part of its review of the beneficial use impair-
ments, the TLPAC will be recommending monitoring
projects to appropriate agencies.
The baseline monitoring report for the Torch Lake
Superfund Site was completed in August 2001. Data
for this report was collected in the 1999 and 2000
field seasons. Fish were collected in September 1998
for the Michigan Department of Community Health
Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program by MDNR
and MDEQ staff. The tissue analysis data was used
to support the fish advisories for the lake.
Research Projects/Data Gaps:
Define human health risks.
Obtain report from Health Department's health
survey.
Will the vegetative cap cause a pH change in the
runoff or ground water potentially causing a
change in the bioavailability or methylization of
contaminated sediments?
Address mercury concerns in sediments.
Characterize sediments, including hot spot
offshore from the Hubbell smelter.
Determine sedimentation rate for the lake.
Characterize sediment transport rates and
copper loadings from the Traprock River to
Torch Lake.
Keweenaw Interdisciplinary Transport Study
along Lake Superior Shoreline on both sides of
the peninsula is ongoing.
Study copper uptake by plants, both aquatic and
terrestrial, and the organisms which consume
them. An MSU/MDEQ study is in progress
related to plant uptake of heavy metals in the
AOC.
Determine leaching rates from stamp sands and
other mining wastes which might potentially
contaminate the aquifer from which residents
draw water from.
Characterize the state of the phytoplankton and
zooplankton communities.
Identify habitat needs within the AOC.
Obtain additional baseline monitoring for Portage
Lake, Portage Waterway and Lake Superior
shoreline sites.
Publications
2001 Draft Torch Lake RAP, Torch Lake PAC.
(Currently under review by state.)
Baseline Study Report: Torch Lake Superfund
Site, Houghton County, Michigan, U.S. EPA-
Superfund, August 2001.
A Mining Legacy: Torch Lake and Area of
Concern (18 minute video), Houghton/
Keweenaw Soil and Water Conservation Dis-
trict, 1996.
Declaration for the Record of Decision for
Operable Unit II, Houghton County, Michigan,
U.S. EPA, 1994.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
115
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Publications: (continued)
Declaration for the Record of Decision for
Operable Units I & III, Houghton County,
Michigan, U.S. EPA, 1992.
Torch Lake RAP, MDNR, 1987.
Contacts
Dave Jukuri, Chair
Torch Lake Area Public Action Council
1100 Century Way
P.O. Box 97
Houghton, MI 49931
906-482-0001
Fax:906-482-1310
c21ncah@up.Ret
Sue Haralson, Secretary
Torch Lake Public Action Council
401 Calumet St.
Lake Linden, MI 49945
906-296-0010
Fax:906-296-9911
vll@lakelinden.net
James Trevethan, SPAC Representative
RR #1, Box 645
Houghton, MI 49931
906-482-4951
Sharon Baker, RAP Contact
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-3310
Fax:517-373-2040
BAKERSL@michigan.gov
Steve Padovani, Superfund Project Manager
Superfund Division
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5
77 West Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
312-353-6755
padovani.steven@epa.gov
Steve Hopkins
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Duluth
515 W. First St., #320
Duluth,MN 55802
218-720-5738
Fax:218-728-0111
hopk@mindspring.com
116
Compiled: August 28,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/iglnpo/aoc/trchlke.html
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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State of Michigan
White Lake Area of Concern
Background
White Lake is a 2,570 acre coastal, drowned river
mouth lake located in Muskegon County along the
east shore of Lake Michigan, in the vicinity of the
communities of Montague and Whitehall. The Area
of Concern (AOC) includes White Lake and a one-
quarter mile wide zone around the lake. Most of the
land around the AOC is wooded or grassy, with some
sand dunes located along Lake Michigan. Land use
in the AOC is primarily recreational and agricultural,
and to a lesser extent residential and industrial.
White Lake priorities include contaminated sediment
remediation, eutrophication control, remediation of
groundwater and former industrial site contamination,
and habitat restoration.
RAP Status
White Lake was originally listed as an AOC because
of venting of a groundwater plume contaminated
with an organic solvent from the Occidental Chemi-
cal Company site. Analysis of recent well monitoring
data indicates that the plume of contaminated
groundwater moving from the site is being inter-
cepted by the lake-front purgewell network and
effectively treated prior to discharge to White Lake.
Other potential sources of groundwater contamina-
tion to White Lake and its tributaries have been
identified and remediation efforts are under way.
The White Lake Public Advisory Council (PAC) and
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ) are focusing on eight priority use impair-
ments on White Lake. There was substantial im-
provement in the water quality of White Lake prior
to 1987 simply because of the diversion of industrial
and municipal discharges away from the lake by the
mid-1970s. Similarly, analytical results for water
samples collected in 1992 from the navigational
channel between White Lake and Lake Michigan
indicate that water quality has improved since the
previous samples were taken in 1983. All parameters
measured in 1992 met Michigan's water quality
standards, established to protect human and aquatic
life. Heavy metal concentrations are lower than
those observed in earlier sampling, chloride concen-
trations are the lowest recorded since testing of this
parameter began in 1963; and phosphorous and
nitrogen levels have remained relatively stable since
diversion of wastewater from White Lake in 1974.
While a 28-day caged fish study conducted in the
channel in 1992 showed that chlordane, DDE and
dieldrin are present, the levels accumulated in the
fish do not suggest a substantial problem.
Beneficial Use Impairments
The Remedial Action Plan (RAP) process identified
eight of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement's
14 beneficial uses as being impaired. Beneficial use
impairments in the AOC include Restrictions on Fish
& Wildlife Consumption, Degradation of Fish &
Wildlife Populations, Degradation of Benthos,
Restrictions on Dredging Activities, Restrictions on
Drinking Water Consumption, or Taste and Odor
Problems, and Degradation of Aesthetics.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
117
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Beneficial Use Impairments: (continued)
White Lake was originally listed as an AOC primarily
due to contaminated groundwater migrating to the
lake from the Occidental Chemical Site (formerly
Hooker Chemical Company). There are eight other
sites of contamination with the potential to affect the
lake, some of them in varying states of remediation.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Fish consumption advisories are due to widespread
PCB, mercury, and chlordane contamination.
Please note: Since fish advisories change year to
year, the Michigan Fish Advisory guide (pub-
lished annually) should be consulted for restric-
tions and advisories.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
Fish and wildlife move freely between Lake Michi-
gan and White Lake and many species depend on
habitat in the White Lake AOC at critical stages of
their life cycle. Impairments to water quality or
natural habitats in the White Lake AOC could in turn
adversely affect Lake Michigan.
Degradation of Benthos:
Sediments contaminated with heavy metals, chlorides
and organic pollutants have reduced benthic habitat
quality and populations. Benthic substrate has been
impaired due to manufacturing waste from a leather
company and high concentrations of heavy metals
from other discharges. However, biological commu-
nities in White Lake sediments have been improving
and periodic trend assessments continue.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
Chromium and lead are the most elevated sediment
contaminants according to the 1995 Remedial Action
Plan Update. Elevated sediment concentrations of
arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese,
mercury, nickel, zinc, PCBs, and oil and grease have
also been detected. Other contaminants including
chloroform and mirex have also been found. The
most elevated metal is chromium as a result of
discharges from the Whitehall Leather Company.
No estimates are available on the volume of
contaminated sediments in White Lake. The only
dredging of the AOC has been in conjunction with
the recent demand for marinas. The U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers has traditionally been respon-
sible for maintenance dredging of the navigational
channel to Lake Michigan.
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae:
Domestic waste, industrial discharges, and
nonpoint urban and agricultural sources contrib-
uted significant quantities of phosphorus and
nitrogen, both major causes of eutrophication. The
1987 RAP noted that there had been some
improvement following diversion of industrial and
domestic waste from White Lake and White River to
the Whitehall facility in 1974; periods of depressed
dissolved-oxygen levels during summer stratification
(periods when there is a significant temperature
difference between the top and bottom of a water
body; the water layers are of different densities and
do not mix) were shorter, and algal mass and chloro-
phyll concentrations were reduced. Results of studies
conducted in 1987 indicated that the accelerated
eutrophication of White Lake was abating.
Restrictions on Drinking Water Consumption
or Taste & Odor:
Although there are no restrictions on drinking treated
water anywhere in the White Lake watershed, there
are occasional taste and odor problems with treated
drinking water, primarily in late summer.
Degradation of Aesthetics:
Excess phosphorus and nitrogen have resulted in
eutrophication and algal blooms, which reduce the
AOC's recreational and aesthetic appeal.
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
Oxygen levels in deep water remain depleted,
making these areas uninhabitable for some fish and
the species they eat. The shoreline continues to be
altered by dredging and by installation of seawalls,
bulkheads, and riprap.
Use Impairments - White Lake AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Degradation of fish and
wildlife populations
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Eutrophication or
undesirable algae
V Restrictions on drinking
water consumption or
taste and odor
V Degradation of aesthetics
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
118
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
2001: RAP Update in progress.
1995: An update to the RAP was prepared by
MDEQ and the White Lake PAC.
October 1993: The White Lake PAC was
officially established.
1987: MDNR finalized a Remedial Action Plan
and submitted it to the International Joint Com-
mission for review.
Progress and Achievements by Year:
2001
It was announced that Genesco Inc., parent
company of now-defunct Whitehall Leather Co.,
and the State of Michigan will split the $6.7
million cost of removing 73,000 cubic yards of
contaminated sediment from White Lake's
"Tannery Bay". Dredging is expected to begin
by early summer 2002 and should be completed
within three or four months. The plan calls for
contaminated sediments to be solidified on the
site of the defunct Whitehall Leather Co. on
Lake Street in Whitehall and removed to a
licensed landfill.
The company will pay $3.35 million to remove
62,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment
under the compromise. The DEQ will remove an
additional 11,000 cubic yards of sediments
making the total removed under the plan 73,000
cubic yards.
The process is moving forward while there is still
much to be accomplished to get the project
implemented. Stakeholders are intent on keeping
pressure on the company to fulfill the agreement
and clean the sediments they are responsible for
in White Lake.
Whitehall Leather and its forerunners began
dumping cow hides into Tannery Bay beginning
in 1866 and discharging heavy metals into the
lake in 1944. DEQ reports show the sediments
contain chromium levels 200 times higher than
normal, 100 times more arsenic than is normal as
well as leather scraps, cow hair and a substance
described as "purple mayonnaise".
The Hooker Chemical/Occidental Chemical
Company is currently sampling and evaluating
sediment contamination. Remediation of specific
lakebottom sites is likely and will benefit from a
match of federal funds.
2000
The Lake Michigan Tributary Monitoring Project
in White Lake AOC/White Lake Watershed took
place.
A dinner cruise was held in July 2000 aboard the
Port City Princess to celebrate Muskegon
County's Rivers, Lakes, and Streams. It was
held in part by the Muskegon Conservation
District through a U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency/Great Lakes Commission grant to
assess the types of ecosystem monitoring
occurring in the Muskegon and White River
watersheds.
The White Lake PAC, Muskegon Conservation
District, and MDEQ sponsored free educational
boat trips in July of 2000. The event was held on
a Grand Valley State University Research
Vessel, and participants were able to perform
water quality tests on White Lake and Lake
Michigan.
White Lake Area of Concern PAC sponsored
(with SPAC, US EPA, and the Great Lakes
Commission) a workshop "Empowering Commu-
nity Leaders to Address Contaminated Sedi-
ments" November 3, 2000.
"Muskegon Earth Weeks" (April 15 - May 13,
2000) consisted of many creek and river clean-
ups, water testing, and workshops.
1999
The Lake Michigan Tributary Monitoring Proj ect
in White Lake AOC/White Lake Watershed took
place.
The White
Lake and
Muskegon
Lake PACs
coordinated a
consensus
building/public
education
campaign
with stake-
holders for
contaminated sediment remediation activities.
Both the White Lake and Muskegon Lake PACs
provided local support/coordination for resulting
remedial actions.
Monitoring water quality plays a
key role in the White Lake AOC.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
119
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Progress and Achievements: (continued)
1999 (continued)
The Muskegon and White Lake PACs presented
information on recent PAC/AOC projects/
studies/issues/concerns and public involvement
opportunities for 2 teacher workshops.
The Groundwater Stewardship Program/Home-
A-Syst was coordinated and delivered within five
of the White Lake and Muskegon Lake AOC
watershed's school systems.
Both White Lake and Muskegon Lake PACs
provided publicity and activities coordination for
the "State of the Lake" events (Celebrate White
Lake and Muskegon Lake Watershed Cleanup).
1998
Ten watershed areas (Muskegon/White Lakes)
completed Adopt-A-Stream/Shore, storm drain
stenciling, dissolved oxygen monitoring, cleanups
and habitat plantings. Over 353 volunteers were
involved in training and performance activities.
Fact Sheets on Native Plants and Streambank/
areas of the White Lake AOC.
Shoreline Cleanup Data cards were updated and
reprinted to supply ongoing program needs.
Completed Contaminated Sediment Forum and
Conference in October (70 in attendance). This
workshop highlighted the opportunities available
to address the major sites on White Lake and
Muskegon Lake.
Coordinated a Muskegon Lake/White Lake
component as part of a series of monthly teacher
workshops in partnership with the Muskegon
Area Intermediate School District's Math/
Science Center. The 1998 workshops trained 7
teachers on a variety of water quality tests to
use with their classrooms on lakes and streams.
Community members were invited aboard the
GVSU Research Vessel, W.G. Jackson as part
of "Celebrate White Lake". Over 200 passen-
gers registered and learned about White Lake
and Lake Michigan water quality.
A "Collection of Fact Sheets" on the White Lake
AOC was completed for the 1998 "Celebrate
White Lake", which was coordinated with the
Lake Michigan LaMP Forum's "Making Lake
Michigan Great" tour. The fact sheets were
distributed to passengers aboard the GVSU
Jackson Research Vessel and at various other
public events and meetings as part of the White
Lake AOC display.
The White Lake PAC delivered the Home-A-
Syst Groundwater Stewardship Program through
school classroom presentations to 150 Buttermilk
Creek/White Lake area students.
1997
The White Lake PAC and its partners provided
16 educational opportunities for the public on
AOC/RAP water quality concerns, pollution
prevention, and actions needed to correct
problems.
The Home-A-Syst program was delivered to 100
households in the Ruddiman Creek, Bear Creek,
Mill Pond Trail/Silver Creek and Buttermilk
watersheds.
Storm Drain Stenciling and distribution of 300
informational stormwater "door hangers" oc-
curred in the White Lake and Muskegon Lake
AOCs.
The White Lake and Muskegon Lake PACs
hosted one Teacher Workshop for both AOCs.
The White Lake and Muskegon Lake PACs
coordinated a meeting/workshop on public
involvement activities for each AOC.
The White Lake and Muskegon Lake PACs
provided two Research Vessel Tours of targeted
sites and RAP related information in conjunction
with community celebrations in each AOC.
The White Lake PAC hosted a RAP involve-
ment opportunity workshop for businesses in the
White Lake AOC.
1996
The White Lake PACs attended the LaMP
Forum in August. The PACs display was set up
and handouts about the AOC were distributed.
The White Lake PAC chairperson delivered an
oral presentations on the AOC. Approximately
120
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
45 people (general public and agency staff)
attended.
Nine different fact sheets were developed by
the White Lake and Muskegon Lake PACs.
Two teams collected the monthly water samples
for trophic indicators from April through Decem-
ber.
Five people participated in testing for dissolved
oxygen as part of the Lake Watch program at the
White Lake stream and stormwater outfalls.
Two presentations were given to 17 adults on
Lake Watch and the White Lake and Muskegon
Lake AOCs, facilitated by the PACs.
White Lake and Muskegon Lake PACs pre-
sented a three-hour Stream Quality Workshop in
September, which trained four adults and 28
students on macro invertebrate collection,
dissolved oxygen monitoring and stream velocity.
A September public tour of the 1996 (and some
of the 1995) landscape award sites was attended
by PAC members and other community mem-
bers.
The PACs delivered two presentations to 42
adults on landscaping, water quality, and AOCs.
Lake Michigan Beach Sweep was held Septem-
ber 21 with PAC participation.
The Leopold Education Project, Lessons in a
Land Ethic workshop, was facilitated by the
PAC Assistant/Education Coordinator in May for
15 educators.
Eight other presentations to 500 school children
were completed on water quality, nonpoint
source pollution, wetlands and other local
environmental issues. All talks included informa-
tion on AOCs, RAPs, and LaMPS.
The Adopt-A-Stream program took place and
included 95 participants.
A Frogs, Toads, and Water workshop was held
to educate the 15 people who attended the
different adopt-a-stream activities.
50 Home-A-Syst evaluations were completed as
part of a pilot program with MSU Extension.
Volunteers helped with the delivery and evalua-
tion of the Home-A-Syst program.
Six grant proposals and workplans for RAP
projects were developed by Muskegon Conser-
vation District staff.
1995
A mobile display was assembled for the AOC.
Several environmental education programs,
focusing on enhancing the public's knowledge
and understanding of pollution effects on water
quality, as well as the current status of the
AOCs, were presented.
Lake Day events/workshops with boat tours took
place.
A reprinting was made of the household/yard
pollution prevention brochure.
Individual actions such as not fertilizing
one's own yard can be a valuable
contribution of pollution prevention for
the AOC.
Considerable progress has been made in implement-
ing the 1995 RAP and establishing partnerships
necessary to implement an ecosystem approach for
further RAP development and implementation.
Other Progress and Achievements:
The United States Environmental Protection
Agency (U.S. EPA) sampled sediments in the
vicinity of the tannery in 1996 and 1997 with the
special research boat the Mudpuppy. Results
have been used to characterize the extent of
contamination and to determine the best type of
remediation for the site. Final plans for
remediation have been developed.
Two municipal sewage outfalls have been
diverted from the White Lake AOC.
Under an agreement with the State of Michigan,
DuPont is pumping and treating contaminated
groundwater that is then discharged into Lake
Michigan.
Two contaminated industrial sites, Koch Chemi-
cal and Howmet Corporation, located on the
south shore of the lake, have installed groundwa-
ter pump and treat systems to stem the flow of
polluted groundwater into the AOC.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
121
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Progress and Achievements: (continued)
In 1979, the State of Michigan sued the Hooker
Chemical Company to clean up several toxic
waste disposal and contaminated groundwater
areas. The suit resulted in a court order requiring
the company to complete groundwater studies,
pump and treat the contaminated groundwater,
excavate the contaminated material and place it
in a clay-lined vault on the company's property,
and provide alternate drinking water supplies to
local residents whose wells were contaminated
by polluted groundwater. Analysis of recent well
monitoring data indicates that the plume of
contaminated groundwater moving from the site
is being intercepted by the lake-front purgewell
network and effectively treated prior to dis-
charge to White Lake. Other potential sources of
groundwater contamination to White Lake and
its tributaries have been identified and
remediation efforts are underway.
Eutrophication has been alleviated by improve-
ments to the sewage collection and treatment
systems in the past 15 years.
Contaminated groundwater venting to the lake is
being intercepted by purge wells and treated
prior to discharge.
The educational research boat R/V Jackson
from Grand Valley State University visits the
lake and hosts hundreds of students each year
for trips focusing on water quality education.
Community Involvement
Very successful public involvement and education
projects in the AOC have increased public interest
and actions in water quality improvements. Such
projects have been ongoing regularly since the
formation of the PAC and the beginning of the RAP
process for White Lake.
As an example, during the summer of 1997, the
White Lake PAC sponsored an exhibit and boat tour
during the Celebrate White Lake Festival, an
annual event coordinated by the White Lake Histori-
cal Society to foster appreciation of the lake's natural
history and other noteworthy attributes. A record
crowd visited the 1997 festival.
Schedule
Meetings:
The White Lake PAC meets the third Thursday
of every other month.
Outlook
The White Lake PAC is dedicated to actively
participating ki the continuing improvement of the
quality of Wtite Lake. RAP Team and PAC coordi-
nation is being pursued through regular meetings,
development of common objectives, and developing
timetables and budgets for recommended actions,
including the following:
Tannery Bay sediments are scheduled for
remediation with Clean Michigan Initiative
(CMI) funds and federal support funds.
Remediation activities will occur beginning in
2002.
Further stidy of the extent of contamination
from the Whitehall Leather Company is needed,
in addition to possible remediation funds.
Assessment is needed of sediments at discharge
points for other contaminated sites, including
Muskegon Chemical/Koch Chemical, the White
Lake landfill, an old Whitehall city wastewater
treatment facility, and a former landfill on the
marsh upstream of the lake.
Partners
White Lake Public Advisory Council
Muskegon Conservation District
Lake Mich gan Forum
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great
Lakes National Program Office
122
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Research
To address water quality problems, both the PAC
and MDEQ RAP Team members favor employing
an ecosystem-wide approach that would incorporate
consideration of physical, chemical, and biological
components within the White Lake watershed.
Current research accomplishments and initiatives:
The Lake Michigan Federation and the White
Lake PAC have completed a study of habitat
and wetlands around White Lake. The study was
undertaken in response to the 1995 White Lake
RAP Update, which noted loss of fish and
wildlife populations and recommended that a
habitat assessment be conducted. The study was
designed to establish a baseline of information to
assist in making future decisions regarding
development around the lake. Conducted by a
wildlife biologist, the study noted that sixty
percent of the quarter-mile study area was
already developed. It also found four high-quality
marsh areas worth preserving and nearly
continuous forest cover along most of the
shoreline that provides valuable habitat for birds
and other animal species.
The state and the U.S. EPA subsidized the
Muskegon County Wastewater Management
System as a research project. Industrial waste-
water which had been discharged directly into
the AOC is now treated through this system and
then used to irrigate agricultural land. Most of
the irrigation water is then collected and treated
at the system. In 1987-88, uncollected irrigation
water and storage lagoon leakage was prevented
by lining the lagoon.
A Sediment Toxicity Contamination Study took
place in 1998.
A White Lake Boat Usage Study also took place
in 1998.
In 1997, a lake usage survey was conducted by
the White Lake PAC. It has been used by local
decisionmakers to assess and resolve conflicts
among user groups.
In the fall of 1997, the White Lake PAC, to-
gether with the White Lake Association, sought
funds and equipment to continue the second
phase of the Lake Watch Program in which
benthic organisms were collected to evaluate the
health of the lakebottom habitat.
In the fall of 1996, a group of local researchers
was given $150,000 by U.S. EPA to examine the
extent of heavy metal contamination in White
Lake and to study its effects on fish and other
aquatic organisms. The researchers, from the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's Great Lakes Environmental
Research Laboratory and the Water Resources
Institute of Grand Valley State University,
involved the White Lake PAC in the study.
In 1995, an Aquatic Plant Assessment and a
Wildlife Habitat Assessment were conducted. In
addition, a Muskegon & White Lake Watershed
Study occurred.
Publications
Lake News and Views, a combined publication
of the White Lake PAC and Muskegon Lake
PAC, is regularly produced and distributed.
The Muskegon Conservation District produces a
regular newsletter with features on White Lake.
A report on fisheries and wildlife habitat in the
White Lake Area of Concern was produced in
2001. It is available from the Muskegon Conser-
vation District.
White Lake Remedial Action Plan Update,
MDEQ, 1995.
White Lake Remedial Action Plan, MDNR,
1987.
Contacts
Jerry Garman
White Lake PAC Chair
West Shore Consulting
2534 Black Creek Rd.
Muskegon, MI 49444
231-777-3447
Fax:231-773-3453
westshore 1 @aol.com
Greg Mund
White Lake SPAC Representative
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
Muskegon Conservation District
1001 E. Wesley, Room
Muskegon, MI 49442
231-773-0008
Fax:231-773-1210
greg.mund@mi.usda.gov
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
123
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Contacts: (continued)
Sharon Baker, RAP Contact
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-3310
Fax:517-373-2040
BAKERSL@michi gan. gov
Dr. Marc Tuchman
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes
National Program Office (GLNPO) (G-17J)
77 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, EL 60604
312-353-1369
Fax:312-353-2018
tuchman.marc@.epa. gov
Compiled: August 28,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/whtlake.html
124
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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State of Minnesota
St. Louis River Area of Concern
Ihy
Background
The St. Louis River, the largest U.S. tributary to
Lake Superior, drains 3,634 square miles, entering the
southwestern corner of the lake between Duluth,
Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin. The river flows
179 miles through three distinct areas: coarse soils,
glacial till and outwash deposits at its headwaters; a
deep, narrow gorge at Jay Cooke State Park; and
red clay deposits in its lower reaches. As it ap-
proaches Duluth and Superior, the river takes on the
characteristics of a 12,000 acre freshwater estuary.
The upper estuary has some wilderness-like areas,
while the lower estuary is characterized by urban
development, an industrial harbor and a major port.
The lower estuary includes St. Louis Bay, Superior
Bay, Allouez Bay, Kimball's Bay, Pokegama Bay,
Howards Bay and the lower Nemadji River.
The St. Louis River System Area of Concern (AOC)
is the area being addressed by the St. Louis River
System Remedial Action Plan (RAP). The RAP
focuses primarily on the 39 miles of the St. Louis
River below Cloquet, Minnesota.
The RAP began in 1989 as a collaborative effort
between the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources (WDNR). At that time, the agencies
created a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). In
1997, with agency assistance, the CAC opened its
doors as an independent nonprofit organization
known as the Citizens Action Committee. Many of
the original citizen and agency partners are still
active in the RAP and CAC.
RAP Status
A progress report containing the CAC's 43 Stage
Two recommendations was published in 1995.
Implementation began immediately and continues
today. Some recommended actions are well under-
way, such as: (1) land acquisition, with 34,000 acres
bordering the river permanently protected by pur-
chase or donation, (2) connection of Fond du Lac,
MN, responsible for a high percentage of failing
septic systems, to the WLSSD, (3) programs to
reduce sewage bypasses by keeping stormwater out
of sanitary sewer systems, (4) development of a
habitat plan for the lower St. Louis River, and (5)
implementation of a three-phase sediment strategy to
reduce impairments associated with sediment
contamination.
RAP Status
i i i i i r
0 20 40 60 80 100
Percent Completed
* For (*ach itagp,. <5 report !5 submitted !n thf> l|0
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
125
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Beneficial Use Impairments
The RAP process determined that nine of 14 identi-
fied beneficial uses were impaired. Some impair-
ments were associated with the physical loss and
degradation of habitat, with the estuary having lost an
estimated 7,700 (of 12,000) acres of wetland and
open water habitat since settlement. Other problems
were related more to pollution and toxicity. For years,
the river smelled bad from industrial discharges. That
changed in 1978, when the Western Lake Superior
Sanitary District (WLSSD) wastewater treatment
plant began operation. Nevertheless, pollution
continues to come from sources such as contami-
nated sediments, abandoned hazardous waste sites,
poorly designed or leaky landfills, airborne deposition,
industrial discharges, chemical spills, improperly
sewered wastes, and surface runoff.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption
Both Minnesota and Wisconsin issue fish consump-
tion advisories for Lake Superior and the St. Louis
River. These are based on mercury and polychlori-
nated biphenyls (PCBs). There are no consumption
advisories for wildlife.
Please note: Since fish advisories change year to
year, the Minnesota Fish Advisory should be
consulted for restrictions and advisories.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations
Prior to 1979, organic pollution resulted in low levels
of dissolved oxygen, which caused fish kills and
degraded fish populations; this was remedied by
improvements in wastewater treatment. Remaining
threats include competition from exotic species
(ruffe, etc.), continued loss of physical habitat and
possible effects of toxic substances. Fish tissue
residues of mercury and PCBs exceed the .5 mg/kg
and .1 mg/kg standards established in the 1978 Great
Lakes Water Quality Agreement for the protection of
aquatic life and fish eating birds.
Fish Tumors or Other Deformities
Observations suggest that this is an impaired use, but
there is no information on incidence rates of these
problems.
Degradation of Benthos
This was documented in 1989-91 at the Stryker Bay/
Interlake Superfund site in Duluth (with reduced
numbers and diversity), in Newton Creek/Hog Island
Inlet in Superior (with sediment samples that were
toxic to benthic organisms), in a 1994 sediment
quality survey of the harbor
(www.pca.state.mn.us/water/sediments/
94mudpuppv.pdfk and in a Regional Environmen-
tal Monitoring and Assessment Program (R-EMAP)
project in the AOC. (www.pca.state.mn.us/water/
sediments/studies-stlouis.htmltfassessmenf)
Restrictions on Dredging Activities
Sediments in many parts of the AOC contain
elevated levels of a variety of toxic, bio-accumula-
tive contaminants that can cause adverse effects.
Dredging restrictions and containment of contami-
nated sediment have serious economic conse-
quences. The confined disposal facility (CDF) for
contaminated sediments (Erie Pier) is near its
storage capacity; local interests are trying to
develop creative alternatives to the construction of a
new CDF.
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae
For the St. Louis River, the Eutrophication beneficial
use impairment IJC criterion has been adapted to fit
local conditions. The high nutrient and sediment
levels in the St. Louis Estuary lead to excessive
loadings to Lake Superior, although these high
nutrient levels do not seem to be expressed as
eutrophication. Thus, a better way to cite this BUI
for the St. Louis River would be "Excessive Nutrient
Loading to Lake Superior" instead of "Eutrophication
or Undesirable Algae".
Use Impairments - St. Louis River AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Degradation of fish and
wildlife populations
V Fish tumors or other
deformities
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Eutrophication or
undesirable algae
V Beach closings
V Degradation of aesthetics
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
126
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Prior to 1979's improvements in wastewater treat-
ment, the estuary was eutrophic. Although phospho-
rus levels remain high, algae is not a problem. Its
growth is probably kept in check by limited light
penetration due to red clay turbidity and a brown
water color. Although algae is not a problem, high
sedimentation rates and phosphorus levels indicate
possible impacts on Lake Superior.
High nutrient and sediment levels in the St. Louis Estuary
have lead to plumes into Lake Superior.
Beach Closings
Bacterial contamination levels have improved since
1979, but storm-related sewage bypasses still occur
in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. For this reason,
body contact recreation is considered impaired.
Degradation of Aesthetics
Aesthetics are degraded by oil slicks and odors that
occur in Hog Island Inlet in Superior and in Stryker
Bay (at the Interlake/Duluth Tar Superfund site) in
Duluth.
Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Habitat loss and degradation have been caused by
filling, dredging, sedimentation, contamination, exotic
species and, prior to 1979, water quality. Habitat
losses include the filling of 1,215 ha of open water
and wetlands, and the dredging of other shallow
areas to obtain fill material or create commercial
shipping channels. Wetland habitat is being degraded
by infestations of purple loosestrife. Habitat has also
been degraded by sedimentation, which limits the
growth of aquatic plants, and by contamination of
sediments, as has occurred in Newton Creek/Hog
Island Inlet and Stryker Bay.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
May 1999: CAC received funding to implement
the habitat plan recommendation. The CAC is
working with several partners from city, county,
state, and federal agencies and entities.
June 1997: The RAP's Citizens Advisory
Committee became the nonprofit Citizens
Action Committee.
April 1995: RAP progress report published,
including 43 Stage Two recommendations.
April 1992: Stage One RAP document
(identification of problems) published.
Remediation/Pollution Prevention:
In 2000, as part of their stormwater permit
requirements, the City of Superior did extensive
dry weather sampling to test for illicit discharges
and have prepared detailed maps of the existing
stormwater infrastructure. They are currently in
the process of preparing plans to deal with
flooding and bypassing during larger rain events
and are preparing stormwater management plans
to address pollutant, volume and velocity con-
cerns associated with existing and potential new
development. To assist with this effort, the City
allocated funds for a stormwater engineering
position. One of the projects that the City of
Superior would like to tackle next is an extensive
public information, education and involvement
campaign to provide citizen input into the
stormwater management plan. This would be a
priority project to receive funding if any funds
were available. This project would meet several
high priority implementation items in the St. Louis
River RAP as well as the Lake Superior LaMP.
Duluth and Superior city councils passed ordi-
nances banning the sale of mercury thermom-
eters at retail outlets in the cities.
Beneficiary Group for Environmental Improve-
ment for the Interlake Superfund agreement was
established. The group awarded over $200,000 to
eight environmental improvement projects in the
St. Louis River watershed.
The RAP helped Oliver, Wisconsin, solve its
wastewater treatment problems by developing an
agreement to lay a pipe under the river and send
its waste to the Western Lake Superior Sanitary
District, in Duluth, Minnesota for treatment.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
127
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Water quality continues to improve, due to
pollution prevention efforts, better pre-treatment
programs and new stormwater management
activities, including efforts to control inflow and
infiltration that leads to storm-related sewage
bypasses.
The MPCA, WDNR, WLSSD and the City of
Superior wastewater treatment plant are actively
encouraging pollution prevention in outreach
programs aimed at citizens and businesses.
In Minnesota, cleanup activities continue at two
federal Superfund sites (U.S. Steel and
Interlake/Duluth Tar). Each site has a commu-
nity work group. In 1993, clean up included
removal of contaminated soil (some contained
mercury and some tar) at the U.S. Steel site.
More recently, sediment remediation has been
underway at the Interlake site.
In Wisconsin, WDNR and Murphy Oil USA are
working together to clean up the Newton Creek
System, which includes Hog Island Inlet of
Superior Bay. This is a staged cleanup process
that began with Murphy Oil building a new
wastewater treatment plant and cleaning up the
headwaters of Newton Creek.
Habitat Protection/Improvement:
The CAC habitat workgroup was instrumental in
the recent purchase by The Nature Conservancy
of 87 acres of important spawning habitat for
fish and forest and wetland habitat for wildlife
along the St. Louis River in northwestern
Wisconsin.
The CAC, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, helped to bring about Beetlemania - a
project that brought kids with bugs together with
kids with boats. Minnesota Sea Grant and
Extension worked with 4-H students to raise
Galerucella calmariensis, a European species
of beetle, and the Duluth Community Sailing
Association provided boats to transport the
beetles to the Purple Loosestrife-invested areas
of the estuary.
The St. Louis CAC has been instrumental in
promoting the Nemadji Watershed project in both
the Minnesota and Wisconsin portions of the
watershed. The Nemadji project aims to evaluate
watershed processes and promote land manage-
ment and forestry practices which are protective
of the unique red clay / sand watershed.
The St. Louis River estuary was a major focus
of the WDNR Lake Superior coastal wetland
evaluation project.
A project to restore common tern and piping
plover nesting habitat was completed on Wiscon-
sin Point.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are working together
to re-establish sturgeon in the St. Louis River.
The RAP was instrumental in WDNR's develop-
ment of the St. Louis River Streambank Protec-
tion Project, upstream of Oliver, Wisconsin. The
project is well on its way toward reaching an
acquisition goal of6,900 acres, including five
miles of St. Louis River shoreline and 13 miles of
the Red River and its main tributaries. The Red
River watershed includes steep slopes and highly
erodible red clay soils.
The St. Louis River Board has virtually reached
its acquisition goal of 22,000 acres along the St.
Louis, Cloquet and Whiteface river (all in the St.
Louis River watershed); the property will be
owned by the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (MDNR).
Bio-control is being used to control purple
loosestrife infestations on both sides of the lower
estuary.
Ruffe and
zebra
mussels are
also a
problem in
the harbor.
Outreach/Education:
An annual canoe tour and picnic has grown. The
most recent tour included over 80 kayaks and
canoes on the water. Local historians and
biologists provided natural and cultural history
information.
CAC members have cleaned up over 4.5 miles
of river shoreline during annual river clean up
events.
In 1999, WLSSD sponsored "The Green
Thumb" project. Educational literature on
pesticide free lawns, weeds and other pests
were made available to the public. Project
included basic and advanced lawn maintenance
information.
Zebra mussel in the St. Louis River.
128
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Riverwatch and Waterwatch Programs
have involved numerous area teachers
and school children in hands-on, field
oriented water quality education and
monitoring. These efforts were ex-
panded to include a River Congress,
stormdrain stenciling and several art/
science collaborations.
The RAP helped get signs posted to
warn recreational users about contami-
nation problems at Hog Island Inlet and
Stryker Bay.
RAP members cleaned up the Connors
Point Recreation Area in Superior.
The CAC has sponsored annual stew-
ardship awards for several years.
Community Involvement
The St. Louis River System RAP has been recog-
nized since its inception for its high level of citizen
participation and community involvement. Hundreds
of individuals, representing a broad cross-section of
the community, have spent untold hours working
together on various committees to identify problems,
develop and/or implement recommendations and
encourage environmental stewardship. They have
provided crucial local support for the RAP process
and helped to improve the health of the St. Louis
River ecosystem.
Just as the St. Louis River and estuary are important
components of the Lake Superior Basin Ecosystem,
the RAP activities are important to the Lake Superior
Binational Program and the Lakewide Management
Plan. RAP actions, from contaminated sediment
cleanup to habitat protection, pollution prevention,
and community involvement are all important to meet
the Lake Superior basin goals.
Schedule
Meetings:
St. Louis River Citizens Action Committee
(CAC) Board, quarterly in January (annual
meeting), March, May and October.
CAC Executive Committee, monthly.
CAC Stewardship, Habitat, Sediment, and Nonpoint
Source Workgroups meet on an as needed basis.
Outlook
The RAP recommendation implementation
status has been updated. Of the 43 recommen-
dations, four have been completed Working
plans have been developed and one or more
agencies are working on 23 of the recommenda-
tions. A course of action has been established, to
be implemented at a future date, for five of the
recommendations. For the remaining recommen-
dations, more attention and evaluation is re-
quired.
Contaminated sediments are an important
priority in the AOC. Studies conducted by state,
federal and tribal agencies during the 1990s have
provided a good understanding of the type,
severity and location of contaminated sediments.
These studies include work done at two
Superfund sites on the Minnesota side as well as
sediment assessment studies at several hotspot
sites in the Duluth-Superior Harbor In addition,
a R-EMAP study has been conducted of the
entire AOC Some upland cleanups have oc-
curred. Remediation of contaminated sediments
is expected to be underway at sites on both sides
of the state line by 2005.
Navigation dredging is an important activity for
the Port of Duluth-Superior, which is among the
busiest U.S. ports in terms of tonnage. Dredged
material management poses a continuing chal-
lenge for the local communities and the state and
the state and federal agencies. RAP recommen-
dations addressed management of the area's
confined disposal facility (Erie Pier).
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
129
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The CAC continues to work on these issues.
The RAP has a history of promoting cooperative
management for the harbor and estuary. This
approach has fostered continuing dialogue and
work between the local communities and govern-
mental agencies involved in this issue.
Mercury is a contaminant of particular concern
in the St. Louis River. A new project, the St.
Louis River Watershed TMDL Project: Mer-
cury Reduction Outreach will use the Total
Maximum Daily Load or TMDL process to
decrease the mercury load to the river. The
TMDL process is designed to improve impaired
waters such as the St. Louis River, where all
facilities with discharge permits are operating
within their permitted limits, yet pollutant levels
exceed state standards. The TMDL process will
complement the mercury-reduction work that is
already taking place in the watershed.
Habitat restoration and protection are also
important priorities. Although the estuary has
suffered extensively from habitat loss and
degradation, it also retains tremendous habitat
value. Because habitat issues are such a high
priority, a comprehensive habitat plan is being
developed to enhance the biological diversity and
ecological integrity of the lower St. Louis River.
The project will provide an estuary-wide vision
for resource management and conservation,
including a consensus list of conservation and
management objectives, targets and actions.
New initiatives within the past few years include
the Watershed Guardian Program which
includes habitat restoration, storm drain stencil-
ing and a "bio-sentinel" component using min-
nows as indicators of water quality; and a
historical land-use reconstruction project. The
CAC's annual Environmental Stewardship
Awards are presented at the annual meeting
each January.
The transition of the CAC into an independent,
nonprofit organization was largely completed in
June 1997, with the hiring of an executive
director and the establishment of an office. The
CAC looks forward to continued involvement
and support from state and federal agencies. It
anticipates improved opportunities for obtaining
financial support from area businesses and
industry.
The CAC has also organized a committee to
review the progress made to-date in implementa-
tion of the 43 Stage Two RAP recommendations.
The committee is focusing on updating and/or
facilitating implementation of the recommenda-
tions, as needed.
Partners
Harbor Technical Advisory Committee
Lake Superior Binational Program
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Minnesota Sea Grant
River Watch Project
River Quest
St. Louis River Citizens Action Committee
The Nature Conservancy
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. EPA
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Wisconsin Sea Grant
Numerous local businesses, organizations,
agencies, institutions, units of government and
individuals.
Research
Research in the AOC and in the adjoining western
arm of Lake Superior tends to focus on sediment
contamination, nonpoint source pollution, toxics
loading, water quality, fishery issues and exotic
species.
130
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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A number of sediment studies were conducted in St.
Louis River reservoirs and the estuary from 1991 to
the present time by state, federal and tribal agencies
and university researchers. The results are now being
published. Some studies focused on areas of known
sediment contamination; another sampled sediment at
random (statistically selected sites) to better character-
ize the overall health of harbor sediments.
Groups involved in this research include the MPCA
and WDNR, plus the University of Wisconsin-
Superior (Lake Superior Research Institute), Univer-
sity of Wisconsin (Wisconsin Sea Grant Program),
University of Minnesota-Duluth (Natural Resources
Research Institute), University of Minnesota (Large
Lakes Observatory and Minnesota Sea Grant
Program), Lake Superior College, Fond du Lac
Natural Resources and the U.S. EPA's Mid-Conti-
nent Ecology Division-Duluth. Additional support has
been provided by the U.S. EPA, through its Great
Lakes National Program Office and its Region V/
Water Division, which are both located in Chicago.
Publications
Major RAP Documents:
Lake Superior/Duluth-Superior Harbor
Toxics Loading Study. Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency, September, 1999.
The St. Louis River System RAP: Progress
Report. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,
April 1995.
The St. Louis River System RAP: Stage One.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Wiscon-
sin Department of Natural Resources, April 1992.
Other Recent Major Documents:
Natural & Cultural History of the Lower St.
Louis River: On-the-Water Guide for Canoe-
ists, Kayakers & Boaters. St. Louis River
Citizens Action Committee, August 2001.
Historic Reconstruction of Property Owner-
ship and Land Uses along the Lower St. Louis
River. St. Louis River Citizens Action Commit-
tee, October 1999.
Issue Paper Concerning Wet Weather Flow Issues:
Sanitary Sewer Overflows Developed For the
WLSSD Effluent Quality Master Plan Project.
Western Lake Superior Sanitary District, 1999.
Wisconsin s Lake Superior Coastal Wetlands
Evaluation: A Report to the Great Lakes National
Program Office, U.S. EPA. Wisconsin DNR, 1999.
Lake Superior Basin Water Quality Manage-
ment Plan. Wisconsin DNR, March 1999.
Lake Superior Lakewide Management Plan
2000. Lake Superior Binational Program, April 2000.
Erosion and Sedimentation in the Nemadji
River Basin. Natural Resources Conservation
Service and U.S. Forest Service, 1998.
Newton Creek System Sediment Contamination
Site Characterization Report. Wisconsin Depart-
ment of Natural Resources, December 1995.
Contacts
Lynelle Hanson, CAC Executive Director
394 Lake Ave. South, Suite 303B
Duluth,MN 55802
218-733-9520
slrcac@StLouisRiver.org
Carri Lohse-Hanson
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Rd. N
St. Paul, MN 55155-4194
651-296-9134
carri.lohse-hanson@.pca.state.mn.us
Nancy Larson
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
810 W. Maple St.
Spooner, WI54801
715-635-4075
larson@dnr.state.wi .us
Stephen Hopkins, U.S. EPA Liaison
515 W. First St., Ste. 300, Duluth Federal Building
Duluth,MN 55802
218-720-5738
hopk@mindspring.com
Kay Rezanka, St. Louis River River Watch Coordinator
2101 14th Street
Cloquet, MN 55720
218-879-0789
krezanka@ezigaa.fdl.cc.mn.us
Compiled: August 15,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/stlouis.html
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
131
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State of New York
Buffalo River Area of Concern
Background
The Buffalo River Area of Concern (AOC) is
located in the City of Buffalo in western New York
state. The river flows from the east and discharges
into Lake Erie near the head of the Niagara River.
The AOC extends from the mouth of the Buffalo
River to the farthest point upstream at which the
backwater condition exists during Lake Erie's highest
monthly average lake level (approximately 10 km).
The AOC is regarded as the "impact area" and is
characterized by historically heavy industrial develop-
ment in the midst of a large municipality. Today,
industrial development continues to be an important
use of the river although some river bank areas can
be seen in various stages of abandonment. The
sources of contamination for the AOC comes from
the sediments and the Buffalo River Watershed.
There are three major streams in the watershed that
feed the Buffalo River: Cayuga Creek, Buffalo
Creek and Casenovia Creek. These stream areas
consist of residential communities, farmland, wooded
areas and parks.
Remedial activity efforts are focused in six major
areas: stream water quality monitoring, river bottom
sediments, inactive hazardous waste sites, municipal
and industrial wastewater treatment facilities,
combined sewer overflows, and fish and wildlife
habitat. RAP strategies and remedial activities are
updated in the most current Buffalo River RAP
Status Report dated June 1999. Ongoing assessment
activities include the evaluation of remedial options
through the modeling of scour and deposition charac-
teristics. Needs include further sampling, treatment
assessment, and sediment criteria guidance develop-
ment to assist the decision making process in ad-
dressing contaminated sediments. Three habitat
improvement projects have been constructed to
address habitat impairments with funding provided
through USEPA. Habitat project plans were devel-
oped by Erie County in cooperation with the City of
Buffalo, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, and NYSDEC. These projects
have been completed. The Buffalo Sewer Authority
has received Bond Act funding to address sewer
overflows.
RAP Status
The Buffalo River RAP process is a working
partnership between the NYSDEC staff, the Buffalo
River Citizens' Committee (BRCC) and its work
groups. BRCC was established by NYSDEC in 1987
and is representative of community, environmental,
sports people and local government leaders. To-
gether, NYSDEC staff and members of the BRCC
compose a steering committee to develop project
RAP Status
O 20 40 60 80 100
Percent Completed
" for «i.ch report (A inhmitu>d tu the Iji
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
133
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Use Impairments -
Buffalo River AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
V
Restriction on dredging
wildlife consumption
activities
V Fish tumors or other
V
Loss of fish and wildlife
deformities
habitat
V Degradation of benthos
workplans and outline responsibilities for key RAP
tasks. The RAP was completed in November
1989 as a working document. NYSDEC uses the
RAP as a management document to guide and
coordinate remedial actions by various concerned
groups for an improved federal, state and local
partnership. A Remedial Advisory Committee
(RAC) was formed in 1990 to assist NYSDEC in
RAP implementation. Friends of the Buffalo River,
a nonprofit organization, and the Buffalo River
Study Group also provide support for RAP activities.
Annual reports have been issued since 1991 to
update commitments, track implementation and
celebrate accomplishments.
Beneficial Use Impairments
The Buffalo River and its sediments have been
impaired by past industrial and municipal discharges
and disposal of waste. The known causes of use
impairments are chemical contamination and physical
disturbances to the river bottom and shoreline.
Contamination in the AOC comes from the sedi-
ments, inactive hazardous waste sites, combined
sewer overflows (CSOs) and other point and
nonpoint sources of pollution in the watershed.
Fishing and survival of aquatic life within the AOC
have been impaired by PCBs, chlordane and PAHs.
Fish and wildlife habitat have been degraded by
navigational dredging of the river and by bulkheading
and other alterations of the shoreline. Low dissolved
oxygen and DDT are likely causes of aquatic life
degradation, but they have not yet been definitively
established as such. In addition, metals and cyanides
in the sediment prevent open lake disposal of bottom
sediments dredged from the river.
The Remedial Action Plan (RAP) identifies five use
impairments based on the fourteen possible Interna-
tional Joint Commission (IJC) impairments. Three
other use impairments are listed that will require
further investigation to determine the extent of their
existence. The major impairment is restrictions on
fish and wildlife consumption, primarily due to PCB
and chlordane contamination. These restrictions are
part of a lakewide advisory for Lake Ontario. Based
on measurements of benthic macroinvertebrates and
toxicity tests conducted in a study in 1982 and on the
presence of contaminated sediment in selected areas,
certain sediments were evaluated as causing a
degradation of benthos use impairment in the AOC.
Existing restriction on open lake disposal of contami-
nated sediments from the Buffalo River cause the
AOC to have a dredging restrictions use impairment.
The US Army Corps of Engineers currently uses a
confined disposal facility to dispose of dredge
materials. Fish tumors have been observed in the
Buffalo River and are believed to be caused by
PAHs in the sediments. The loss of fish and wildlife
habitat, due to physical disturbances such as annual
river maintenance dredging and bulkheading, has
been dramatic. Degradation of fish and wildlife
populations, the tainting of fish and wildlife flavor and
the presence of bird or animal deformities or repro-
ductive problems will require further investigations.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Restrictions on fish consumption have been identified
as primarily caused by PCBs and chlordane contami-
nation. Elevated levels of mercury may also be of
concern in contributing to this use impairment. These
restrictions are part of a lakewide advisory for Lake
Ontario fish. The sources include upstream industrial
discharges, inactive hazardous waste sites, contami-
nated sediments, air deposition and Lake Ontario. In
the watershed, the ongoing and planned inactive
hazardous waste site remediation and the compre-
hensive point source discharge control program
contribute to the restoration and protection of the
beneficial use. The establishment and implementation
of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for fish,
aquatic and wildlife as well as human health will also
benefit the restoration and protection of this and
other beneficial uses.
The New York state Department of Health
(NYSDOH) issues fish consumption advisories
based on fish sampling data collected by the Depart-
ment of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC).
Concentrations of chemicals found in the fish are
compared to the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration's (FDA) allowable tolerance levels
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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for food and to New York state criteria for the
protection of human health. When high levels of
contaminants are found, consumption advisories are
issued by the NYSDOH to alert fishermen to the
potential adverse health impacts of eating contami-
nated fish.
Based on data quantifying contaminant levels in fish
tissue, specific fish consumption advisories have
been issued in the Buffalo River and its tributaries.
The fish species that are listed for these waters have
contaminant levels that exceed federal food stan-
dards or state human health criteria and are de-
scribed in the RAP document. From the fish sampled
in the Buffalo River elevated contaminant levels
were found in carp. To minimize potential adverse
health impacts, the NYSDOH recommends that
women of childbearing age, infants and children
under the age of fifteen not eat fish from these
waters.
No wildlife consumption advisory exists specific to
the Buffalo River, although a statewide waterfowl
consumption advisory has been issued to "eat no
mergansers since they are the most heavily contami-
nated waterfowl species" and to limit consumption of
other waterfowl to two meals per month.
Fish Tumors or Other Deformities:
High levels of fish tumors indicate contaminant
stresses in the ecosystem that interfere with human
beneficial uses. A number of studies involving Black
et al. show that extracts of Buffalo River sediments
cause liver and skin neoplasia in brown bullheads.
One can infer that the observed elevated liver and
skin neoplasia is caused partly at least by polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Buffalo River
sediments. Other causative agents associated with
the sediments cannot be ruled out. The development
of criteria for the acceptable levels of contaminants,
such as PAHs, would be useful in resolving this use
impairment.
Degradation of Benthos:
Sample measurements of benthic macroinvertebrates
and results of toxicity tests conducted in a study in
1982 indicated the presence of contaminated sedi-
ment in certain areas of the Buffalo River. The
sediments in selected areas were evaluated as
causing a degradation of benthos use impairment in
the AOC. Unlike the Niagara River, which has a
swift river channel flow that creates sediment
pockets at certain tributary mouths and nearshore
areas, the Buffalo River has a slower current with
river segment bends that create additional areas for
sediment deposits. Sediment samples in these areas
indicate the presence of contaminants. Additional
benthic and toxicity testing will be needed to address
this use impairment.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
Sample measurements of benthic macroinvertebrates
and results of toxicity tests conducted in a study in
1982 indicated the presence of contaminated sedi-
ment in certain areas of the Buffalo River. The
sediments in selected areas were evaluated as
causing a degradation of benthos use impairment in
the AOC. Unlike the Niagara River, which has a
swift river channel flow that creates sediment
pockets at certain tributary mouths and nearshore
areas, the Buffalo River has a slower current with
river segment bends that create additional areas for
sediment deposits. Sediment samples in these areas
indicate the presence of contaminants. Additional
benthic and toxicity testing will be needed to address
this use impairment.
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
The loss of fish and wildlife habitat impairs beneficial
uses such as fishing, observing wildlife and educating
people about the environment of the region. The
lower Buffalo River .is heavily bulkheaded to facili-
tate shipping activities which have endured since the
1800s. This bulkheading along with the maintenance
dredging have resulted in major modifications to the
natural habitat. It is likely that habitat loss has
contributed to the degradation of fish and wildlife
populations. As a result, shallow water habitat and
wetlands have been lost and rooted aquatic vegeta-
tion is lacking. With the decline of industry and
shipping on the Buffalo River, it may be feasible to
restore some of the fish and wildlife habitat previ-
ously lost.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
135
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Aeial view of Buffalo harbor.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
June 1999 - RAP Status Report update
June 1995 - RAP Status Report update
June 1993 - RAP Annual Report update
November 1989 - Remedial Action Plan
published (Combined Stage 1 and Stage 2)
The Buffalo River RAP and Status Report update
documents present a remedial strategy that
includes a variety of remedial measures: stream
water quality monitoring, contaminated bottom
sediment assessment and action determination,
inactive hazardous waste site remediation, point and
nonpoint source discharge evaluation, combined
sewer overflow assessment, remedial measure
implementation monitoring and fish and wildlife
beneficial use restoration and habitat protection.
Following are some activity highlights relative to
RAP progress and achievements. Eight environmen-
tal program areas are used to describe progress.
Concurrent with the RAP process, many NYSDEC
environmental program activities are in place and
progressing as part of State environmental protection
laws and policies, and therefore are being imple-
mented independent of any formal RAP coordination.
The RAP strategies do however make use of all
resource commitments to restore beneficial uses.
The challenge of the RAC is to assure that all
stakeholder interests and concerns have been
satisfactorily investigated and resolved as much as
possible. A key to successful restoration and protec-
tion of the AOC is securing implementation commit-
ments to achieve RAP objectives. Environmental
program activities include:
Hazardous Waste Site Remediation (Land-
Based):
Many hazardous waste site remediation projects are
occurring in this watershed. These activities reduce
loadings to the receiving waters and benefit the
AOC, the Niagara River and Lake Ontario.
Contaminated River Sediments:
A review and analysis of previous sediment transport
modeling on the Buffalo River was made and
requirements for sediment transport model improve-
ments were developed by a contractor for
NYSDEC. Funding of the model improvements was
deferred as sediment transport modeling of the
Buffalo was undertaken by U.S. EPA. EPA has
developed a sediment dynamics model of the Buffalo
River under the Assessment and Remediation of
Contaminated Sediments (ARCS) Program. This
model will allow predictions of sediment scour and
deposition under a variety of flow conditions in the
AOC.
U.S. EPA is developing a proposed management
strategy which is expected to include sediment
criteria. NYSDEC currently uses a 1994 guidance
document. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(U.S. EPA) has been working for several years on
developing and validating tests and associated
acceptance criteria that would allow decisions to be
made relative to contaminated sediments. Following
development of this methodology, NYSDEC intends
to apply it to Buffalo River sediments.
Point Source Discharge Control:
NYSDEC has developed an Environmental Benefit
Permit Strategy to assist in establishing priority for
-enewal modifications of point source discharge
permits based on the identification of environmental/
water quality benefits. A significant reduction in the
mass of contaminants discharged within the drainage
basin by area industries and municipalities has been
achieved by the installation of improved wastewater
treatment systems, the ongoing discharge permit
monitoring and renewal process, the implementing of
best management practices, hazardous waste site
remediation activities and the implementation of
pollution prevention measures.
A combined sewer overflow (CSO) system model
has been developed and verified for the main inter-
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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ceptors of the Buffalo Sewer Authority collection
system network. Operational simulations have been
undertaken and cost estimates of alternatives for
overflow reduction/treatment have been developed.
System modeling is being initiated on a sub-system
basis to assess flow conveyance capability and the
potential to enhance in-system storage within each
sub-basin.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Control:
Excessive nutrients (phosphorus) and sedimentation
(erosion) from agriculture contribute to nonpoint
source pollution problems in the Buffalo River
Drainage Basin. County Water Quality Management
Strategies have been developed to address nonpoint
source pollution in the watershed. Implementation of
these County Water Quality Management Strategies
and related Best Management Practices (BMPs),
including improvements to stormwater management,
is recommended and is progressing. Various funding
programs (grants) now support and are available to
assist in the implementation of these nonpoint source
pollution control efforts. NYSDEC has developed
nine guidance document sections for the Manage-
ment Practices Catalogue for Nonpoint Source
Pollution Prevention and Water Quality Protection in
New York state.
Fish and Wildlife Assessments/Actions:
Several of the Buffalo River use impairments are
based on the status of fish and wildlife conditions and
considerations. Available fish and wildlife investiga-
tive information has been reported. A fish pathology
study is needed as well as
investigative study con-
cerning deformity, wildlife
populations and plankton.
A plan to assess fish and
wildlife habitat conditions
and improvement potential
has been developed.
Funding to initiate habitat
assessment has been
obtained and field work
was initiated by NYSDEC during 1991-92. A compi-
lation of existing habitat conditions in the AOC and
the immediate upstream watershed was completed
during 1992-93. A report on the findings was com-
pleted. The New York state University College at
Buffalo was funded by U.S. EPA to conduct physical
mapping, siltation rate evaluations and additional
biological surveys within the AOC. A report summa-
rizing these activities was completed. The U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, under and agreement with Erie
County and DEC, completed a report on a determi-
nation of additional needs to develop a habitat
improvement scheme.
Three habitat improvement projects have been
constructed to address habitat impairments with
funding provided by USEPA. Habitat project plans
were developed in cooperation with Erie County, the
City of Buffalo, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, and NYSDEC.
Health and Environmental Assessments/
Actions:
Maintaining current and useful contaminated fish
consumption advisory information serves to reduce
exposure of user groups. NYSDEC in conjunction
with NYSDOH has prepared updated fish consump-
tion advisory pamphlets to assist with public outreach
and education. Implementing this fish consumption
advisory at the local level and conducting research
necessary to monitor long-term trends in regard to
the advisory will be continued.
Investigations and Monitoring Activities:
The results of conducting various investigations and
monitoring activities will be instrumental toward
resolving the Buffalo River AOC use impairments.
Stream monitoring and monitoring associated with
planned remediation projects will contribute to the
further assessment of use impairments.
A flow activated sampling
station was established on
the Buffalo River at Ohio
Street by NYSDEC to
collect samples during high
flow events. Measurements
were also made at a station
at the upper end of the AOC.
A report on the findings was
completed. Contaminant
loadings are being compared
and tracked.
Computer modeling is underway to ascertain the
causes of low dissolved oxygen based upon exten-
sive monitoring by NYSDEC to determine upstream,
bottom sediment and other sources of oxygen
demand. Ongoing assessment activities include
determining the cause of low dissolved oxygen in the
river and evaluating the remedial options related to
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
137
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the modeling of scour and deposition
characteristics. Needs include further
sampling, modeling, treatment
assessment, and sediment criteria
guidance development to assist the
decision making process in address-
ing contaminated sediments.
Community
Involvement
RAP Public Participation and Outreach:
Regular meetings of the RAC were conducted as
part of the development of the RAP. The Buffalo
River Citizens' Committee (BRCC), RAC, Friends of
the Buffalo River and Buffalo River Study Group
have all made contributions in broadening support for
remediation and increasing public awareness.
Implementation and documentation of RAP activities
are planned to be coordinated through a continued
public participation process. Examples of such
activities include: organizing monthly and public
meetings; publishing newsletters; convening work-
shops; and organizing special events, presentations
and tours. Stakeholders need to be informed of
remedial activities and progress and plans include a
continued outreach effort to address this need.
Presentation of study and remedial activity results
are part of this public participation process. At times,
field trips are to be organized to learn more about the
specifics of a remedial activity and to respond to
committee members interests as necessary. It is
important to provide a periodic status report of the
Buffalo River AOC to maintain and increase public
awareness about the restoration and protection
activities and needs of this important geographic
area. A promotional brochure and RAP display are
other examples of outreach activities that have been
incorporated into the public participation activities
involving Great Lakes program activities. The RAC
will continue to provide advice and consultation and
foster interest in implementation of remedial mea-
sures that benefit the AOC.
The Buffalo River RAP process was developed as a
working partnership between the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation
(NYSDEC) staff and the Buffalo River Citizens'
Committee (BRCC) and its work groups. The BRCC
was established by NYSDEC in 1987 and is made up
of representatives from community, environmental,
sporting, and local government interests. Together,
NYSDEC staff and members of the BRCC com-
prised a steering committee to develop project
workplans and outline responsibilities for key RAP
tasks.
New York State RAP Display:
NYSDEC's Public Participation Section has pro-
duced a New York State RAP display. The purpose
of the exhibit is to introduce the public to RAPs in
New York state and to illustrate what actions are
needed and are currently underway to effectively
clean up New York's RAP AOCs. The display
continues to be used at Great Lakes and RAP
functions across the basin.
Erie County Water Quality Advisory Committees:
The Erie County Water Quality Strategy was
prepared by the Erie County Water Quality Advisory
Committee. The committee works to coordinate
efforts to improve water quality in the county,
especially through the development and implementa-
tion of a strategy to control nonpoint source water
pollution. The Water Quality Advisory Committee
(WQAC) plans to concentrate on nonpoint source
water pollution problems. Nonpoint sources are seen
as a threat or potential threat to water quality in all of
the county's major watersheds. Sources of nonpoint
pollution include: agricultural and related runoff
(fertilizers and pesticides), sedimentation from
erosion, septic system failure and other runoff from
sources such as road salt, leaking underground
storage tanks and other chemical containers.
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Schedule
Funding
Meetings:
Remedial Advisory Committee meetings are
conducted quarterly.
Outlook
The remedial strategy has mapped out a pragmatic
and comprehensive approach for the implementation
of remedial and preventive actions. Implementation
of the Buffalo River RAP is a continuous improve-
ment process that will include periodic updates and
improvements as knowledge of the use impairments,
sources and the effectiveness of remedial actions
increases in the future. The Status Report on RAP
implementation will continue to document progress as
commitments are made and actions implemented.
Remedial actions will be evaluated and coordi-
nated as to the impacts on the restoration of
beneficial uses.
Within the AOC and watershed, a number of
studies, assessments and remedial measures will
continue to be priorities. These include fish and
wildlife consumption restrictions, habitat evaluation
and improvements, sediment and water quality
investigations and remedial decisions, inactive
waste site remediation and contaminant
trackdown. Restoring and maintaining an im-
proved quality of life in the ecosystem of the
Buffalo River AOC and its watershed is the goal.
U.S. EPA and NYSDEC funding directly supports
RAC efforts to facilitate the implementation strate-
gies of the Buffalo River RAP. Although there is
currently no direct RAP funding dedicated solely to
implement specific projects, there are numerous
environmental program activities and grant funding
opportunities ongoing and/or available that provide
funding to support RAP strategies and needs. The
core environmental program activities conducted in
the various program areas of water, air, hazardous
materials, environmental remediation and pollution
prevention benefit the cause of RAPs and Great
Lakes cleanup efforts. Many of these funded environ-
mental programs directly support RAP goals or indi-
rectly serve to further implement RAP strategies.
The Buffalo Harbor and the entire AOC will eventually be
cleaned up thanks to the work of many RAP partners.
Partners
Atlantic States Legal Foundation
Buffalo River Remedial Advisory Committee
City of Buffalo
Erie County and New York State Health Depart-
ments
Erie County Department of Promotion and Tourism
Erie County Government
Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District
Erie County Water Quality Advisory Committee
Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Watershed Protec-
tion Alliance (FL-LOWPA)
Great Lakes Research Consortium
Great Lakes United
Lake Ontario Lakewide Management Plan (LaMP)
Lake Ontario Sportfishing Promotional Council
Local Industries
New York State Canal Corporation
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation
Sea Grant
Sierra Club
State University of New York (SUNY)
Upstate Freshwater Institute
U.S. EPA, Great Lakes National Program
Office (GLNPO)
U.S. EPA, Region 2 - New York City
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
139
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Research
A number of research initiatives are ongoing in this
western New York state AOC watershed or greater
Lake Ontario basin that have been or could be of
assistance to implementation of the Buffalo River
RAP:
The Great Lakes Research Review:
The Great Lakes Research Review is a fairly new
publication jointly produced by the Great Lakes
Program of the University at Buffalo, the Great
Lakes Research Consortium, and the New York Sea
Grant Institute. The publication provides an outlet for
technically sophisticated information concerning
important research being undertaken in the Great
Lakes, particularly but not exclusively by researchers
affiliated with the New York Great Lakes Research
Consortium
and its mem-
ber institutions.
The publication
is designed to
fill the gap
between
newsletter-
type general information articles and articles that are
suited for peer-reviewed technical journals. Each
issue has a special theme. Past issues have focused
on the fate and transport of toxic substances and the
effect of toxics, Great Lakes fisheries issues, and
exotic species and their impact on the Great Lakes.
Issues involving Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence
River ecosystem were prepared in conjunction with
the St. Lawrence River- Lake Ontario (SLRLO)
Research Initiative which is organizing research
teams to improve understanding of these linked
systems and their relationships and to support the
Lake Ontario Lakewide Management Plan and the
restoration and protection of the St. Lawrence River.
For more information contact the Great Lakes
Program at SUNY Buffalo, 207 Jarvis Hall, Buffalo,
NY 14260, (716) 645-2088, and the Great Lakes
Research Consortium at SUNY College of ESF, 24
Bray Hall, Syracuse, NY 13210, (315)470-6816.
Human Health Considerations:
The Buffalo River RAP and related Lake Ontario
and Great Lakes RAP documents contain a number
of descriptions of ongoing activities relative to human
health considerations. These human health consider-
ation activities include narratives that describe the
following initiatives:
Fish and wildlife consumption advisories.
Investigations, study needs and priorities.
Contaminated sediment criteria and management
strategy.
Air toxics health risk assessment required by the
Clean Air Act Amendments.
A workshop on "Incorporating Human Health
Considerations into RAPs" sponsored by the
Great Lakes Research Consortium, the Great
Lakes Protection Fund and the Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry identified five
approaches for incorporating human health
considerations into RAPs. These approaches
rely on five key elements:
1) evaluation of the impairments of beneficial
uses,
2) development of other indicators to evaluate
and to measure environmental health, public
perception, body burden and illness consider-
ations,
3) development and evaluation of community
and participatory health exposure concerns
and assessment data,
4) development and assessment of exposure
data, and
5) communication of public health risks/
advisories.
A proceedings document from the workshop is
available.
Endocrine Disruptors and Human Health.
Recently published articles have highlighted the
known fact that some chemicals, such as PCBs
and DDT, at sufficiently high levels, can disrupt
the normal reproduction and sexual behavior of
some organisms. The primary concern focuses
on humans who consume contaminated Great
Lakes fish and wildlife that could biomagnify
these contaminants in their tissues to levels
which could pose potential health problems.
A Strategy for Virtual Elimination of Persis-
tent Toxic Substances. Report of the Virtual
Elimination Task Force to the International Joint
Commission. This report consists of two vol-
umes: Volume 1 recommends that the virtual
elimination goal be achieved by the implementa-
tion of a broad array of activities that focus on
persistent toxics. These activities include legisla-
tion, regulations, technology, economic instru-
140
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
ments, education and consultation. Terminology,
criteria and strategy considerations are dis-
cussed. Volume 2, contains Appendices entitled
Seven Reports to the Virtual Elimination Task
Force. These include background reports on the
application of the virtual elimination strategy to
PCBs and mercury; a long-term chlorine strat-
egy; pulp and paper industry application and case
study; economic incentives, assessment and
policy; injury impact assessment; and progress
discussion.
Publications
The brochure entitled, RAPs in Action, was
developed to augment the message of the New
York state RAP Display. The brochure provides
more detailed information on remedial activities
that are being implemented to restore and to
protect beneficial uses in New York state's RAP
AOCs.
A promotional brochure entitled, Getting the
Word Out, was also developed to provide a
description of public outreach and educational
materials (audiovisuals, brochures, fact sheets,
etc.) produced by and/or for the RAPs or the
Lake Ontario Lakewide Management Plan
(LaMP). The brochure is targeted at RAP
coordinators, educators, environmental/advocacy
groups and community groups in New York state
so they are able to choose among diverse
materials when promoting New York state
RAPs, the Lake Ontario LaMP and general
Great Lakes issues.
Fish Consumption Advisory Brochure-
NYSDEC in cooperation with NYSDOH has
produced an informational handout advising
specific limits and prohibitions concerning eating
certain Lake Ontario fish. Child bearing women
have been identified as a high risk group and
should particularly heed these warnings.
Keeping up on RAP Information and Progress -
If you would like to receive RAC brochures,
announcements and updated reports about the
Buffalo River RAP, please send your name,
address and specific request to the RAP Coordi-
nator contact person listed below.
Contacts
John McMahon, RAP Coordinator
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation
270 Michigan Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14203-2999
716-851-7070
Barry Boyer, Co-Chair
Remedial Advisory Committee
227 Olean Street
East Aurora, NY 14052
716-645-2052
David Gianturco, Co-Chair
Remedial Advisory Committee
456 Brantwood Dr.
Amherst, NY 14226
716-835-3845
Compiled: September 7,1999
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/bufiFalo/
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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State of New York
Eighteenmile Creek Area of Concern
Background
The Eighteenmile Creek Area of Concern (AOC) is
located in the town of Newfane, Niagara County, in
western New York state. The creek flows from the
south and discharges into Lake Ontario, approxi-
mately 18 miles east of the mouth of the Niagara
River, through Olcott Harbor. The AOC includes
Olcott Harbor at the mouth of the creek and extends
upstream to the farthest point at which backwater
conditions exist during Lake Ontario's highest
monthly average lake level. This point is just down-
stream of the Burt Dam located about two miles
from the harbor. Use impairments along with causes
and sources have been identified through the Reme-
dial Action Plan (RAP) process in a draft RAP
document published in December 1996. In the past,
potential aquatic resource problems have included:
contaminated sediments, contamination of fish,
impacts on benthos and loss of habitat in the lower
reach of the Eighteenmile Creek. Finalization of the
Eighteenmile Creek RAP is being pursued by New
York State Department of Environmental Conserva-
tion (NYSDEC).
A combined final Stage 1 and Stage 2 RAP docu-
ment was completed and published in August 1997.
Currently the RAP is focused on continuing the
investigation and assessment of creek sediments;
evaluating possible sources of PCBs and other
contaminants in the watershed; remediating inactive
hazardous waste sites; correcting combined sewer
overflows (CSOs); and, continuing surveillance
activities. Implementation activities include: continued
trackdown sampling for PCBs; assessment and
remedial considerations for sediment sites such as
the Barge Canal at Lockport and the William Street
Island; an evaluation of potential pollutant sources
within the sewer system in the City of Lockport; and,
continued fish flesh analyses for contamination. An
investigative study of the plankton community has
been initiated by SUNY Brockport. The results of
the study are to be published to establish the status of
the plankton use impairment indicator. A status report
update document was completed in June 2001.
RAP Status
NYSDEC has taken a phased approach to develop-
ment of RAPs for its six AOCs. NYSDEC initiated
RAP development for Eighteenmile Creek with an
initial meeting with the Remedial Action Committee
(RAC) in March 1994. A draft Remedial Action
Plan, that essentially combines Stage One and Stage
Two, was published in December 1996. The final
RAP document will be available soon, with a final
publication date of August 1997. A summary RAP
document has also been published.
RAP Status
0 20 40 60 80 100
Percent Completed
¦* i or path a ipport is mbmhled 1o 1!k-> IJC
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
143
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Beneficial Use Impairments
The RAP identifies three use impairments based on
the fourteen possible International Joint Commission
(IJC) impairments. Four other use impairments are
listed that will require further investigation to deter-
mine the extent of their existence.
The major impairment is restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption, primarily due to PCB and
dioxin contamination. These restrictions are part of a
lakewide advisory for Lake Ontario.
Based on sediment sampling in 1994, contaminated
sediments were evaluated as causing a degradation
of benthos use impairment. Existing restriction on
open lake disposal of dredged material from the
Olcott Harbor and the presence of contaminated
sediments cause the AOC to have a dredging
restrictions use impairment. Degradation of fish,
wildlife and plankton populations and the presence of
tumors, deformities or reproductive problems will
require further investigations.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
This use impairment has been identified as caused by
PCBs and dioxin. The sources include upstream
industrial discharges, inactive hazardous waste sites,
contaminated sediments, air deposition and Lake
Ontario. In the watershed, the ongoing and planned
land-based inactive hazardous waste site remediation
and the comprehensive point source discharge
control program contribute to the restoration and
protection of the beneficial use. The establishment
and implementation of Best Management Practices
(BMPs) for fish, aquatic and wildlife as well as
human health will also benefit the restoration and
protection of this and other beneficial uses.
Degradation of Benthos:
Studies in general indicate that the sediments in the
AOC are less contaminated than those upstream of
it. They also show that in most parts of the AOC the
surface sediments are more contaminated. The most
recent study in 1994 shows higher metals concentra-
tions in surface samples than sediment cores. The
1994 Olcott Harbor Sediment Sampling also evalu-
ated toxicity testing of the sediments and species
makeup of benthic organisms and indicated that
Eighteenmile Creek is slightly to moderately im-
paired.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
Maintenance dredging for recreational boating in the
AOC has been determined to be impaired. Interim
guidance values for sediment contamination for both
the EPA and DEC are exceeded. Pollutants consist
of chromium, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, zinc,
cyanides, mercury and benzo(a)anthracene. Dredged
materials from the mid-point of the harbor area are
unsuitable for open lake disposal.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
June 2001: RAP Status Report Update .
August 1997: RAP and Summary documents
published.
The 1997 RAP document presents a remedial
strategy that includes a variety of remedial
measures: stream water quality monitoring,
contaminated bottom sediment assessment and
action determination, inactive hazardous waste
site remediation, point and nonpoint source
discharge evaluation, combined sewer overflow
assessment, remedial measure implementation
monitoring and fish and wildlife beneficial use
restoration and habitat protection.
Following are some activity highlights relative to RAP
progress and achievements. Eight environmental
program areas are used to describe progress. Concur-
rent with the RAP process, many NYSDEC environ-
mental program activities are in place and progressing
as part of State environmental protection laws and
policies, and therefore are being implemented indepen-
dent of any formal RAP coordination. The RAP
strategies do however make use of all resource
commitments to restore beneficial uses. The challenge
of the RAC is to assure that all stakeholder interests
and concerns have been satisfactorily investigated and
resolved as much as possible. A key to successful
restoration and protection of the AOC is securing
implementation commitments to achieve RAP objectives.
Use Impairments - Ei<
ghteenmile Creek AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
144
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Hazardous Waste Site Remediation (Land-Based):
Many hazardous waste site remediation projects are
occurring in this watershed. These activities reduce
loadings to the receiving waters and benefit the AOC
and Lake Ontario.
Contaminated River Sediments:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency
(U.S. EPA) is developing a proposed management
strategy which is expected to include sediment
criteria. NYSDEC currently uses a 1994 guidance
document. An Eighteenmile Creek/Olcott Harbor
Sediment Study report was conducted in 1994; a
follow-up study is planned to be conducted in 1997.
Point Source Discharge Control:
NYSDEC has developed an Environmental Benefit
Permit Strategy to assist in establishing priority for
renewal modifications of point source discharge
permits based on the identification of environmental/
water quality benefits. A significant reduction in the
mass of contaminants discharged within the drainage
basin by area industries has been achieved by the
installation of improved wastewater treatment
systems, the implementation of best management
practices, the ongoing discharge permit monitoring
and renewal process, the implementation of pollution
prevention measures and hazardous waste site
remediation activities. The city of Lockport is
required to assess combined sewer overflows.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Control:
Excessive nutrients (phosphorus) and sedimentation
(erosion) from agriculture contribute to nonpoint
source pollution problems in the Eighteenmile Creek
Drainage Basin. County Water Quality Management
Strategies have been developed to address nonpoint
source pollution in the watershed. Implementation of
these County Water Quality Management Strategies
and related Best Management Practices (BMPs),
including improvements to stormwater management,
is recommended and is progressing. Various funding
programs (grants) now support and are available to
assist in the implementation of these nonpoint source
pollution control efforts.
NYSDEC's Division of Water has developed nine
guidance document sections for the Management
Practices Catalogue for Nonpoint Source Pollution
Prevention and Water Quality Protection in New
York state.
Fish and Wildlife Assessments/Actions:
Several of the Eighteenmile Creek use impairments
are based on the status of fish and wildlife conditions
and considerations. Available fish and wildlife
investigative information has been reported. A fish
pathology study is needed as well as investigative
study concerning deformity, wildlife populations and
plankton.
Health and Environmental Assessments/Actions:
Maintaining current and useful contaminated fish
consumption advisory information serves to reduce
exposure of user groups. NYSDEC in conjunction
with NYSDOH has prepared updated fish consump-
tion advisory pamphlets to assist with public outreach
and education. The implementation of the fish
consumption advisory information at the local level
and the research necessary to monitor long-term
trends in regard to the advisory will be continued.
Investigations and Monitoring Activities:
An investigation of Plankton Study funded by
USEPA and NYDEC was conducted and a report is
to be published. The study and results are being
prepared by the Research Foundation at SUNY
Brockport.
The results of conducting various investigations
and monitoring activities will be instrumental
toward solving the Eighteenmile Creek AOC use
impairments. Stream and sediment monitoring and
monitoring associated with planned remediation
projects will contribute to the further assessment
of use impairments.
Nonpoint source pollution from agriculture is being
addressed utilizing best management practices
(BMPs) in the Eighteenmile Creek AOC.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
145
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Community Involvement
RAP Public Participation and Outreach:
Regular meetings of the RAC were conducted as
part of the development of the RAP. Implementation
and documentation of RAP activities are planned to
be coordinated through a continued public participa-
tion process. Stakeholders need to be informed of
remedial activities and progress and plans include a
continued outreach effort to address this need.
Presentation of study and remedial activity results
are part of this public participation process. At times,
field trips are to be organized to learn more about the
specifics of a remedial activity and to respond to
committee members interests as necessary. It is
important to provide a periodic status report of the
Eighteenmile Creek AOC to maintain and increase
public awareness about the restoration and protection
activities and needs of this important geographic
area. A promotional brochure and RAP display are
other examples of outreach activities that have been
incorporated into the public participation activities
involving Great Lakes program activities. The RAC
will continue to provide advice and consultation and
foster interest in implementation of remedial mea-
sures that benefit the AOC.
New York State RAP Display:
NYSDEC's Public Participation Section has pro-
duced a New York state RAP display. The purpose
of the exhibit is to introduce the public to Remedial
Action Plans in New York state and to illustrate what
actions are needed and are currently underway to
effectively clean up New York's RAP AOCs. The
display continues to be used at Great Lakes and
RAP functions across the basin.
Niagara County Water Quality Advisory Com-
mittee:
The Niagara County Water Quality Strategy was
prepared by the Niagara County Water Quality
Advisory Committee. The committee works to
coordinate efforts to improve water quality in the
county, especially through the development and
implementation of a strategy to control nonpoint
source water pollution. The Water Quality Advisory
Committee (WQAC) plans to concentrate on
nonpoint source water pollution problems. Nonpoint
sources are seen as a threat or potential threat to
water quality in all of the county's major watersheds.
Sources of nonpoint pollution include: agricultural and
EIGHTEENMILE CREEK
related runoff (fertilizers and pesticides), sedimenta-
tion from erosion, septic system failure and other
runoff from sources such as road salt, leaking
underground storage tanks and other chemical
containers.
Schedule
Meetings:
Remedial Advisory Committee meetings are
conducted quarterly.
Outlook
Implementation of the Eighteenmile Creek RAP is a
continuous improvement process that will include
periodic updates and improvements as knowledge of
the use impairments, sources and the effectiveness
of remedial actions increases in the future. Remedial
actions will be evaluated and coordinated as to the
impacts on restoration of beneficial uses. Within the
AOC and watershed, a number of studies and
assessments will continue to be priorities. These
include fish and wildlife consumption restrictions,
habitat evaluation, sediment investigation and con-
taminant trackdown. Restoring and maintaining an
improved quality of life in the ecosystem of the
Eighteenmile Creek AOC and its watershed is the
goal.
146
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Partners
Research
Atlantic States Legal Foundation
Eighteenmile Creek Remedial Advisory Committee
Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Watershed Protec-
tion Alliance (FL-LOWPA)
Great Lakes Research Consortium
Great Lakes United
Lake Ontario Lakewide Management Plan (LaMP)
Lake Ontario Sportfishing Promotional Council
Local Industries
New York State Canal Corporation
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation
Niagara County and New York State Health
Departments
Niagara County Department of Promotion and
Tourism
Niagara County Government
Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation
District
Niagara County Water Quality Advisory Committee
Sea Grant
Sierra Club
State University of New York (SUNY)
Town of Newfane
Upstate Freshwater Institute
U.S. EPA, Great Lakes National Program
Office (GLNPO)
U.S. EPA, Region 2 - New York City
Funding
U.S. EPA and NYSDEC funding directly supports
conducting Remedial Advisory Committee meetings
and efforts to facilitate the implementation strategies
of the Remedial Action Plan program in New York
There are a number of environmental program .
activities and grant funding opportunities ongoing
and/or available that provide funding to support RAP
strategies and needs. The core environmental
program activities conducted in the various program
areas of water, air, hazardous materials, environmen-
tal remediation and pollution prevention benefit the
cause of RAPs and Great Lakes cleanup efforts.
Many of these funded environmental programs
directly support RAP goals or indirectly serve to
further implement RAP strategies.
See "Research" section, Buffalo River AOC, p. XX
of this publication. The same research initiatives
apply to the Eighteenmile Creek AOC.
Publications
The brochure entitled, RAPs in Action, was
developed to augment the message of the New
York state RAP Display. The brochure provides
more detailed information on remedial activities that
are being implemented to restore and to protect
beneficial uses in New York state's RAP AOCs.
A promotional brochure entitled, Getting the Word
Out, was also developed to provide a description of
public outreach and educational materials (audiovi-
suals, brochures, fact sheets, etc.) produced by
and/or for the RAPs or the Lake Ontario
Lakewide Management Plan (LaMP). The
brochure is targeted at RAP coordinators, educa-
tors, environmental/advocacy groups and commu-
nity groups in New York state so they are able to
choose among diverse materials when promoting
New York state RAPs, the Lake Ontario LaMP
and general Great Lakes issues.
Fish Consumption Advisory Brochure -
NYSDEC in cooperation with NYSDOH has
produced an informational handout advising
specific limits and prohibitions concerning eating
certain Lake Ontario fish. Child bearing women
have been identified as a high risk group and
should particularly heed these warnings.
Contacts
John McMahon, RAP Coordinator
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation
270 Michigan Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14203-2999
716-851-7070
Theodore Belling and Roy Knapp
Co-Chairs of the Eighteenmile Creek RAC
Compiled: September 7,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/eighteenmile.html
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
147
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State of New York
Niagara River Area of Concern
Background
The Niagara River Area of Concern (AOC) is
located in Erie and Niagara counties in western New
York. This AOC extends from Smokes Creek near
the southern end of the Buffalo Harbor, north to the
mouth of the Niagara River at Lake Ontario. Past
municipal and industrial discharges and waste
disposal sites have been a source of contaminants to
the Niagara River. A long history of development has
also changed the original shoreline along much of the
river, affecting fish and wildlife habitat. Habitat
degradation and the survival of aquatic life in the
AOC have been impaired by PCBs, mirex, chlor-
dane, dioxin, dibenzofuran, hexachlorocyclo-hexane,
PAHs, pesticides and in part through fish migration
from Lake Ontario. Metals and cyanides in the
sediment prevent open lake disposal of bottom
sediments dredged from the river. These contami-
nated sediments are a source of use impairments, as
are other likely sources (e.g. inactive hazardous
waste sites, combined sewer overflows and other
point and nonpoint sources, including contamination
originating from discharges within Lake Erie's
watershed). These sources and river shoreline
practices have contributed to the identification of use
impairments for which remedial action is being taken
to restore and protect beneficial uses.
The Remedial Action Plan document, that effectively
combines the Stage 1 and Stage 2 RAP elements,
was completed September 1994. A RAP Status
Report update was published June 2000. The RAP
addresses use impairments, sources, and existing
remediation programs, and recommends future
remedial strategies. Tracking progress in RAP
implementation has three components: plan review/
update; regular progress status reports with workplan
activity identification; and, public participation
coordinated through an advisory committee. A
multiple subcommittee approach was utilized to
address the complexities of RAP implementation
consisting of: a technical group; a public outreach
group; and, an international advisory group. Major
recent activities benefitting the RAP are: a public
information video was completed by the RAC
members, and a $1 million habitat restoration project
for Strawberry Island was funded. The International
Joint Commission has commenced a RAP Status
Assessment of the Area of Concern. A report is to
be developed that will document accomplishments and
findings, and make implementation recommendations.
RAP Status
NYSDEC has taken a phased approach to develop-
ment of RAPs for its six AOCs.
In 1989, a group of interested citizens was appointed
by New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYSDEC) as the Niagara River
Action Committee to help develop the RAP. The
committee comprised 26 environmental, industrial,
sports people, academic, community and local
government representatives. Committee representa-
tives and NYSDEC staff created an Executive
Committee that directed RAP development. The
Executive Committee established RAP goals,
mapped out a workplan, defined responsibilities and
reviewed draft sections of the RAP. The RAP was
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
149
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completed in 1993 and published final in 1994; it
addresses problems, sources, existing remediation
programs and recommends remedial strategies.
Tracking progress in implementation of the RAP will
have three components: plan review/update; periodic
status reports with workplans for planned activities;
and public participation, primarily through an advisory
committee. NYSDEC has appointed a twelve-
member Remedial Advisory Committee (RAC)
representing government officials, public and eco-
nomic interest groups and private citizens to advise
and assist NYSDEC in implementing the RAP.
RAP Status
Stage*
,/\ \ \ y\ \
Restoration of Beneficial Uses
/X V -Av~
Implementation
2 yv ./v
1
1
Problem Definition
0 20 40 60 80 100
Percent Completed
* For each stage, a report « submitted to the IjC
Beneficial Use Impairments
The Remedial Action Plan (RAP) identifies five use
impairments based on the fourteen possible Interna-
tional Joint Commission (IJC) impairments. Two
other use impairments are listed that will require
further investigation to determine the extent of their
existence. The major impairment is restrictions on
fish and wildlife consumption, primarily due to PCB
and dioxin contamination. Mirex and chlordane also
are chemicals of concern contributing to the con-
sumption restriction use impairment. These restric-
tions are part of a lakewide advisory for Lake
Ontario. Based on the presence of contaminated
sediment pockets at certain tributary mouths and
nearshore areas, the sediments were evaluated as
contributing to a degradation of benthos use impair-
ment at these areas. Existing restriction on open lake
disposal of contaminated sediments from the Niagara
River cause the AOC to have a dredging restrictions
use. In the upper Niagara River, fish tumors have
been reported and the loss of fish and wildlife habitat
due to human activities has been dramatic. Degrada-
tion of fish and wildlife populations and the presence
of bird or animal deformities or reproductive prob-
lems will require further investigations.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Restrictions on fish consumption have been identified
as primarily caused by PCBs and dioxin contamina-
tion. Elevated levels of mirex and chlordane also are
of concern in contributing to this use impairment.
These restrictions are part of a lakewide advisory for
Lake Ontario fish. The sources include upstream
industrial discharges, inactive hazardous waste sites,
contaminated sediments and air deposition. In the
watershed, the ongoing and planned inactive hazard-
ous waste site remediation and the comprehensive
point source discharge control program contribute to
the restoration and protection of the beneficial use.
The establishment and implementation of Best
Management Practices (BMPs) for fish, aquatic and
wildlife as well as human health will also benefit the
restoration and protection of this and other beneficial
uses.
The New York State Department of Health
(NYSDOH) issues fish consumption advisories
based on fish sampling data collected by the Depart-
ment of Environmental Conservation. Concentrations
of chemicals found in the fish are compared to the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) allow-
able tolerance levels for food and to New York state
criteria for the protection of human health. When
high levels of contaminants are found, consumption
advisories are issued by the NYSDOH to alert
fishermen to the potential adverse health impacts of
eating contaminated fish.
Based on data quantifying contaminant levels in fish
tissue, specific fish consumption advisories have
been issued in the Niagara River and its tributaries.
The fish species that are listed for these waters have
contaminant levels that exceed federal food stan-
dards or state human health criteria and are de-
scribed in the RAP document. Most fish taken from
these waters contain elevated contaminant levels. To
minimize potential adverse health impacts, the
NYSDOH recommends that women of childbearing
age, infants and children under the age of fifteen not
eat fish from these waters.
No wildlife consumption advisory exists specific to
the Niagara River, although a statewide waterfowl
consumption advisory has been issued to "eat no
150
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Use Impairments - Niagara River AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Fish tumors or other
deformities
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
mergansers since they are the most heavily contami-
nated waterfowl species" and to limit consumption of
other waterfowl to two meals per month.
Fish Tumors or Other Deformities:
Fish tumors and other deformities have been re-
ported to be above the natural background level in
localized study areas in the upper Niagara River.
This indicator therefore demonstrates an impairment
which has been related, at least in part, to poly-
nuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the river
sediments.
Brown bullheads caught in the nearby upstream
Buffalo River appear to have a high prevalence of
liver and skin tumors. Scientists who have studied the
Buffalo River fish are convinced that the tumor
incidence is well above the level expected from
natural causes. A study by Black showed that
extracts of Buffalo River sediments induce fish
tumors. Freshwater drum collected in 1981 from a
site downstream of the Black Rock Canal in the
Niagara River were shown by Black to have inci-
dences of skin tumors significantly higher than levels
found in fish from reference sites in Lake Erie.
Additional research is necessary to more compre-
hensively address the question of the extent of this
impairment indicator in the Niagara River.
Degradation of Benthos:
Due to its swift current, the main channel of the
Niagara River does not contain substantial deposits
of the fine-grained sediments required as habitat by
benthic macroinvertebrates; therefore, this impair-
ment indicator does not apply to the main channel of
the Niagara River. The impairment is caused by
chemical contaminants that exist in localized sedi-
ment pockets at certain tributary mouths and
nearshore areas. Sediment samples in these areas
indicate the presence of contaminants. Laboratory
test of organisms that live on or directly above
sediments also indicate toxicity.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
When contaminants in sediments proposed for
dredging exceed certain levels established by
United States Environmental Protection Agency
(U.S. EPA), or criteria used by NYSDEC, there
are restrictions placed on how and where such
dredge material may be disposed. Because
sediments in the Buffalo Harbor and Black Rock
Canal (which is in the AOC) are contaminated
and must be periodically dredged to maintain
commercial navigation, open lake disposal of the
dredge material is prohibited. This restriction consti-
tutes a use impairment in the AOC.
Along the mainstream of the Niagara River the
bottom is generally scoured due to high flow veloci-
ties. Sediment accumulation is limited to the low
velocity nearshore areas and at the mouth of the
Niagara River in Lake Ontario. Two such areas, the
Bird Island-Riverside and the Tonawanda-North
Tonawanda segments, exceed dredging guidelines. In
both of these segments, dredging for commercial
navigation is not required due to the high flow
velocity of the river which precludes sediment
deposition in the main channel.
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
The loss of fish and wildlife habitat on the upper
Niagara River due to human activities has been
dramatic. This loss has impaired use of the river and
its shoreline for fishing and the observation, study,
photography and hunting of wildlife. It is likely that
habitat loss has contributed to the degradation of fish
and wildlife populations. Small dams and other
barriers to fish migrations have rendered large
sections of Niagara River tributaries unavailable for
spawning and nursery activities by Lake-based and
river-based migratory fishes.
Wetlands adjacent to the river were an integral part
of the Niagara River ecosystem, providing spawning
and nursery areas for certain fish species and
feeding, breeding, rearing and resting areas for many
birds, semi-aquatic mammals, reptiles and amphib-
ians. Because of physical disturbances, much of
these wetlands has been loss. The Tifft Street area in
Buffalo was segmented and largely filled to accom-
modate industrial and railroad development. The
marsh around Rattlesnake Island and numerous small
and shallow bays have been filled for development,
and some are now the locations of hazardous waste
landfills. River water diversion and roads have
contributed to the apparent dewatering of the
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
151
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marshes and the elimination of deepwater plant
species. The second largest marsh presently on the
river, located on the east side of Beaver Island State
Park, has been degraded as habitat for waterfowl,
marsh birds and muskrats by the invasion of an alien
plant, purple loosestrife.
A large variety of species still utilize remaining
habitats. Opportunities exist to restore extirpated
species provided suitable habitats are protected and
restored. Use of the river ecosystem by fish, wildlife
and both migrating and resident birds can be pre-
served and encouraged with restoration and protec-
tion of remaining wetland and shallow water habitats.
8
I
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
June 2000: RAP Status Report Update.
September 1994: Final RAP and Summary
documents published.
The 1994 RAP document presents a remedial
strategy that includes a variety of remedial measures:
stream water quality monitoring, contaminated
bottom sediment assessment and action determina-
tion, inactive hazardous waste site remediation, point
and nonpoint source discharge evaluation, combined
sewer overflow assessment, remedial measure
implementation monitoring and fish and wildlife
beneficial use restoration and habitat protection.
The RAP represents a comprehensive and focused
corrective action strategy to: remediate contaminated
sediments and hazardous waste sites; continue and
enhance monitoring activities; continue point and
nonpoint source control programs; and, improve fish
and wildlife habitat.
Following are some activity highlights relative to
RAP progress and achievements. Eight environmen-
tal program areas are used to describe progress.
Concurrent with the RAP process, many NYSDEC
environmental program activities are in place and
progressing as part of State environmental protection
laws and policies, and therefore are being imple-
mented independent of any formal RAP coordination.
The RAP strategies do however make use of all
resource commitments to restore beneficial uses.
The challenge of the RAC is to assure that all
stakeholder interests and concerns have been
satisfactorily investigated and resolved as much as
possible. A key to successful restoration and protec-
tion of the AOC is securing implementation commit-
ments to achieve RAP objectives.
Hazardous Waste Site Remediation (Land-Based):
Many hazardous waste site remediation projects are
occurring in this watershed. These activities reduce
loadings to the receiving waters and benefit the AOC
and Lake Ontario. A listing of inactive hazardous
waste sites and the status of their remedial progress
is provided in Chapter 7 of the Niagara River RAP
document. Remedial action has been completed at a
number of large sites along the Niagara River and its
tributaries.
Contaminated River Sediments:
EPA and DEC have overseen the remediation of
embayment sediments along the Niagara River.
Contaminated sediments in embayment areas have
been identified as sources of impairments in the river.
Three embayment locations, the mouth of the Pettit
Flume, 102nd Street embayment and the mouth of
Gill Creek have been remediated. Monitoring and
determinations of further remedial activities are
needed.
U.S. EPA is developing a proposed management
strategy which is expected to include sediment
criteria that would allow decisions to be made
relative to the likely environmental impacts of
contaminated sediments. NYSDEC currently uses a
1994 guidance document. Sediment data indicate the
presence of a wide variety of organic and inorganic
contaminants in sediments from the Buffalo Harbor,
the Black Rock Canal, the Bird Island-Riverside
nearshore area, the Tonawanda Channel nearshore
area, the Wheatfield-Upper River nearshore area
and the Lower Niagara River nearshore area.
Analyses of core samples from the sediment bar at
the mouth of the Niagara River show a significant
decrease in contaminants over the past twenty years.
152
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Point Source Discharge Control:
NYSDEC has developed an Environmental Benefit
Permit Strategy to assist in establishing priority for
renewal modifications of point source discharge
permits based on the identification of environmental/
water quality benefits. A significant reduction in the
mass of contaminants discharged within the drainage
basin by area industries has been achieved by the
installation of improved wastewater treatment
systems, the implementation of best management
practices, the ongoing discharge permit monitoring
and renewal process, hazardous waste site
remediation activities and the implementation of
pollution prevention measures.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Control:
Excessive nutrients (phosphorus) and sedimentation
(erosion) from agriculture activities contribute to
nonpoint source pollution problems in the Niagara
River drainage basin. County Water Quality Man-
agement Strategies have been developed to address
nonpoint source pollution in the watershed. Imple-
mentation of these County Water Quality Manage-
ment Strategies and related Best Management
Practices (BMPs), including improvements to
stormwater management, is recommended and is
progressing. Various funding programs (grants) now
support and are available to assist in the implementa-
tion of these nonpoint source pollution control efforts.
NYSDEC's Division of Water has developed nine
guidance document sections for the Management
Practices Catalogue for Nonpoint Source Pollution
Prevention and Water Quality Protection in New
York state.
Fish and Wildlife Assessments/Actions:
Several of the Niagara River AOC use impairments
are based on the status of fish and wildlife conditions
and considerations. Available fish and wildlife
investigative information has been reported. A fish
pathology study is needed as well as investigative
studies concerning deformity and fish and wildlife
populations.
Health and Environmental Assessments/Actions:
Maintaining current and useful contaminated fish
consumption advisory information serves to reduce
exposure of user groups. NYSDEC in conjunction
with NYSDOH has prepared updated fish consump-
tion advisory pamphlets to assist with public outreach
and education. The implementation of this fish
consumption advisory at the local level and the
research necessary to monitor long-term trends in
regard to the advisory will be continued.
Investigations and Monitoring Activities:
The results of conducting various investigations and
monitoring activities will be instrumental toward
resolving the Niagara River AOC use impairments.
Stream monitoring and monitoring associated with
planned remediation projects will contribute to further
assess use impairments. Water quality is determined
by comparing the concentrations of pollutants in the
water column (water collected without disturbing
bottom sediments) with numerical standards and
guidance values (concentrations above which desired
uses are likely to be impaired). Although some
exceptions have been noted, water quality generally
meets New York state standards and guidance
values for Class A-Special waters.
Ongoing water quality monitoring in the Niagara
River helps assess beneficial use impairments.
In accordance with the Niagara River Toxics
Management Plan and the four-party Declaration of
Intent (1987), Canada, the United States, New York
state and the Province of Ontario have developed an
upstream/downstream water quality monitoring
program involving the collection of water and
suspended solids samples at the head (Fort Erie) and
the mouth (Niagara-on-the-Lake) of the Niagara
River. The purpose of the program is to estimate
input loadings of specific metals and organic chemi-
cals to the Niagara River from Lake Erie and output
loadings to Lake Ontario. State-of-the-art sampling
and analytical methods capable of quantifying the
presence of chemicals at very low concentrations
are being used. Water quality samples are collected
weekly by Environment Canada at the two stations.
Statistical methods are applied to give annual mean
concentrations of each chemical at both ends of the
river.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
153
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Community Involvement
RAP Public Participation and Outreach:
Regular meetings of the RAC were conducted as
part of the development of the RAP. Implementation
and documentation of RAP activities are planned to
be coordinated through a continued public participa-
tion process. Stakeholders need to be informed of
remedial activities and progress and plans include a
continued outreach effort to address this need.
Presentation of study and remedial activity results
are part of this public participation process. At times,
field trips are to be organized to learn more about the
specifics of a remedial activity and to respond to
committee members interests as necessary.
It is important to provide a periodic status report of
the Niagara River AOC to maintain and increase
public awareness about the restoration and protection
activities and needs of this important geographic
area. A promotional brochure and RAP display are
other examples of outreach activities that have been
incorporated into the public participation activities
involving Great Lakes program activities. The RAC
will continue to provide advice and consultation and
foster interest in implementation of remedial mea-
sures that benefit the AOC. The Niagara River
Action Committee prepared a chapter in the RAP on
land use along the river in an effort to proactively
make recommendations related to future develop-
ment.
New York State RAP Display:
NYSDEC's Public Participation Section has pro-
duced a New York state RAP display. The purpose
of the exhibit is to introduce the public to RAPs in
New York state and to illustrate what actions are
needed and are currently underway to effectively
clean up New York's RAP AOCs. The display
continues to be used at Great Lakes and RAP
functions across the basin.
Niagara County Water Quality Advisory Com-
mittee:
The Niagara County Water Quality Strategy was
prepared by the Niagara County Water Quality
Advisory Committee. The committee works to
coordinate efforts to improve water quality in the
county, especially through the development and
implementation of a strategy to control nonpoint
source water pollution. The Water Quality Advisory
Committee (WQAC) plans to concentrate on
nonpoint source
water pollution
problems.
Nonpoint
sources are
seen as a
threat or
potential threat
to water quality
in all of the
county's major
watersheds.
Sources of
nonpoint pollution include: agricultural and related
runoff (fertilizers and pesticides), sedimentation from
erosion, septic system failure and other runoff from
sources such as road salt, leaking underground
storage tanks and other chemical containers.
Schedule
Meetings:
Remedial Advisory Committee meetings are
conducted quarterly.
Outlook
Implementation of the Niagara River RAP is a
continuous improvement process that will include
periodic updates and improvements as knowledge of
the use impairments, sources and the effectiveness
of remedial actions increases in the future. Remedial
actions will be evaluated and coordinated as to the
impacts on restoration of beneficial uses. Within the
AOC and watershed, a number of studies and
assessments will continue to be priorities. These
include fish and wildlife consumption restrictions,
habitat evaluation, sediment investigation and con-
taminant trackdown. Restoring and maintaining an
improved quality of life in the ecosystem of the
Niagara River and its watershed is the goal. Two
RAPs are being written for the Niagara River AOC;
NYSDEC has taken the lead in publication of the
RAP for the New York state portion. Canadian
jurisdictions are responsible for the RAP concerning
the Ontario side of the river. In November 2000, the
International Joint Commission (IJC) will start to
conduct a Status Assessment of this Area of Con-
cern.
NIAGARA RIVER,
NEW YORK
154
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Partners
Research
Atlantic States Legal Foundation
Cities of Niagara Falls and Buffalo
Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Watershed Protec-
tion Alliance (FL-LOWPA)
Great Lakes Research Consortium
Great Lakes United
Lake Ontario Lakewide Management Plan (LaMP)
Lake Ontario Sportfishing Promotional Counci 1
Local Industries
New York State Canal Corporation
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation
Niagara County and New York State Health
Departments
Niagara County Department of Promotion and
Tourism
Niagara County Government
Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation
District
Niagara County Water Quality Advisory Committee
Niagara River Remedial Advisory Committee
Sea Grant
Sierra Club
State University of New York (SUNY)
Upstate Freshwater Institute
U.S. EPA, Great Lakes National Program
Office (GLNPO)
U.S. EPA, Region 2 - New York City
Funding
U.S. EPA and NYSDEC funding directly supports
conducting Remedial Advisory Committee meetings
and efforts to facilitate the implementation strategies
of the Remedial Action Plan program in New York
There are a number of environmental program
activities and grant funding opportunities ongoing
and/or available that provide funding to support RAP
strategies and needs. The core environmental
program activities conducted in the various program
areas of water, air, hazardous materials, environmen-
tal remediation and pollution prevention benefit the
cause of RAPs and Great Lakes cleanup efforts.
Many of these funded environmental programs
directly support RAP goals or indirectly serve to
further implement RAP strategies.
See "Research" section, Buffalo River AOC, p. XX
of this publication. The same research initiatives
apply to the Niagara River AOC.
Publications
The brochure entitled, RAPs in Action, was developed
to augment the message of the New York state RAP
Display. The brochure provides more detailed informa-
tion on remedial activities that are being implemented
to restore and to protect beneficial uses in New York
state's RAP AOCs.
A promotional brochure entitled, Getting the Word
Out, was also developed to provide a description of
public outreach and educational materials (audiovisual,
brochures, feet sheets, etc.) produced by and/or for the
RAPs or the Lake Ontario Lakewide Management
Plan (LaMP). The brochure is targeted at RAP
coordinators, educators, environmental/advocacy
groups and community groups in New York state.
Fish Consumption Advisory Brochure -NYSDEC in
cooperation with NYSDOH has produced an informa-
tional handout advising specific limits and prohibitions
concerning eating certain Lake Ontario fish. Child
bearing women have been identified as a high risk
group and should particularly heed these warnings.
Contacts
John McMahon, RAP Coordinator
NY State Department of Environmental Conservation
270 Michigan Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14203-2999
716-851-7070
Bonnie Soley, Co-Chair
Niagara River Remedial Advisory Committee
4321 Niagara Rapids Blvd.
Niagara Fall, NY 14305
716-285-8726
Niagara River Anglers Association
160 Schoelles Road
Amherst, NY 14228
PH: 716-688-8087
Compiled: September 7,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/niagara.html
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
155
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State of New York
Oswego River Area of Concern
Background
The Oswego River/Harbor Area of Concern (AOC)
is located on the southeastern shore of and is
centered in the City of Oswego, New York. The
AOC includes the harbor area and the lower seg-
ment of the Oswego River up to the Varick power
dam. The harbor itself is characterized as a multiple-
use resource and over 1.2 million people live in the
drainage basin. The Oswego River watershed
includes the Finger Lakes, industries, municipalities,
and extensive areas of farmland and forest that
expand an area of over 5,000 square miles. The
Oswego River is second only to the Niagara River in
size as a tributary to Lake Ontario. Upstream
pollutants are known to have traveled through the
river and harbor, and impacted the Lake Ontario
ecosystem, thereby forming the basis for the Area of
Concern designation.
The New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYSDEC) initiated public input into
the development of the Oswego River RAP in 1987
with the establishment of an advisory committee.
The 1990 Stage 1 RAP identified use impairments
and their causes and sources. The main impairments
for the RAP Area of Concern (AOC) involve fish
consumption restrictions and the degradation of fish
habitat. The 1991 Stage 2 RAP identified remedial
actions to restore beneficial uses and to eliminate
adverse impacts to Lake Ontario.
A comprehensive RAP Update was published in
1996 and includes results of: a fish pathology study,
Oswego River and harbor water quality and sedi-
ment investigations, remedial activity progress, and
delisting criteria. A1998 workshop accomplished its
objective to obtain an improved understanding of
these study results and to better define the next steps
and actions needed to restore and to protect the
Oswego River AOC. The importance and close
relationships of addressing the habitat impairment as
part of resolving the Varick power dam relicensing
and addressing the consumption restrictions as part
of the Lake Ontario Lakewide Management Plan
were identified.
Workshop proceedings, including comments and
recommendations, were published along with a RAP
Update in 1999. Results of that workshop address
the use impairment indicators and establish the
supporting data, strategy, and rationale for the
preparation of a Stage 3 document.
RAP Status
Recent efforts of the Remedial Advisory Committee
have focused on the development of a strategy and
endpoints to address the use impairment indicators in
the preparation of a Stage 3 delisting document. The
supporting data and rationale are provided to resolve
the impairments and describe that desired beneficial
uses have been achieved by the RAP to the maxi-
mum extent practicable. Through remedial action and
studies we now know that the designated area is no
longer an Area of Concern contributing to Great
Lake's use impairments and that the Oswego RAP
has accomplished what it can within the AOC. The
RAP substantiates that the water quality is not
impaired. The remaining issues are therefore actually
part of the resolution strategy of more inclusive
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
157
-------
management plan activities. Within the Area of
Concern, achieving the endpoints for the habitat and
fish consumption impairments is being addressed
respectively by the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commissions (FERC) power dam relicensing
process and the Lake Ontario Lakewide Manage-
ment Plan (LaMP).
HAP Status
0 20 40 60 80 100
Percent Completed
* For each itage. a report if- submitted to the IJC
Beneficial Use Impairments
The Stage One RAP confirmed four use impairments
and determined five others require further investiga-
tion to ascertain the extent of their existence. The
remaining five indicators were identified as not
impaired. A table identifying these beneficial use
impairments is provided and is followed by a descrip-
tion of each, including the International Joint
Commission's (IJC) Use Impairment Indicators
resolution strategy.
In Stage 1, the major impairment is identified as
restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, prima-
rily due to PCB contamination. These restrictions are
part of a larger lakewide advisory for Lake Ontario.
The loss of fish and wildlife habitat, caused by
periodic low flow conditions below the Varick power
dam, is known to contribute to the degradation of fish
populations. Eutrophication and reported algal blooms
have been attributed to excess phosphorus from
municipal discharges, combined sewer overflows
(CSOs) and agricultural runoff. Other contaminants
of concern include dioxin and mirex. However, in
early 2002, the eutrophication use impairment has
been delisted.
In Stage 2, remedial strategies were identified and
activities developed and implemented to address
impairments and to restore / protect beneficial uses.
Investigations were conducted to better understand
the extent of any impairment. In the watershed,
hazardous waste site remediation, CSO correction,
discharge reductions, andnonpoint source remedial
measures have all contributed to significantly reduce
and eliminate causes and sources of pollution to the
Area of Concern and Lake Ontario. Resolution
strategies for the IJC indicators are provided below:
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
This use impairment is identified as caused by PCBs,
mirex and dioxin. The sources are not in the Area of
Concern and include upstream industrial discharges,
inactive hazardous waste sites, contaminated sedi-
ments, air deposition, and Lake Ontario. The imple-
mentation of municipal and industrial corrective
actions regarding point and nonpoint sources of
pollutants in upstream communities as well as the
correction of combined sewer overflows in Oswego
has contributed greatly to the reduction of pollutants
entering the environment. Remedial actions associ-
ated with Onondaga Lake continued to mitigate the
nonpoint source pollution threat to the AOC and
Lake Ontario. The expanded implementation of Best
Management Practices (BMPs) in the watershed to
address fish, aquatic, wildlife, and human health
concerns benefits the restoration and protection of
this and other beneficial uses in the Area of Concern.
The desired endpoint is the removal of the fish
consumption advisory. The lakewide fish consump-
tion advisory, on which the identification of this use
impairment in the Area of Concern is based, war-
rants the larger Lake Ontario Lakewide Manage-
ment Plan (LaMP) as the appropriate responsible
environmental program initiative to provide the forum
for the ultimate resolution of the consumption
restrictions impairment.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
This use impairment is predominately due to dry river
areas created below the Varick power dam. The
resulting decreased fish habitat is considered a cause
of the fish population impairment. The physical
disturbance created by the presence and operation of
the power dam are the main cause of the impair-
ment. The degradation of fish and wildlife popula-
tions use impairment indicator is closely linked to the
habitat loss use impairment indicator discussed
below. Remedial actions associated with the require-
ments of relicensing of the Varick power dam are to
address the fish population use impairment as well as
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Use Impairments - Oswego River AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Degradation of fish and
wildlife populations
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
the habitat impairment. The desired endpoint is to
have fish populations substantially similar to refer-
ence communities. The degree of the restoration of
the fish habitat and populations is directly related to
the decision on the maintenance of sufficient river
flow during fish spawning season. The proposed
"run-of-river" can be expected to completely satisfy
any restoration need. A lesser flow is expected to
provide somewhat of a lesser degree of restoration.
Regardless, the FERC license is the appropriate
responsible environmental program initiative to
provide the solution and forum for the ultimate
resolution of the fish population and habitat impair-
ments.
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
Closely related to the degradation of fish and wildlife
populations indicator above, this use impairment is
also predominately due to dry river areas created
below the Varick dam and the resulting decreased
fish habitat and associated fish population loss. The
physical disturbance created by the presence and
operation of the power dam are the main cause of
the impairment. Remedial actions associated with the
requirements of relicensing of the Varick power dam
are to address the fish habitat use impairment as well
as the population impairment. The desired endpoint,
as identified by the Remedial Advisory Committee, is
to have no restricted use of fish habitat from flow or
contamination. The requirements of the power dam
relicensing (long-term license), on behalf of the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
with input from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.and
NYSDEC, will therefore establish the long term
conditions addressing the use impairments. The
power dam relicensing is the appropriate responsible
environmental process to provide the solution and
forum for the ultimate resolution of the fish popula-
tion and habitat impairments. Representation in the
process has been achieved, and further action by the
Remedial Advisory Committee and the RAP is not
warranted.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
May 1999: Workshop Summary and RAP
Update document
June 1998: Conducted two-day RAP Workshop
April 1997: Oswego River Sediment Study
Report
December 1996: Comprehensive RAP Update
June 1995: RAP Update Summary
April 1995: Oswego Harbor Fish Pathology
Report
December 1994: Oswego Harbor Survey report
completed
March 1994: Fisheries Enhancement Plan Report
June 1992: RAP Update
June 1991: Stage Two RAP document
February 1990: Stage One RAP document
The 1998 Two-Day Workshop achieved its objective
to obtain an improved understanding of study results
and to better define the next steps and needed
actions to restore and protect the beneficial uses of
the Oswego River AOC. Following are some activity
highlights relative to RAP progress and achieve-
ments. Nine environmental program areas are used
to describe progress. Concurrent with the RAP
process, many NYSDEC environmental program
activities are in place and progressing as part of
State environmental protection laws and policies, and
therefore are being implemented independent of any
formal RAP coordination. The RAP strategies do
however make use of all resource commitments to
restore beneficial uses. The challenge of the RAC
has been to assure that all stakeholder interests and
concerns have been satisfactorily investigated and
resolved as much as possible. A key to successful
restoration is securing implementation commitments
to achieve RAP objectives.
Hazardous Waste Site Remediation (Land-Based):
Many hazardous waste site remediation projects are
occurring in this large (5000 square mile) Oswego
River watershed. These activities reduce loadings to
the receiving waters and benefit the AOC and Lake
Ontario. At the Columbia Mills site, storage tanks
and sewer remediation has been completed and the
landfill is capped. A four thousand foot length of
dredged material along the banks of Ley Creek is to
be removed to address PCB contamination. Miller
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
159
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Brewing has completed measures to address the
City of Fulton's water supply. The restoration of
Onondaga Lake and its effect on the Oswego
River system continues to make progress as
surrounding sites are remediated and the Syracuse
Metropolitan municipal discharge is addressed.
Remediation of the Volney Landfill is progressing.
The Clay Town Landfill cap is being corrected.
The Clothier site and Fulton Terminals remediation
projects have been completed.
Contaminated River Sediments:
The United States Environmental Protection
Agency (U.S. EPA) has developed a contaminated
sediment management strategy that is expected to
eventually include sediment criteria. NYSDEC
currently uses an earlier guidance document. The
Oswego River Sediment Study report was completed
in April 1997. This report addresses ten areas of
investigation. Follow-up investigation has been
conducted in the Oswego River to include the
location of Battle Island near the Armstrong facility
below Fulton. In the event a hazardous waste
discharge issue is identified at an upstream potential
source, appropriate action will be taken by the
designation of a hazardous waste remediation site.
Point Source Discharge Control:
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYSDEC) has developed an Environ-
mental Benefit Permit Strategy to assist in establish-
ing priority for renewal modifications of point source
discharge permits based on the identification of
environmental/water quality benefits. A significant
reduction in the mass of PCBs and other contami-
nants discharged within the Oswego River drainage
basin by area industries (primarily stormwater and
site related) has been achieved by the installation of
improved wastewater treatment systems, implemen-
tation of best management practices and hazardous
waste site remediation activities. With the implemen-
tation of the Great Lakes Water Quality Guidance
[or Great Lakes Initiative (GLI)] in New York State,
we can expect more stringent permit discharge limits
with primary emphasis on parameters identified as
bio-accumulative chemicals of concern (BCCs).
New York's current Environmental Bond Act has
already provided funds to the City of Oswego for the
correction of combined sewer overflows (CSOs)
which is proceeding in 5 phases.
Streams without conservstion buffers run higher risks of
stresmbank erosion, contamination with farm chemicals,
and sedimentation, as weJ as offer no habitat for wildlife.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Control:
Excessive nutrients ^phosphorus) and sedimentation
(erosion) from agriculture are believed to be the main
nonpoint source polhi:ion problems in the Oswego
River Drainage Bas n. County Water Quality Man-
agement Strategies lave been developed to address
nonpoint source polkrion. Implementation of these
County Water Quality Management Strategies and
related BMPs, incluiiig improvements to stormwater
management, is recommended and is progressing.
Various funding programs (grants) now support and
are available to assist in the implementation of these
nonpoint source pollution control efforts. NYSDEC's
Division of Water has developed nine guidance
document sections fof the Management Practices
Catalogue forNonpoLnt Source Pollution Prevention
and Water Quality Frotection in New York State.
The Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation
District (OCSWCD i has provided a lead role in
applying for grant moneys and implementing nonpoint
source corrective actions in the county.
Air Pollution Control:
Air pollution remecia strategy call for the reduction
of contaminant emissions from the major industrial
facilities. The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
require air discharges to comply with Maximum
Achievable Control Technology (MACT) limits.
When further developed, NYS Air Standards are to
require treatment beyond MACT to be phased in
over a period of time. The Oswego County and
Onondaga County waste incinerators are two
facilities that will involve further investigation con-
cerning their air discharges involving dioxin. New
York State has put Together a comprehensive pro-
gram to improve air quality and to bring the State into
160
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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compliance with the 1990 federal Clean Air Act
Amendments (CAAA). The amendments address
chronic air pollution and require states to bring their
air quality into compliance with federal standards by
specific dates. Substantial new obligations to control
urban smog, acid rain, toxic pollution and pollution
from smokestacks are required to be implemented
under meaningful, and often rigorous timetables.
States that fail to meet these obligations will be
subject to federally-imposed economic sanctions.
Fish and Wildlife Assessments/Actions:
Key use impairment indicators in the Oswego RAP
are based on the status of fish and wildlife conditions
and considerations. Some fish and wildlife investiga-
tive information has been reported; other investiga-
tions remain unfunded. A fish pathology study
conducted by Cornell University found little evidence
of impairment of fish health by contaminants in the
Oswego River harbor. Fish consumption restrictions
and habitat impairments are known; however,
contaminant levels are below those causing an
increase in fish tumors or other abnormalities.
Routine fish monitoring studies provide significant
protection for the establishment of advisories.
Results of fish and wildlife investigation, environmen-
tal monitoring and habitat restoration and protection
activities in and around the Oswego River Area of
Concern have been developed as part of remedial
planning actions. Funding for investigative studies is
very limited. The results of the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing process
involving Varick power dam are to address many of
the fish habitat and population concerns for the RAP.
Health and Environmental
Assessments/Actions:
Maintaining current and useful
contaminated fish consump-
tion advisory information
serves to reduce exposure of
user groups. NYSDEC in
conjunction with NYSDOH
has prepared updated fish
consumption advisory pam-
phlets to assist with public
outreach and education.
Additional funding to assist
with providing improved
communication of the fish
consumption advisory at the
local level and to continue
research necessary to monitor long-term trends in
regard to the larger lakewide advisory would be
beneficial. Addition funds would also be useful to
further conduct human health assessments particu-
larly in larger management planning activities.
Investigations and Monitoring Activities:
The results of conducting various investigations and
monitoring activities have been instrumental toward
resolving the Oswego River Area of Concern use
impairments. Some monitoring plans are part of
other environmental program activities (e.g. hazard-
ous waste site remediation) and the larger Lake.
Ontario Lakewide Management Plan (LaMP). The
development and implementation of these plans are
subject to regulatory review, approval and limited
resources for funding. Although the goal is to
encourage the ecosystem approach, project money
may very well have specific requirements attached
that limit the benefits to the Remedial Action Plan.
The Oswego RAP has been fortunate in that a
number of investigative and monitoring study results
contribute to resolving use impairment in the AOC.
Community Involvement
RAP Public Participation and Outreach:
Conducting quarterly meetings of the Remedial
Advisory Committee (RAC) throughout the develop-
ment and implementation of the all three stages of
the RAP Process has been a remedial activity. A
number of measures have been taken to improve
communication have been conducted including:
development of a Slide Show and display to increase
public awareness, use of
pamphlet and newsletter, RAP
documents, and a workshop. It
is important that the RAP
process and other responsible
parties continue to keep
stakeholders informed of
remedial activities / progress
and continue to provide a
means for local concerns to be
expressed and addressed. Next
step activities involve plans to
conduct presentation of RAP
plans and strategies at organi-
zations' meetings. A review
process is planned for the draft
Stage 3 document in 2002.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
161
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Slide Show:
A slide show has been produced for the Oswego
River RAP . The purposes of the slide show are
to provide information about the Oswego River
Area of Concern, local industries and the cultural
diversity of the area, and also, to increase public
awareness and involvement in the Oswego River
Remedial Action Plan. The slide show is approxi-
mately 15 minutes in length and is suitable for
community groups, high school classes and other
interested organizations and individuals that want
to learn more about the Oswego River RAP and
how to get involved. Conversion to a video is a
possibility; this was done with the Massena RAP
slide show. The slide show encourages RAP partici-
pation and stewardship activities.
New York State RAP Display:
NYSDEC's Public Participation Section has pro-
duced a New York State RAP display. The purpose
of the exhibit is to introduce the public to Remedial
Action Plans in New York State and to illustrate
what actions are needed and are currently underway
to effectively clean up New York's RAP Areas of
Concern. The display continues to be used at Great
Lakes and Remedial Action Plan functions across
the basin.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) relicensing process:
Part of the relicensing process of hydroelectric
power facilities along the Oswego River is to address
the fish and wildlife habitat and population concerns
of the RAP.
Remedial Advisory Committee (RAC) Activities:
In addition to periodic meetings, the RAC has
produced and distributed a RAP poster and bumper
stickers, participated in Harborfest Celebrations and
Fulton River Days, conducted a public information
survey and involved the local news media.
This sediment at the bottom of a long slope is the result of
severe sheet and rill erosion on highly erodible soils. The
field had no protection against soil erosion.
Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation
District:
OCSWCD strives to address nonpoint sources of
pollution in the county. Invasive species control
including aquatic plants and weeds is a priority in the
Oswego River. Nonpoint sources are seen as a
threat or potential threat to water quality in all of the
county's major watersheds. Sources of nonpoint
pollution include: agricultural and related runoff
(fertilizers and pesticides), sedimentation from
erosion, septic system failure and other runoff from
sources such as road salt, leaking underground
storage tanks and other chemical containers.
Schedule
Meetings:
Remedial Advisory Committee meetings are
conducted at least quarterly.
Local watershed planning and action committee
meetings occur more frequently.
Outlook
Oswego County Water Quality Advisory Committee:
The Oswego County Water Quality Strategy was
prepared by the Oswego County Water Quality
Advisory Committee. The committee works to
coordinate efforts to improve water quality in the
county, especially through the development and
implementation of a strategy to control nonpoint
source water pollution. The Water Quality Advisory
Committee (WQAC) plans to concentrate on
nonpoint source water pollution problems.
Implementation of the Oswego River RAP is a
dynamic, continuous improvement process that has
included periodic updates and improvements as
knowledge of the use impairments, sources, and
remedial action has progressed. Remedial activities,
including physical construction, investigations,
management plans, and public participation, have
been evaluated and coordinated as to their impacts
on the restoration of beneficial uses. Within the Area
of Concern, watershed, Lake Ontario, and reference
162
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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communities, studies and assessment have assisted in
identifying and acting on priorities. The priorities
have included fish and wildlife consumption restric-
tions, habitat evaluation and resolution, sediment
investigation, aesthetics assessment, and contaminant
track down activities. Restoring and maintaining an
improved quality of life in the ecosystem of the
Oswego River Area of Concern and its watershed is
a goal that much progress has been made towards
achieving.
The Oswego River RAP Workshop Summary and
the most recent RAP Update documents describe an
improved understanding of study results relating to
the Area of Concern and define the next step
activities to restore and protect the Oswego River
AOC. Key results and further evaluation by the
Remedial Advisory Committee have determined that
the RAP has accomplished all it can towards resolv-
ing the indicators. Responsible parties and actions
have been identified to further address the beneficial
uses as part of larger management planning activi-
ties. Specifically, the Lake Ontario Lake wide Man-
agement Plan (LaMP) will address the fish con-
sumption advisory, and the Federal Energy Regula-
tory Commission's (FERC) relicensing of the Varick
power dam will address the fish habitat and popula-
tion concerns.
As the final draft of the Stage 3 Delisting document
for the Oswego RAP is prepared a number of
review activities are planned to accompany this
Stage 3 RAP process including: public involvement
and information activities, peer review, regulatory
review, responsiveness summary preparation, and
formal delisting proceedings. Future efforts of the
Remedial Advisory Committee will focus on the
public involvement and information activities.
"0
c
o
<
o
Partners
Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
Atlantic States Legal Foundation
City of Fulton
City of Oswego
Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Watershed Protec-
tion Alliance (FL-LOWPA)
Great Lakes Research Consortium
Great Lakes United
Lake Ontario Lakewide Management Plan
(LaMP)
Lake Ontario Sportfishing Promotional Council
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation
New York State Canal Corporation
Niagara Mohawk Corporation
Onondaga County
Oswego County and New York State Health
Departments
Oswego County Department of Planning and
Community Development
Oswego County Department of Promotion and
Tourism
Oswego County Government
Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation
District
Oswego County Water Quality Advisory Com-
mittee
Oswego County Water Quality Coordinating
Committee
Oswego Port Authority
Oswego River Remedial Advisory Committee
Oswego Waterfront Revitalization Program
Sea Grant of SUNY Oswego
Sierra Club of Syracuse, NY
State University of New York (SUNY) at
Oswego
Upstate Freshwater Institute
U.S. EPA, Great Lakes National Program
Office (GLNPO)
U.S. EPA, Region 2 New York City
Public involvement and information sharing is key to
RAP implementation.
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163
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Funding
U.S. EPA and NYSDEC funding directly supports
conducting Remedial Advisory Committee meetings
and efforts to facilitate the implementation strategies
of the Remedial Action Plan program in New York
There are a number of environmental program
activities and grant funding opportunities ongoing
and/or available that provide funding to support RAP
strategies and needs. The core environmental
program activities conducted in the various program
areas of water, air, hazardous materials, environmen-
tal remediation and pollution prevention benefit the
cause of RAPs and Great Lakes cleanup efforts.
Many of these funded environmental programs
directly support RAP goals or indirectly serve to
further implement RAP strategies.
Research
See "Research" section, Buffalo River AOC, p. XX
of this publication. The same research initiatives
apply to the Oswego River AOC.
Publications
The brochure entitled, RAPs in Action, was developed
to augment the message of the New York state RAP
Display. The brochure provides more detailed informa-
tion on remedial activities that are being implemented
to restore and to protect beneficial uses in New York
state's RAP AOCs.
A promotional brochure entitled, Getting the Word
Out, was also developed to provide a description of
public outreach and educational materials (audiovisuals,
brochures, fact sheets, etc.) produced by and/or for the
RAPs or the Lake Ontario Lakewide Management
Plan (LaMP). The brochure is targeted at RAP
coordinators, educators, environmental/advocacy
groups and community groups in New York state.
The brochure entitled, The Oswego River
Remedial Action Plan - Past Present and
Future, was developed to summarize the RAP
process as it is being implemented in the Oswego
River Area of Concern. The role of citizen
committees and public participation activities are
provided as well as the status of the Oswego
RAP.
The Watershed Watch is an annual newsletter
that is dedicated to increasing awareness about
water quality and RAP issues in the Oswego
River Area of Concern. To keep people in-
formed, the Watershed Watch articles address
the plans and progress of remedial activities,
local economic development projects and
stewardship initiatives. The newsletter is pro-
duced by the New York Department of Environ-
mental Conservation and the Oswego River
Remedial Advisory Committee.
Fish Consumption Advisory brochure -
NYSDEC in cooperation with NYSDOH has
produced an informational handout advising
specific limits and prohibitions concerning eating
certain Lake Ontario fish. Child bearing women
have been identified as a high risk group and
should particularly heed these warnings.
DePinto, J., J. Hassett, M. Velleux, and S.
Burns. 1995. A Screening-Level Mass Balance
Analysis of Mirex Transport and Fate in the
Oswego River. Journal of Great Lakes Re-
search Report. 17 pp.
NYSDEC. 1992. Rotating Intensive Basin
Studies. Water Quality Assessment Program
1989-90 Biennial Report. Seneca-Oneida-
Oswego Rivers Basin, pg. 67-82.
NYSDOH, USATSDR, Health Consultation
for the Armstrong Cork Landfills. Summary
Report 1996. 49 pp.
Oswego County Water Quality Coordinating
Committee Strategy. Committee Report. 1992.
Oswego County Planning Board. 1992. Oswego
River Scenic Assessment. 56 pp.
Spitsbergen, Jan. Report on Neoplasia and
Other Lesions in Fish from the Oswego
Harbor AOC, Sampled 1993-94. Technical
Report 1995. 20 pages plus data.
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Contacts
Bob Townsend, RAP Coordinator
NYSDEC, Division of Water
Bureau of Watershed Management
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-3508
518-457-9603
Fax: 518-402-9029
retownse@.gw.dec.state.nv.us
Karen Noyes, Committee Chair
Oswego County Department of Planning and
Community Development
46 East Bridge Street
Oswego, NY 13126
315-349-8292
Benjamin Manton, RAC Facilitator
Central New York Regional Planning and Develop-
ment Board
126 N. Salina St, 100 Clinton Square, Suite 200
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-422-8276
Compiled: September 7,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/oswego.html
Art Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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State of New York
Rochester Embayment Area of Concern
if
Background
The Rochester Embayment is an area of Lake
Ontario formed by the indentation of the Monroe
County (New York) shoreline between Bogus Point
in the town of Parma and Nine Mile Point in the
town of Webster, both in Monroe County. The
northern boundary of the embayment is delineated by
the straight line between these two points. The
southern boundary includes approximately 9.6 km (6
miles) of the Genesee River that is influenced by
lake levels, from the river's mouth to the Lower
Falls. The drainage area of the embayment is more
than 7,770 km2 (3,000 square miles) in area. This
area consists of the entire Genesee River Basin and
parts of two other drainage basins; the easternmost
area of the Lake Ontario West Basin and the
western-most area of the Lake Ontario Central
Basin.
Monroe County Department of Health takes the lead
role in implementing the RAP. Oversight committees
plan, implement, and track progress. The focus of the
new committee actions are: lawn care education,
pollution prevention for auto recyclers, maximizing
phosphorus removal at small wastewater treatment
plants, creation of a water quality education collabo-
rative organization, and establishment of a phospho-
rus loading goal. Activities completed or already
underway that contribute to RAP implementation
include: three watershed planning projects; point and
nonpoint source pollution abatement projects; exten-
sive combined sewer overflow abatement; mercury
pollution prevention project including two outstanding
publications; monitoring activities; and, educational
efforts. An Addendum to the RAP was published in
1999 to update and report on remedial measures,
studies, and monitoring methods. Considerable
progress has been made in establishing delisting
criteria and monitoring needs to address impaired
uses. A status report update document was published
in March 2001.
RAP Status
Among the six AOCs in New York, the Rochester
Embayment RAP is unique in that it was developed
by Monroe County, under contract with the New
York State Department of Environmental Conserva-
tion (NYSDEC). The Monroe County Department of
Health, Bureau of Water Quality Planning, has led
this effort in coordinating the RAP process and
writing the RAP documents. Throughout the planning
process, it has been recognized that public participa-
tion is critical in order to insure community support
for the RAP. The RAP has established a sound base
to proceed with an ecosystem approach to achieve
restoration of beneficial uses. NYSDEC has pro-
vided assistance in the process and, in conjunction
with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.
EPA), has also provided partial grant funding to
facilitate RAP development.
A RAP Technical Group was established in 1988 to
guide the writing of the Stage One RAP that was
researched and actually written by a consultant
team. In 1993, the RAP Technical Group was folded
into a County Water Quality Coordinating Committee
that took on the role of guiding the writing of the
Stage Two RAP. Stakeholder groups were also
involved in the writing, with the primary advisory
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
167
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group being Monroe County's Water Quality Man-
agement Advisory Committee (WQMAC). Public
input and participation were accomplished through
WQMAC. A Government Policy Group consisting of
elected officials was also involved in reacting to
Stage One policy level issues related to the RAP.
Work on the Stage Two RAP was led by the Monroe
County Department of Health and has been com-
pleted. The final Stage Two RAP document was
completed in 1997. A Stage Two Addendum was
published in 1999.
RAP Status
0 20 40 60 SO 100
Percent Completed
* S-or each itage, a report is iubmilted lo the iJC
Beneficial Use Impairments
The Stage One RAP confirmed the existence of
twelve use impairments and identified two other use
impairments that will require further investigation to
determine their presence. Because the Area of
Concern (AOC) was evaluated for use impairments
in two separate portions, the lower river and the
embayment, some use impairments have been
identified in one or both of the portions: either the
Lower Genesee River and/or the Rochester
Embayment.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Consumption restrictions for Lake Ontario fish are
due to PCBs, mirex, and dioxin. Consumption
restrictions for wild waterfowl are due to PCB's,
mirex, chlordane, and DDT. The sources include past
agricultural and residential use, inactive hazardous
waste sites, contaminated sediments, air deposition
and Lake Ontario. The land-based inactive hazardous
waste site remediation and accelerated PCB removal
will contribute to the restoration and protection of the
beneficial use. The New York State Department of
Health (NYSDOH) annually issues "Health Advisories
for Chemicals in Sportfish and Game."
Tainting of Fish and Wildlife Flavor:
The status of this use impairment is unknown. A
proposed study, "Verify whether fish in the AOC
have a chemical flavor or odor," is described in the
Stage Two RAP in Section 4.1. The use of an angler
survey is proposed. One potential cause of this use
impairment is the presence of Phenols.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
This use impairment is based solely on an identified
impact on Mink in the AOC. The impairment is
unknown for other species. The absence of mink
near Lake Ontario may be caused by PCBs in their
fish diet. Sources of PCBs are past usage, disposal
sites, contaminated sediment, and atmospheric
deposition.
Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive
Problems:
This impairment is tied to the impairment identified
for the "Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Popula-
tions" indicator. Fish have been found in the Lake
and Genesee River with PCB levels known to cause
reproductive failure in mink that eat the fish.
Degradation of Benthos:
Impairment in the lower Genesee River has been
identified; however, it is unknown for the Rochester
Embayment. Sediment tests in 1990 using the
burrowing mayfly indicated that the sediments in the
lower river fit into the "moderately polluted" cat-
egory. Sediment tests in 1992 and 1993 using the
sideswimmer, red midge, water fleas and a commer-
cial culture indicated generally low toxicity to these
organisms. Further study and assessment is needed
to better quantify the status of this use impairment
indicator and determine what remedial measure(s) is
appropriate. Lake Ontario data is also needed.
Possible causes of impairment are metals, fuel oil,
PCBs, and other sediment toxics.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
The identified impairment is based on the request by
Monroe County and NYSDEC that the Army Corps
of Engineers restrict overflow dredging in the
Rochester Harbor. Restrictions on overflow dredging
are needed because of the concern for oxygen
depletion, fecal coliform, ammonia and the re-
suspension of contaminants which impact the nearby
public beach as well as fish and wildlife habitat.
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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years, the beach has been closed for one-quarter
to one-half of the beach season due primarily to
the promotion of fecal coliform bacteria grown in
rotting algae. Another contributor to beach clos-
ings is turbidity.
Degradation of Aesthetics:
The current impaired status of this use impairment
is due to the presence of algae, turbidity, litter,
dead fish and chemical seeps at the lower falls.
Added Cost to Agriculture & Industry:
An impairment has been identified due to zebra
mussels. Zebra mussels in Lake Ontario and the
lower Genesee River have resulted in extra water
treatment cost for industrial and municipal water
users, agriculture, residences and golf courses.
Use Impairments - Rochester Embayment AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Degradation of fish and
wildlife populations
V Bird or animal deformi-
ties or reproductive
problems
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Eutrophication or
undesirable algae
V Restrictions on drinking
water consumption, or
taste & odor
V Beach closings
V Degradation of aesthetics
V Degradation of phytoplank-
ton and zooplankton
populations
V Added cost to agriculture
and industry
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae:
This use impairment has been identified as caused by
excessive nutrients (phosphorus) attributable to
wastewater treatment facilities, agricultural runoff,
atmospheric deposition, on-site sewage disposal
systems, and stormwater runoff. Upstream nonpoint
source contributions were quantified in the Stage I
RAP. The nearshore areas of Lake Ontario experi-
ence massive blooms of "Cladophora" and "Spiro-
gyra" algae. When the algae accumulates along and
on the shore, it promotes the growth of coliform
bacteria as it decomposes.
Restrictions on Drinking Water Consumption,
or Taste & Odor:
Although there are no restrictions on drinking treated
water anywhere in the Rochester Embayment
watershed, there are occasional taste and odor
problems with treated drinking water, primarily in late
summer. Evidence of this comes from occasional
reports to the Monroe County Water Authority of
taste and odor in water drawn from Lake Ontario (in
the embayment) and treated. The identified causes
are algae, turbidity and temperature changes.
Beach Closings & Recreational Access:
Beach closings occur in the AOC. Ontario beach,
just west of the mouth of the Genesee River, was
closed from 1967 until 1976 because it could not
meet public health standards for fecal coliform
bacteria. Since 1976, the beach has been open unless
unacceptable water quality is predicted. In recent
Degradation of Phytoplankton & Zooplankton
Populations:
Impairment in the lower Genesee River has been
identified; the impairment status in the Rochester
Embayment is unknown. Data provided by
NYSDEC indicates that one type of zooplankton has
shown chronic toxicity at some sites in the Genesee
River. The primary cause is believed to be the
eutrophication caused by excess phosphorus from
point and nonpoint sources. Lake Ontario data are
also needed.
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
Loss of habitat is due to the filling of wetlands,
deforestation, agriculture and urban/suburban
development. Long-term monitoring and assessment
of this use impairment indicator will be needed.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
March, 2001: RAP Status Report Update
Spring, 1999:1999 RAP Addendum published
including new remedial measure analysis and
recommendations.
September, 1997: Monroe County publishes final
Stage Two RAP document
July, 1997: Monroe County and NYSDEC agree
to final Stage Two RAP content based on
comments from the WQMAC and the WQCC.
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169
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RAP Milestones: (continued)
June, 1997: WQMAC completes its review of
the Stage Two RAP
April, 1997: Stage Two RAP Public Meeting and
Implementation Workshop completed
January, 1997: Final Draft Stage Two RAP
document completed
August, 1993: Stage One RAP document
completed
Efforts to restore the Rochester Embayment build on
the pioneering efforts of Monroe County and the
Pure Waters Sewer Districts in pollution control
facilities and water resources planning. Planning and
implementation of many remedial/preventive mea-
sures have been conducted independent of RAP
recommendations and will continue to proceed
simultaneously as Stage Two strategies are ad-
vanced. Presented below are some summaries of
implementation activities that are contributing to the
restoration of beneficial uses in the Rochester
Embayment AOC.
Comprehensive Watershed Planning:
Prior to RAP initiation, a watershed plan was
already developed and being implemented in the
Irondequoit Basin watershed that flows to the
Embayment. This effort has been used as a
model for RAP recommendations.
Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreements are
deemed imperative to implement watershed
planning. Monroe County has entered agree-
ments with four towns to work together in
managing stormwater and other water quality
issues. Monroe county has received grants to
111
Stormwater management is a central issue in Monroe County
and the Rochester Embayment AOC.
cost-share with municipalities the conversion of
stormwater management ponds originally
designed for drainage control, to also address
water quality. Two intermunicipal agreements
are also being negotiated with groups of local
governments to work together on watershed
issues.
Point Source Pollution Abatement and Prevention:
The Rochester Pure Waters District (operated by
Monroe County) has developed and implemented a
Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Program
(CSOAP) consisting of 48 km (30 miles) of under-
ground storage tunnels to intercept combined sewer
overflows before they enter the Rochester
Embayment and the Genesee River. The volume of
combined sewage that would have been previously
discharged to waterways untreated but was con-
veyed to the VanLare Wastewater Treatment facility
via the CSOAP system during 1992 and 1993 was 15
million m3 (4 billion gallons) and 11 million m3 (2.9
billion gallons), respectively. The expanded and
upgraded VanLare facility, as well as industrial
dischargers, have also initiated many Best Manage-
ment Practices (BMPs).
Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement and
Prevention:
A Stormwater Management Specialist (SMS)
initially funded by a two-year grant from the
Great Lakes Commission is now funded by
Monroe County. The specialist presents educa-
tional programs and recommends appropriate
plans and remedial measures to municipalities,
developers and property owners on construction
site erosion, sediment control and stormwater
management. The SMS works out of, and
receives guidance from, the Monroe County Soil
and Water Conservation District. The SMS has
been able to bring a greater awareness of the
need to reduce erosion and the pollution it
causes. A few municipalities have adopted
stricter stormwater regulations and, with the
enactment of General State Pollution Discharge
Elimination System permits by NYSDEC for
construction site stormwater runoff, more
guidance has been sought by consultants and
local governments.
Agricultural BMPs are actively promoted by the
Natural Resources Conservation Service, County
Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the
Consolidated Farm Service Agency and Cornell
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Cooperative Extension, as well as agribusiness.
Erosion control plans for highly erodible cropland
in counties in the watershed have been devel-
oped to keep soil erosion within tolerable limits.
An Integrated Crop Management Program has
been initiated to further reduce the use and
off-site movement of nutrients and pesticides.
NYSDEC has developed a Water Quality
Enhancement and Protection Policy which
includes discharge restriction categories,
regulations, antidegradation policy and sub-
stance ban policy. Further enhancements are
expected as a result of implementing U.S.
EPA Great Lakes Initiative.
Pollution Prevention:
With a grant from the U.S. EPA, the Monroe
County Health Department and the University
of Rochester's medical center and dental
centers conducted a mercury pollution prevention
project. The University facilities served as an
example to show how the use of mercury in
hospitals can be greatly reduced and how
amalgam recycling in dental offices can be
implemented. An educational program was
carried out for hospitals and dental offices in the
Rochester Embayment watershed. A how-to
manual for hospitals and a booklet and poster for
dental offices were prepared. The dental booklet
and poster have been distributed throughout a
six-county area. The hospital manual has been
requested by EPA regions, hospitals, states, and
Canadian provinces.
One of the task groups that was formed as a
. result of the RAP has undertaken a pollution
prevention project for small business. The small
business chosen for its first effort is the auto
recycling industry. Another task group is helping
small wastewater treatment plants find low-cost
ways to reduce their discharges of phosphorus.
Investigations and Monitoring Activities:
The Stage Two RAP identifies studies required to
complete the identification of use impairments and to
describe the pollutant sources (Chapter 4) as well as
monitoring and surveillance activities needed to track
the effectiveness of remedial measures and confirm
the restoration and protection of beneficial uses
(Chapter 9). Some specific investigations include
evaluating the health of benthos in the Rochester
Embayment, identifying the contaminants that affect
the benthos in the Lower Genesee River, studying
erosion along the Genesee River, studying if the
plankton populations are impaired and determining
whether fish have a chemical flavor, odors, or tumors.
Streambank erosion, if allowed to get this severe, can
threaten crops as well as water quality.
Hazardous Waste Site Remediation:
Current and past practices of industrial waste
disposal in the watershed will be assessed by
NYSDEC as to the impacts on use impairments. A
multi-media ecosystem approach will be used.
Inactive hazardous waste site remedial activities, as
conducted by private parties and government
agencies in the watershed, contribute to the restora-
tion and protection of beneficial uses.
Air Pollution Control:
Reduction of air pollutants can contribute to the
restoration and protection of beneficial uses in the
AOC. NYSDEC's airpollution control remedial
strategy is to reduce contaminant emissions from
industrial facilities and incinerators which exceed
existing and new federal and state control standards.
New York State has put together a comprehensive
program to improve air quality and to bring the State
into compliance with the 1990 federal Clean Air Act
Amendments (CAAA). The amendments address
chronic air pollution and require states to bring their
air quality into compliance with federal standards by
specific dates. Substantial new obligations to control
urban smog, acid rain, toxic pollution and pollution
from smokestacks are required to be implemented
under meaningful, and often rigorous timetables.
States that fail to meet these obligations will be
subject to federally-imposed economic sanctions.
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Fish and Wildlife Assessments/Actions:
Monroe County's Irondequoit Bay Oxygen
Supplementation Project is a water quality/
habitat enhancement project, and is an extension
of the Clean Lakes (314) Phase II alum treat-
ment project, which sufficiently reduced phos-
phorus recycling to make this step feasible. The
goal is to improve the control of phosphorus by
both chemical processes (increased oxygen will
enhance the natural system of adsorption/
precipitation with iron oxides) and biological
means (reduced phosphorus deposition through
algal harvesting by fish). Currently the bay is not
meeting the mesotrophic target set in the
County's Irondequoit Basin Water Quality
Management Plan. To restore and enhance fish
stocks (e.g. rainbow trout and brown trout) in
Irondequoit Bay, introduction of oxygen into the
deep waters will both accelerate natural ecosys-
tem recovery and cause an immediate improve-
ment in fisheries habitat. The goal is to establish
a mean oxygen concentration of 5 mg/L (mini-
mum of 4 mg/L) within the depth zone where
temperature is favorable (between 10 and 20
degrees Celsius, which is generally within the
metalimnion during summer), thus creating the
conditions needed for cold water fish to maintain
residency in the bay.
Intensive biological monitoring of the lower
Genesee River performed by NYSDEC during
1992 and 1993 suggests improvements in the
aquatic ecosystem. Highly valued fishes such as
walleye and smallmouth bass were common at
most sampling stations. Multi-aged populations of
several fish species indicated that the fish kills,
so common for several decades, are no longer
occurring. Chemical monitoring depicted much
improved dissolved oxygen levels in the lower
river. Sections of the lower river may serve as
spawning and nursery areas for Lake Ontario
resident smallmouth bass. When river water
temperatures cool (late September through
May), thousands of large salmonids ascend the
river to the Lower Falls. These anadromous trout
and salmon migrations attract fishermen from
throughout the northeast.
The Lake Ontario portion of the Rochester
Embayment also supports an exciting salmonid
fishery whose development began in the early
1970s and peaked during the late 1980s. The
majority of the fishery is dependent upon stocked
salmonids, except that the contribution of
naturally produced rainbow trout may be signifi-
cant. Rapid fish growth is directly related to the
abundance of alewife and smelt, non-native prey
fish that entered the Great Lakes from the
Atlantic Ocean via New York's canal system.
Health and Environmental Assessments/Actions:
Maintaining current and useful contaminated fish
consumption advisory information serves to reduce
exposure of user groups. The Monroe county
WQMAC published English and Spanish language
pamphlets on the fish consumption advisory. Distri-
bution of these pamphlets targets high risk popula-
tions who rely on fish for sustenance. NYSDEC in
conjunction with NYSDOH has prepared updated
fish consumption advisory pamphlets to assist with
public outreach and education.
Community Involvement
RAP Public Participation and Outreach:
Considerable public outreach and education efforts
have been taken and will continue to be taken in the
future to engage all stakeholders in the RAP pro-
cess. Major efforts to date include: the staffing of
one advisory committee; the production of a fish
consumption advisory pamphlet that is currently
being distributed to people at greatest risk and
education in the schools. The county Water Quality
Management Agency has made its annual report
available in a slide show format with an information
pamphlet and a two-part video series on local water
quality has been developed. Task groups to imple-
ment four RAP priority actions have been formed.
The task groups are advancing projects for lawn
ROCHESTER EMBAYMENT
Monroe
County
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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care education, reduction of phosphorus discharges
from small wastewater treatment plants, the creation
of a water education organization, and small business
pollution prevention. Past task groups have focused
on the following activities: getting information to the
public through the media; getting information to the
public through presentations to schools and adult
groups; designing and implementing an "adopt a
stream" program; distributing a fish pamphlet that
was developed as part of the Stage One RAP;
establishing a permanent water quality display at the
zoo and pursuing special projects such as conducting
a conference on endocrine disrupters.
New York State RAP Display:
NYSDEC's Public Participation Section has pro-
duced a New York State RAP display. The purpose
of the exhibit is to introduce the public to RAPs in
New York State and to illustrate what actions are
needed and are currently underway to effectively
clean up New York's RAP AOCs. The display
continues to be used at Great Lakes and RAP
functions across the basin.
Rochester Embayment RAP Newsletter:
The newsletter "Watershed" is being published twice
a year as part of implementation activities. The
content reports on, and promotes, RAP activities
within the basin including restoration, protection,
water quality issues, remedial measures progress and
stewardship activities.
Rochester Embayment RAP Display:
This display explains to citizens what a RAP is and
features many programs being conducted. The
display and accompanying brochures are brought to
area festivals, science fairs, schools and other
events.
Water Quality Management Advisory Commit-
tee (WQMAC) Activities:
The WQMAC, through the continued cooperation of
various sectors of the community, conducts the
following activities:
Proactively advises the Monroe County Water
Quality Management Agency (WQMA) and the
New York State DEC on RAP implementation;
Advises the WQMA on County water quality
issues; and
Assists in the implementation of approved
programs and encourages other to do so.
In addition to periodic meetings, the Monroe County
WQMAC members participate on task groups
implementing priority remedial measures and over-
sight committees proposing delisting criteria and
measuring RAP progress.
Public Meetings / Workshops:
After completion of the draft Stage One and Stage
Two RAP documents, public meetings were con-
ducted to solicit feedback from a large cross-section
of the community. A public meeting and follow-up
workshop for RAP implementation were completed
in April 1997. At the workshop, participants agreed
on five RAP actions that would be initiated after 1997.
Other Public Outreach:
Community Water Watch
Monroe County coordinates a citizen stream monitor-
ing program and conducts training year-round.
Volunteer "stream teams" select a stream to monitor
for a minimum of 2 years and collect data each
season. For information call (716) 274-8441.
Water Education Task Group
It is recognized that many agencies currently conduct
water education as part of their regular program-
ming. A committee has formed to plan and start up a
local collaborative of private, nonprofit, and govern-
ment agencies to promote and implement water
education activities in the RAP watershed. Funding is
being sought to hire a coordinator to start up the
collaborative.
Great Lawns / Great Lakes Program
Monroe County has planned a program for residents
to educate them on how lawn fertilizers and other
pesticides effect water quality. The program will
involve soil testing and analysis, workshops, personal
consultation by a Master Gardener, and tracking. The
one year pilot program is intended to begin in the
spring of2000 pending funding.
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173
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Schedule
Meetings:
Water Quality Management Advisory Committee
(WQMAC) meetings are conducted as needed.
Water Quality Coordinating Committee (WQCC)
meetings are conducted monthly for technical
reviews.
Four Implementation Task Groups have been
formed to advance new priority remedial mea-
sures.
Four oversight committees have been formed to
establish delisting criteria and track progress.
Outlook
The final draft Stage Two RAP document was
completed in January, 1997. The Stage Two RAP
was published in September of 1997. A revised
ranking of the pollutants of concern, based on a
number of adverse effect concerns and linked to use
impairments and loading considerations, is included.
Based on a ranking committee process and a work-
shop conducted in April 1997, remedial measures
have been prioritized for implementation. Five priority
measures have been selected for initial implementa-
tion. Task groups have formed to advance 4 of the 5
selected remedial measures. The 5th Task Group will
begin meeting in Fall 1999. A key component of all
RAPs, as is the case with the Rochester
Embayment, is the identification and securing of
funding and resources necessary to conduct remedial
strategies. The partnerships formed by the task
groups have been pursuing project funding.
Partners
City of Rochester
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County
Counties in the Genesee River/ Rochester
Embayment Watershed
Eastman Kodak Company and other industries in
the watershed
Finger Lakes - Lake Ontario Watershed Protec-
tion Alliance (FL-LOWPA)
Great Lakes Research Consortium
Monroe County Department of Environmental
Services
Monroe County Department of Health
Monroe County Department of Parks
Monroe County Department of Planning and
Development
Monroe County Department of Transportation
Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District
Monroe County Water Quality Coordinating
Committee
Monroe County Water Quality Management
Agency
Natural Resources Conservation Service
New York State Canal Corporation
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation
Rochester Gas and Electric Company
Rochester Institute of Technology
Sea Grant
Sierra Club
State University of New York (SUNY) at
Brockport
U.S. EPA, Great Lakes National Program
Office (GLNPO)
U.S. EPA, Region 2 - New York City
Genesee / Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council
University of Rochester
US Army Corps of Engineers
US Geological Survey
The Nature Conservancy
Rochester Area Community Foundation
Funding
Monroe County funding directly supports staffing of
Advisory Committee task group, and oversight
committee meetings that facilitate the implementation
strategies of the Rochester Embayment RAP.
Although there is currently no direct RAP funding
dedicated solely to implement specific projects, there
are numerous environmental program activities and
grant funding opportunities ongoing and/or available
that could provide funding to support RAP strategies
and needs. The core NYSDEC environmental
program activities conducted in the various program
areas of water, air, hazardous materials, environmen-
tal remediation and pollution prevention benefit the
cause of RAPs and Great Lakes cleanup efforts.
Many of these funded environmental programs
support RAP goals or indirectly serve to further
implement RAP strategies.
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Research
See "Research" section, Buffalo River AOC, p. XX
of this publication. The same research initiatives
apply to the Rochester Embayment AOC.
Publications
The brochure entitled, RAPs in Action, was developed
to augment the message of the New York state RAP
Display. The brochure provides more detailed informa-
tion on remedial activities that are being implemented
to restore and to protect beneficial uses in New York
state's RAP AOCs.
A promotional brochure entitled, Getting the Word
Out, was also developed to provide a description of
public outreach and educational materials (audiovisuals,
brochures, feet sheets, etc.) produced by and/or for the
RAPs or the Lake Ontario Lakewide Management
Plan (LaMP). The brochure is targeted at RAP
coordinators, educators, environmental/advocacy
groups and community groups in New York state.
A fact sheet was developed by Monroe county
to summarize the RAP process as it is being
implemented in the Rochester Embayment AOC.
The role of citizen committees and public
participation activities is explained.
The Watershed is a newsletter that is dedicated
to increasing awareness about water quality and
RAP issues in the Rochester Embayment AOC.
The newsletter contains articles that describe
remedial actions and stewardship activities
throughout the six-county watershed.
Fish Consumption Advisory Brochure - Monroe
County in cooperation with NYSDOH has
produced an informational handout advising
specific limits and prohibitions concerning eating
certain Lake Ontario fish. Child bearing women
have been identified as a high risk group and
should particularly heed these warnings.
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation. 1992. Rotating Intensive Basin
Studies. Water Quality Assessment Program
Biennial Report 1989-1990. Genesee River
Basin, pg. 55-66.
NYSDEC. The 1996 Priority Waterbodies List
for The Genesee River Basin. 1996.
NYSDEC. Trends in Water Quality of Selected
Rivers in New York state (Based on Long-
Term Routine Network Data. 1995. pg. 45-52.
NYSDEC. 20. Year Trends in Water Quality of
Rivers and Streams in New York state (Based
on Macroinvertebrate Data 1972-1992).
1993. pg.55-63.
NYSDEC. Lower Genesee River Study (Phase
II-Final Report Summary of 1992, 1993 and
1994 Resultsj. 1995.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Genesee River Watershed Study. U.S. EPA-
905/9-91-005A. Volumes I, II, III and IV. 1991.
Lowie, C., E. Kozuchowski, and E.A. Poole.
Fisheries Enhancement Plan for the Genesee
River, A Tributary to Lake Ontario. Adminis-
trative Report No. 94-02. USFWS, Lower Great
Lakes Fishery Resources Office, Amherst, NY.
1994.62 pp.
Rochester Embayment RAP including Appendi-
ces, Executive Summary, and 1999 Addendum.
Mercury pollution prevention how-to manual:
"Reducing Mercury Use in Health Care, Pro-
moting a Healthier Environment"
Dental booklet and poster: "Prevent Mercury
Pollution: Use Best Management Practices for
Amalgam Handling and Recycling"
Community Water Watch manual for "Adopt-a-
Stream" program.
Contacts
Margy Peet, RAP Coordinator
Monroe County Department of Health
P.O. Box 92832, Room 962
Rochester, NY 14692-8932
716-274-8442 - (M. Peet)
716-274-8440 - (M. Brazda)
Bob Townsend
NYS DEC Division of Water
Bureau of Watershed Management
Great Lakes and Estuaries Section, RAP Coordinator
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-3508
518-457-9603
Fax: 518-402-9029
retownse@gw.dec.state.nv.us
Compiled: September 7,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/rochester.html
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
175
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State of New York
St. Lawrence River Area of Concern
Background
The St. Lawrence River at Massena Remedial
Action Plan (RAP) addresses an Area of Concern
(AOC) within the legal boundaries of New York
state. The AOC begins above the dams at the
Massena Village water intake and follows the river
downstream to the international boundary. The AOC
also includes portions of the Grasse, Raquette and St.
Regis Rivers. The Canadian portion of the AOC
includes non-United States waters from the Moses-
Saunders Power Dam to the eastern outlet of Lake
St. Francis. Contaminants from past local area
industrial waste handling practices have created
inactive hazardous waste sites which are being
remediated. Sources and causes of use impairments
in the Massena AOC and are identified in the RAP.
It is expected that the large area remediation projects
will contribute significantly to the restoration and
protection of beneficial uses in the AOC. Once the
required remediation is completed (total costs will
likely exceed one billion dollars) a reassessment of
the status of several use impairments will be con-
ducted. Environmental monitoring will play an
important role in verifying that delisting criteria have
been achieved.
A comprehensive RAP Update document was
published in April 1995 which established a format to
identify remedial strategies and track progress.
Priority strategies involve completing the land-based
and contaminated river sediment remediation, con-
ducting further investigations, and reassessing use
impairment status in light of remedial progress and
additional study results. The current RAP Status
Report published May 2000, identifies remedial
progress and strategies. Significant progress has
been made with land-based remediation at the
ALCOA (west) and Reynolds Metals (now ALCOA
east) sites as well as with the contaminated sediment
removal in the St. Lawrence River at General
Motors. Further dredging of the St. Lawrence River
at the old Reynolds Metal (ALCOA east) site is
currently proceeding on schedule. Cleanup require-
ments now provide for contaminated dredged
materials to be removed from the property instead of
receiving on-site treatment and disposal. Because of
the international aspect of this RAP, an evaluation of
the possible transboundary effects associated with
downstream interests and jurisdictions is an impor-
tant consideration for this connecting channel Area
of Concern. International cooperation has been
fostered by the completion of a Stage 1 Binational
Summary, a joint monitoring statement, and the
current development of delisting criteria for the
AOC. An annual ecosystem conference is con-
ducted each Spring to maintain information sharing
for this important St. Lawrence River area. Funding
opportunities are under development for the St.
Lawrence River Aquarium and Ecological Center
(SLAEC) as well as the Binational St. Lawrence
River-Lake Ontario Research Initiative (SLRLO).
Both of these initiatives are expected to contribute to
and benefit the education, research, and economic
interests, and the Remedial Action Plan process for
the Massena area. The International Joint Commis-
sion has commenced a RAP Status Assessment of
the Area of Concern. A report is to be developed
that will document accomplishments and findings and
make implementation recommendations.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
177
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RAP Status
Beneficial Use Impairments
As the lead agency for developing and implementing
the St. Lawrence River at Massena RAP, New York
state Department of Environmental Conservation
(NYSDEC) began RAP development in 1988. This
process was assisted by the formation of the
Massena Citizen Advisory Committee which con-
sisted of members from industry, local government,
environmental groups, sporting interests, academia
and business. The Stage One report, which identifies
use impairments, their causes and sources, was
completed in 1990. The Stage Two RAP, completed
in 1991, includes the development of remedial
strategies to restore water quality and beneficial uses
of the tributary rivers and the St. Lawrence River
and to eliminate adverse impacts to the AOC from
sources of pollutants at major hazardous waste sites
as well as from other sources within the drainage
basin and AOC.
RAP Status
^ ^ j|
0 20 40 60 80 100
Percent Completed
* f or roch a report U mhmilted 1o the IjC
Following completion of the Stage Two RAP, a RAC
was formed as a multi-stakeholder institutional
structure (representatives from industry, environmen-
tal groups, government, academia and private
interests) to assist NYSDEC in RAP implementation.
To track implementation of the RAP, NYSDEC
intends to issue periodic RAP update status reports
(every two to three years) to document strategies
and remedial progress, and to make new commit-
ments as needed to address the restoration and
protection of beneficial uses. The first RAP Update
was completed in August 1992. A second compre-
hensive Update was completed in April 1995 that
documents remedial progress and develops remedial
strategy tracking. The most recent RAP Update
Summary was completed in June 1996 and contains
delisting criteria for the AOC.
The waters and river bottoms of the AOC have been
impacted by industrial discharges from both sides of
the river, upstream sources including Lake Ontario,
municipal treatment facilities, atmospheric deposition,
non-point source discharges and physical distur-
bances as a result of the power dam and seaway
construction. The Stage One RAP identified industry
as a major source of contaminants to the AOC.
Stage One also confirmed three use impairments
(although presently there are only two, as the
drinking water impairment is now a cause for local
action - see below) and identified five other use
impairments that will require further evaluation. The
"transboundaiy impacts" use impairment indicator is
in addition to the standard fourteen indicators devel-
oped by the International Joint Commission's (IJC)
listing/delisting guidelines. A transboundary impact
assessment is needed for a complete evaluation of
this AOC.
Because of the international aspect of this RAP, an
evaluation of the possible transboundary effects
associated with the downstream interests and
jurisdictions (Canadian, provincial and Mohawk
Nation at Akwesasne) is a complicating factor for
this connecting channel AOC. As New York state
has taken the lead to address the Massena area
impairments, Canadian jurisdictions have also taken
responsibility for the development and implementa-
tion of the RAP concerning the Ontario and Quebec
side of the river which focuses on Cornwall, Ontario.
Canadian studies have documented use impairments
in the downstream and cross-channel waters attribut-
able to pollutants from the Cornwall and Massena
areas. The St. Lawrence River water currents in the
Massena area are such that in-place and down-
stream pollutant deposition are the primary concerns.
The Remedial Advisory Committee (RAC) and New
York state DEC have further developed use impair-
ment restoration and protection (delisting) criteria
and remedial strategies. These criteria and strategies
are being applied to focus attention on priority
remedial activities and to document progress as
beneficial uses are restored and protected. This RAP
process is to continue through the Stage Three
documentation of the AOC.
The primary use impairment in the St. Lawrence
River at Massena AOC is "restrictions on fish and
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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wildlife consumption". These restrictions are part of
a lakewide advisory for Lake Ontario. There is
evidence that PCBs, mercury and dioxin contribute
to this impairment. Another impairment, the loss of
fish and wildlife habitat, is believed to be caused by
physical disturbances and contaminated sediments.
Transboundaiy impacts of contaminants, primarily
downstream from sources in New York state, are
recognized; their impacts must be monitored and
assessed as part of a binational undertaking.
Drinking Water consumption remains "not impaired";
however, the natural occurrence of some decaying
compounds has caused a seasonal "taste and odor"
that may need tertiary treatment for removal.
Reassessment in this case is cause for local action
for some treatment facilities (not specifically a RAP
issue).
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
The consumption restriction use impairment is
caused by PCBs. The sources of the historic cause
of this use impairment include upstream industrial
discharges, inactive hazardous waste sites, contami-
nated sediments, air deposition and Lake Ontario.
Following the removal of sediments from the St.
Lawrence and Grasse Rivers by the three major
Massena industries, and the completion of land-based
hazardous waste site remediation, investigations and
long term monitoring will be needed to evaluate the
extent of any remaining impairment. The land-based
inactive hazardous waste site remediation and the
modification of point source discharge permits will
contribute to the restoration and protection of the
beneficial use. The establishment and implementation
of additional Best Management Practices (BMPs)
involving fish, aquatic and wildlife as well as human
health, will also benefit the restoration and protection
of this and other use impairment indicators.
Following reports on the success of remediation in
the AOC, it is expected that the three major indus-
tries will continue to document the accomplishments.
The industries will need to verify that hazardous
waste site cleanup standards have been achieved.
When fish and wildlife studies indicate that contami-
nant levels are acceptable and when there are no
health advisories due to causes from the AOC and its
watershed, modification to the use impairment status
can be reconsidered. Additional fish and wildlife or
human health management strategies may be
required.
Loss of fish & Wildlife Habitat:
This use impairment is due to contaminated river
sediments and physical disturbances caused by the
construction of the power dam and St. Lawrence
Seaway. Loss of fish and wildlife habitat involves the
presence of elevated levels of PCBs, metals and
PAHs that are most likely impacting the benthos.
Dredging, natural erosion and other sediment distur-
bances (e.g. prop wash) are other sources that
contribute to the cause of this use impairment. The
actions undertaken by three entities will contribute to
the restoration and protection of habitat:
The completion of hazardous waste site
remediation and the implementation of Best
Management Practices by the major indus-
tries,
The implementation of Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing
requirements affecting habitat by the New
York Power Authority concerning the power
dam, and
The assessment and verification by NYSDEC
that the type, quantity and quality of habitat in the
AOC is adequate and that management plans
(including seaway dredging) are in-place to
protect this beneficial use. Also, the documenta-
tion of the creation of new habitat outside the
AOC will contribute to resolving this use impair-
ment.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
Summer, 2001- St. Lawrence River at ALCOA
East dredged (former Reynolds site)
May, 2000: RAP Status Report Update
June, 1996: RAP Update Summary
Summer, 1995: General Motors performs large
St. Lawrence dredging
April, 1995: Comprehensive RAP Update
document completed
December, 1994: Final Binational Problem
Statement (Stage One) document completed
August, 1992: RAP Update
August, 1992: Proceedings of St. Lawrence Joint
Monitoring Workshop
Use Impairments - St. Lawrence River AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
179
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RAP Milestones: (continued)
August, 1991: Stage Two RAP document
completed
November, 1990: Stage One RAP document
completed
The RAP process seeks to identify all activity
resources contributing to the goal to eliminate use
impairments. Concurrent with this RAP planning and
implementation effort, various NYSDEC and other
agency environmental program activities are in place
and progressing as part of ongoing environmental
programs, protection laws and policies. The RAP
strives to influence these programs to address local
area, watershed and ecosystem concerns. In turn,
The RAP process identifies and attempts to solve
problems at the watershed level.
These activities do contribute and support progress
toward achieving the RAP goal. The RAP process
identifies the specific accomplishments and priority
remedial activities for the AOC.
The 1996 RAP Update Summary presents a reme-
dial strategy that includes a review of over thirty
activities involving investigations and project commit-
ments needed to restore beneficial uses. Critical
components of this strategy include completing the
inactive hazardous waste site and contaminated
sediment remediation, conducting and assessing
recent monitoring data and performing further
investigations. Ongoing and completed remedial
measures in the watershed then need to be evaluated
in terms of their effects on protecting and restoring
beneficial uses in the AOC.
Following are some activity highlights relative to
RAP progress and achievements. Eight environmen-
tal program areas are used to describe progress. The
RAP strategies make use of all resource commit-
ments and related remedial actions and seek to
incorporate an ecosystem approach into remedial
activities to restore and to protect beneficial uses. By
communicating the RAP process, remedial activities
take on this ecosystem approach. The challenge of
the RAC is to assure that all stakeholder interests
and concerns have been satisfactorily investigated
and resolved as much as possible. A key to success-
ful restoration is securing implementation commit-
ments to achieve RAP objectives.
Hazardous Waste Site Remediation:
The United States Environmental Protection
Agency (U.S. EPA) and NYSDEC have issued
various Administrative Orders that require land-
based as well as contaminated river sediment
remediation. Implementation of these orders is
fundamental to AOC rehabilitation and forms a
basis for most initial remedial strategies. Comple-
tion and settlement of these remediation activities
includes Natural Resource Damage Claims that
address recovery for damages and injury to the
natural resources. Land-based remedial actions
are required at each of the three large Massena
area industrial sites. Active remediation is
proceeding at the ALCOA and Reynolds Metals
sites.
At ALCOA, the cleanup of 14 contaminated
areas on the plant site is in progress; eight
locations have been remediated. The secure
hazardous waste landfill has been constructed
and is in use. The entire project is to be com-
pleted in 1998. Projected costs for land-based
and river sediments is in excess of $250M. An
estimated 190,000 cubic meters of PCB contami-
nated waste and soil and 24,000 cubic meters of
pot liner waste containing cyanide and fluoride
contamination will be removed and placed in the
secure landfill.
At Reynolds Metals, the land-based site
remediation is nearing completion. Waste has
been sent to a secure off-site landfill for disposal.
Including the required contaminated river
sediment removal project, which has not yet
started, the total cost for waste remediation will
be in excess of $ 100M. Approximately 18,000 kg
of PCBs will be removed in the cleanup process.
At General Motors, three contaminated locations
on site are to be remediated following the
completion of the contaminated river sediment
removal project described below. A Record of
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Decision modification is under consideration by
U.S. EPA. A secure landfill cap and leachate
collection system are planned to contain certain
on-site wastes. The total cost of remediation
(including river work) is projected to exceed
$70M.
Remedial activities at other land-based hazardous
waste sites within the watershed are associated
with localized problems that are believed to have
less impact in the AOC use impairments. It is
expected that the PCB cleanup activities which
are underway, or committed to, will eliminate all
significant PCB contributions to the St. Lawrence
River and that the use impairments caused by
chemical discharges will cease to exist in the
foreseeable future. The RAC is in the process of
developing restoration targets and monitoring
requirements for the AOC to determine when the
impairments cease to exist.
pleted in 1995 at the plant outfall area. Estimates
project that 25 percent of the entire Grasse River
contamination was removed. A report on this
project as well as plans to conduct further
dredging is under development.
Dredging and PCB-contaminated sediment work removal
operations are multi-agency responsibilities in the
St. Lawrence River AOC.
Contaminated River Sediments:
Contaminated river sediment dredging projects
are required by U.S. EPA enforcement orders
and are in various phases of implementation
adjacent to the three major industries.
At General Motors, the dredging of the majority
of the contaminated river sediments in the St.
Lawrence River was completed in 1995. An
elaborate sheet piling and silt curtain containment
system was installed and monitored. Extensive
filtrate treatment was provided for dewatered
dredge materials. Dredging and the treatment
and disposal of the dredge material in the
remaining cove area bordering the Akwesasne
lands is now planned for 1998 pending a
remediation requirement modification decision. In
all, over 76,500 cubic meters of PCB contami-
nated waste and soil is to be removed for the
GM remediation projects.
At ALCOA East (former Reynolds site) dredg-
ing of the St. Lawrence River is being conducted
during the summer of 2001. Using state-of-the-
art dredging technology, approximately 80,000
cubic yards of contaminated PCB sediments are
to be removed and disposed of off-site. 3800
linear feet of sheet piling encloses the 37 acre
remedial site. All monitoring data is location on
the website: www. SLRRP.com
At ALCOA, where the company is required to
remove contaminated sediments in the Grasse
River, a successful dredging project was com-
Overall, the Administrative Orders that require
sediment removal work are designed so that there is
no lapse of responsibility for the remediation of PCB
contaminated areas along the Grasse River and into
and including downstream portions of the St.
Lawrence River. In other words, all major contami-
nated sediment areas are addressed under one of the
three federal orders such that where one facility's
investigative and remedial dredging responsibility
ends another facility's responsibility takes over.
Point Source Discharges:
A significant reduction in the mass of PCBs and
other contaminants discharged from the Massena
area industries (primarily stormwater/site related)
has been achieved by the installation of improved
wastewater treatment systems, implementation of
best management practices and interim/completed
remediation activities. The permit renewal process
involving the three major industrial companies has the
goal of achieving non-detectable discharge levels of
PCBs, as well as reduced discharges of other
contaminants for each water discharge. Although
PCBs are no longer used, past waste disposal
practices have so contaminated the facility sites that
stormwater runoff is contaminated. Site remediation
work is required to cleanup PCB contamination and
along with treatment is expected to resolve any
discharge violations.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
181
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Reynolds Metals has agreed to install new state-
of-the-art air cleaning equipment and to rebuild
their aluminum reduction facility to increase
efficiency and reduce the production of contami-
nants. The levels of PCB in the wastewater
discharges is expected to decrease to non-
detectable levels when the site remediation work
is completed. The cost of upgrading of the plant
and air cleaning equipment is projected to exceed
$250M in addition to the cleanup costs.
At General Motors, the PCB levels in the waste-
water (non-process/stormwater) have been
reduced to where most samples are non-detect-
able. ALCOA is in general compliance with water
and air discharge standards. ALCOA has reduced
their water use by half over the past five years and
has reduced their PCB discharges to non-detect-
able levels, except for occasional excursions and a
continuing problem at one minor discharge point.
Corrective action to identity the sources of the
PCB and eliminate the discharges is underway.
Runoff from a heavy rain carries farm chemicals as well
as topsoil from a crop field.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Control:
Excessive nutrients (phosphorus) and sedimentation
(erosion) from agriculture are believed to be the main
nonpoint source pollution problems in the St. Lawrence
River Basin. County Water Quality Management
Strategies have been developed to address nonpoint
source pollution. Implementation of these County
Water Quality Management Strategies and related
Best Management Practices (BMPs), including
improvements to stormwater management, is recom-
mended and is progressing. Various funding programs
(grants) now support and are available to assist in the
implementation of these nonpoint source pollution
control efforts. Refer to the funding section herein.
Air Pollution Control:
The remedial strategy calls for the reduction of
hydrogen fluoride and other contaminant emissions
from the major industrial facilities in the AOC. The
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 require air
discharges to comply with Maximum Achievable
Control Technology (MACT) limits which address
hydrogen fluoride emissions. When further devel-
oped, NYS Air Standards may require treatment
beyond MACT to be phased in over a period of time.
At ALCOA, the plant is in general compliance
with the air discharge standards. The new dry
scrubber air pollution control equipment at the
plant is expected to also meet the more stringent
air standards which are being developed.
At ALCOA East (former Reynolds site) new air
pollution control equipment has been installed.
This state-of-the-art pollution control employs a
scrubber system that cost approximately $200
million to achieve enhanced air emission pollution
control.
Fish and Wildlife Assessments/Actions:
Many of the use impairments are based on fish and
wildlife conditions and considerations. Some fish and
wildlife investigative information has been reported;
many investigations remain unfunded. Consumption
restrictions and habitat impairments are known.
Environmental monitoring, as well as further habitat
study and assessment, is needed to establish required
remediation which may include enhanced manage-
ment plans and actual construction projects. The
relicensing of the power dam by the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the require-
ments placed on the New York Power Authority
should contribute toward resolving use impairments
in the AOC.
Health and Environmental Assessments/
Actions:
Three studies and the resulting report documents that
evaluate human health risks and focus on the
Akwesasne Mohawk population have been com-
pleted as well as the summary document dated
January 1995. The reports concluded that the health
risks to the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne from the
consumption of fish contaminated with PCBs are
greater than those of anglers on major New York
state waterbodies. Mohawk risks are larger primarily
because their consumption rates of locally caught
fish were higher and because the average PCB
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
levels in the St. Lawrence River fish were higher
than those in fish from some of the other
waterbodies. The results of the studies confirm the
value of the health advisories for fish and wildlife
consumption and call for the continuation of educa-
tional and outreach efforts until contaminant levels,
particularly PCBs, decrease. Follow-up studies and
public outreach activities have been identified that
are needed to monitor and to reduce the exposure of
local persons. For example, maintaining current and
useful contaminated fish consumption advisory
information serves to reduce exposure of user
groups, particularly young women having or intending
to have children. Funding is needed for follow-up
investigations.
Investigations and Monitoring Activities:
Monitoring plans have been established for contami-
nated sediment removal and land-based hazardous
waste remediation projects. The development and
implementation of these plans are subject to regula-
tory review and approval. These activities will be
closely monitored. The focus of
these projects and environmental
monitoring is to minimize the local
and downstream impacts resulting
from the remedial activities and to
comply with cleanup criteria.
In addition to the remedial activity
monitoring required of the indus-
tries, pre- and post-cleanup
assessments directed at evaluating
the extent of the restoration of
beneficial uses will be needed.
These further health, fish, wildlife,
plankton and macroinvertebrate
studies and investigations will be used to better
define a change in status of use impairment indica-
tors under the RAP process. Funding for these
additional investigations and assessments is limited
and in most cases is subject to specific priorities. For
example, grant funding scopes have priorities and
may indicate that specific requirements be met.
Community Involvement
Public Participation and Outreach:
Regular meetings of the RAC throughout the imple-
mentation of the Stage Two, and documentation of
the Stage Three, RAP process will continue to keep
stakeholders informed of remedial activities and
progress and continue to provide a means for local
concerns to be addressed. Field trips are used to
learn more about the specifics of remedial activities
and to respond to committee interests. An informa-
tional video describing the Massena AOC has been
prepared to increase public awareness about the
restoration and protection activities and the needs of
this important geographic area. A newsletter, promo-
tional brochure and RAP display are other examples
of outreach activities that have been incorporated
into the public participation activities involving the
Massena AOC. The RAC will continue to provide
advice and consultation.
Video and Slide Show:
A video has been produced from the Massena RAP
slide show. The purposes of the video are to provide
information about the St. Lawrence River at
Massena AOC, local industries and the cultural
diversity of the area and also, to increase public
awareness and involvement in the Massena RAP.
The video is approximately 25 minutes in length and
is suitable for community groups, high school classes
and other interested organizations and individuals that
want to learn more about the Massena RAP and
how to get involved.
New York State RAP Display:
NYSDEC's Public Participation Section has pro-
duced a New York state RAP display. The purpose
of the exhibit is to introduce the public to RAPs in
New York state and to illustrate what actions are
needed and are currently underway to effectively
clean up New York's RAP Areas of Concern. The
display continues to be used at Great Lakes and
RAP functions across the basin. A brochure, entitled
ST. LAWRENCE RIVER REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
183
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RAPs in Action, has been developed to augment the
message of the exhibit. The brochure provides more
detailed information on remedial activities that are
being implemented to restore and to protect benefi-
cial uses in New York state's RAP Areas of Concern.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) relicensing process:
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is proceed-
ing with an effort to identify and resolve issues
involving the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission's relicensing of the Moses-Saunders
Power Dam. NYSDEC is required to provide a
water quality certification for the continued operation
of the facilities. The CCP (Cooperative Consultation
Process) Team has been meeting to study the
relicensing issues and make recommendations.
St. Lawrence River at Massena RAP Newslet-
ter entitled the "River Rap":
The River Rap is an annual newsletter that is
dedicated to increasing awareness about water
quality and RAP issues in the St. Lawrence River at
Massena AOC. To keep people informed, the River
Rap articles address the plans and progress of
remedial activities, local economic development
projects and stewardship initiatives. The newsletter is
produced by the NYDEC and the Massena RAC.
Remedial Advisory Committee Activities:
NYSDEC and the RAC hold quarterly meetings to
provide updates and gain input on current and
planned RAP activities. The meetings also provide an
opportunity for the committee to address local
concerns as related to remedial activities being
implemented in the AOC. Field trips to learn more
about ongoing remedial activities at Massena's local
industries are often conducted in conjunction with the
committee meetings.
International Cooperation:
The St. Lawrence River at Massena and Cornwall
RAP advisory committees keep informed of the
remedial activities occurring in each of their respec-
tive portions of the entire international AOC. Com-
mittee meetings, on both sides of the river, are
regularly attended by representatives from each
others RAP advisory committee. Members of both
RAP advisory committees look forward to co-
sponsoring RAP events in the future.
Schedule
Meetings:
Remedial Advisory Committee meetings are
conducted at least quarterly.
Local watershed planning and action committee
meetings.
Outlook
Implementation of the St. Lawrence River at
Massena RAP is a dynamic process that incorpo-
rates plans and actions to provide periodic update
reports as knowledge of the use impairments,
location of sources and effectiveness of remedial
action implementation advances. Ultimately, the RAP
will need to develop and implement a comprehensive
water quality and use surveillance plan to evaluate
and to verify the restoration and protection of
beneficial uses. The RAP Summary Update docu-
ment of June 1996 sets the stage for progress
reporting and the development of a surveillance plan
by the establishment of the Restoration and Protec-
tion (delisting) Criteria.
Because of the international nature of this AOC, a
joint U.S./Canadian statement of progress and
resolution of use impairments will also be sought.
This can be accomplished by building on the success
of the Stage One Binational Statement document of
1994. Cleaning up the known sources of pollutants of
this shared multi-use waterbody is fundamental to
reclaiming and maintaining the valuable resource of
the St. Lawrence River.
Once significant progress has been made in the
improvement of use impairment status and/or
significant details of remedial activity implementation
have been accomplished that address contamination
sources, an expanded RAP Update document can
again be produced to report on these activities.
Ultimately, Stage Three will require documentation of
the resolution of all use impairments and satisfactory
evidence that contamination sources are no longer
impacting beneficial uses in the AOC.
The International Joint Commission (IJC) conducted
a Status Assessment of this Area of Concern in
2001.
184
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Partners
Funding
ALCOA
Atlantic States Legal Foundation
City ofMassena
Clarkson University
Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Watershed Protec-
tion Alliance (FL-LOWPA)
General Motors
Great Lakes Research Consortium
Great Lakes United
Lake Ontario Lakewide Management Plan (LaMP)
Lake Ontario Sportfishing Promotional Council
New York Power Authority
New York Rivers United
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation
Reynolds Metals Company
Sea Grant
Sierra Club
St. Lawrence County and New York State
Health Departments
St. Lawrence County Government
St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conserva-
tion District
St. Lawrence County Tourism
St. Lawrence County Water Quality Advisory
Committee
St. Lawrence County Water Quality Coordinat-
ing Committee
St. Lawrence River at Massena Remedial
Advisory Committee
State University of New York (SUNY) at Potsdam
Upstate Freshwater Institute
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2
- New York City
U.S. EPA, Great Lakes National Program
Office (GLNPO)
Research
See "Research" section, Buffalo River AOC, p. XX
of this publication. The same research initiatives
apply to the St. Lawrence River AOC.
U.S. EPA and NYSDEC funding directly supports
conducting Remedial Advisory Committee meetings
and efforts to facilitate the implementation strategies
of the Remedial Action Plan program in New York
There are a number of environmental program
activities and grant funding opportunities ongoing
and/or available that provide funding to support RAP
strategies and needs. The core environmental
program activities conducted in the various program
areas of water, air, hazardous materials, environmen-
tal remediation and pollution prevention benefit the
cause of RAPs and Great Lakes cleanup efforts.
Many of these funded environmental programs
directly support RAP goals or indirectly serve to
further implement RAP strategies.
Publications
The brochure entitled, RAPs in Action, was
developed to augment the message of the New
York state RAP Display. The brochure provides
more detailed information on remedial activities
that are being implemented to restore and to
protect beneficial uses in New York state's RAP
Areas of Concern.
A promotional brochure entitled, Getting the
Word Out, was also developed to provide a
description of public outreach and educational
materials (audiovisuals, brochures, fact sheets,
etc.) produced by and/or for the RAPs or the
Lake Ontario Lakewide Management Plan
(LaMP). The brochure is targeted at RAP
coordinators, educators, environmental/advocacy
groups and community groups in New York state
so they are able to choose among diverse
materials when promoting New York state
RAPs, the Lake Ontario LaMP and general
Great Lakes issues.
The River Rap is an annual newsletter that is
dedicated to increasing awareness about water
quality and RAP issues in the St. Lawrence
River at Massena AOC. To keep people in-
formed, the River Rap articles address the plans
and progress of remedial activities, local eco-
nomic development projects and stewardship
initiatives. The newsletter is produced by the
New York Department of Environmental Con-
servation (NYDEC) and the St. Lawrence River
at Massena RAC.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
185
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Fish Consumption Advisory Brochure -
NYSDEC in cooperation with NYSDOH has
produced an informational handout advising
specific limits and prohibitions concerning eating
certain Lake Ontario fish. Child bearing women
have been identified as a high risk group and
should particularly heed these warnings.
Rotating Intensive Basin Studies. Water Quality
Assessment Program 1991-92 Biennial
Report. St. Lawrence River Basin. February
1994. New York State Department of Environ-
mental Conservation, pg. 115-141.
Forti, A., K.G. Bogdan, and E Horn. 1994.
Health risk assessment for the Akwesasne
Mohawk population from exposure to chemi-
cal contaminants in fish and wildlife from the
St. Lawrence River drainage on lands of the
Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne and near the
General Motors Corporation Central
Foundry Division Facility at Massena, New
York. NYSDOH. Technical Report. 25 pp.
Longabucco, R 1991. Controlling agricultural
nonpoint source water pollution in New York
State: a guide to the selection of best manage-
ment practices to improve and protect water
quality. NYSDEC, Albany, N.Y. 169 pp.
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation. Technical Guidance for Screen-
ing Contaminated Sediments. July 1994.
Division of Fish & Wildlife, Division of Marine
Resources. 36 pp.
NYSDEC. 1993. Pollution Prevention Guid-
ance for Local Governments.
NYSDEC. 1990. Nonpoint Source Manage-
ment Program.
NYSDEC. 1992. Reducing the impacts of
stormwater runoff from new development. 178
pages.
NYSDEC. Management Practices Catalogue
for nonpoint source pollution prevention and
water quality protection in New York State: a
nine section document of best management
practice categories.
Skinner, L.C., S.J. Jackling and R.W. Karcher.
August, 1994. Identification of and changes in
chemical contaminant levels in young-of-the-
year from New York's Great Lakes Basin:
1992. Tech. Report 94-4 (BEP), NYSDEC,
Albany, NY. 44 pp.
Skinner, L.C. 1992. Chemical contaminants in
wildlife from the Mohawk Nation at
Akwesasne and the vicinity of the General
Motors Corporation/Central Foundry Divi-
sion Massena, New York plant. Tech. Rep.
(BEP), Division of Fish and Wildlife, NYSDEC,
Albany, NY. 112 pp.
NYSDEC. 1993. Priority Water Problem List:
summary and county listing documents.
NYSDEC. 1992. New York State 25-Year Plan
for the Great Lakes.
Sloan, R.J., and K. Jock. 1990. Chemical
contaminants in fish from the St. Lawrence
River drainage on lands of the Mohawk
Nation at Akwesasne and near the General
Motors Corporation/Central Foundry Divi-
sion Massena, New York plant. Tech. Rep. 90-
l(BEP), Division of Fish and Wildlife, NYSDEC,
Albany, NY. 96 pp.
Contacts
Bob Townsend, RAP Coordinator
NYSDEC, Division of Water
Bureau of Watershed Management
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-3508
518-457-9603
Fax: 518-402-9029
retownse@.gw.dec.state.nv.us
Steve Litwhiler, Citizen Participation Specialist
NYSDEC, Region 6 Office
State Office Building
Watertown, NY 13601
315-785-2252
Ron McDougall, Chairperson
St. Lawrence River at Massena RAC
General Motors Powertrain
Route 37 East, PO Box 460
Massena, NY 13662
315-764-0271 or 315-764-2293
Compiled: September 7,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/stlawrence.html
186
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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State of Ohio
Ashtabula River Area of Concern
** ^tw m /
pty
Background
The Ashtabula River lies in extreme northeast Ohio,
flowing into Lake Erie's central basin at the city of
Ashtabula. Its drainage basin covers an area of 137
square miles, with 8.9 square miles in western
Pennsylvania. Major tributaries include Fields Brook,
Hubbard Run and Ashtabula Creek. Iroquois inhabit-
ants referred to the river as the Hash-tah-buh-lah or
"river of many fish." The city of Ashtabula, with an
estimated population of21,633 (Ref: 1990 Census)is
the only significant urban center in the watershed,
the rest of the drainage basin, being predominantly
rural and agricultural. There is concentrated indus-
trial development around Fields Brook and east of
the river mouth.
From the 1940s through the late '70s, unregulated
discharges and mismanagement of hazardous waste
caused the river's sediments to become seriously
contaminated and degraded its biological communi-
ties. Regular dredging is being prevented due to the
contaminated sediments, seriously impeding both
commercial and recreational navigation. Since 1983,
a fish consumption advisory has been posted for the
Area of Concern (AOC). In 1988, the Ashtabula
River RAP Advisory Council agreed to focus upon
an AOC defined as the lower two miles of the
Ashtabula River, Ashtabula Harbor and the adjacent
Lake Erie nearshore. A variety of agencies and
organizations contribute to the Ashtabula River
Remedial Action Plan (RAP) including the Ashtabula
River Partnership, Ohio Sea Grant, Ashtabula Soil
and Water Conservation District, U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, United States Environmental Protection
Agency (U.S. EPA), angler groups, local businesses
and industries, marinas, port industries, local govern-
ments, economic development offices, Kent State
University and unaffiliated citizens.
Aerial view of the Ashtabula River watershed
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
187
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RAP Status
Beneficial Use Impairments
The Ashtabula River RAP Advisory Council began in
1988 when the Ohio Environmental Protection
Agency, the designated lead agency for developing
RAPs in Ohio, established a volunteer-based group
to develop an Ashtabula River RAP. The advisory
council represents stakeholders from local, regional,
state and federal agencies, businesses and industry,
special interest groups, Ohio Sea Grant and unaffili-
ated citizens. Ohio EPA has served as the secretariat
for the group, published newsletters, and in Decem-
ber 1991, produced the Ashtabula River Remedial
Action Plan Stage 1 Report identifying six beneficial
use impairments, and sources and causes of these
impairments. A review of the six use impairments
made it clear that they could all be successfully
addressed if the contaminated sediment in the river
were dredged and placed in a monitored managed
environment, i.e, an upland confined disposal facility.
For several years, RAP members strove to generate
funding and expertise to produce a RAP to accom-
plish this critical task. In January 1994, as an alterna-
tive to the impending designation of the lower river
as an extension of the Fields Brook Superfund site,
the RAP Council voted to support creation of the
Ashtabula River Partnership (ARP). The ARP was a
more comprehensive, structured attempt to get the
river dredged with more than 50 official partners,
including U.S. EPA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engi-
neers and Ohio EPA as well as many local affiliates.
Several committees were established to support the
various activities of the ARP, a local ARP office was
set up and a local coordinator hired. The nonprofit
Ashtabula River Foundation was created to serve as
the financial arm of the ARP. While the ARP pro-
ceeds in its intense effort to dredge the river, the
RAP Council continues to look at other issues in the
AOC as well, such as habitat enhancement and
res,oraao"' RAP Status
Use Impairments - Ashtabula River AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Degradation of fish and
wildlife populations
V Fish tumors or other
deformities
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
Stage *
Restoration of Beneficial Uses
implementation
20 40 60 80
Percent Completed
100
! For ««}> a report in IIC
Six of 14 use impairments have been identified
through the RAP process. These environmental
problems are caused by sedimentation, cultural
eutrophication (nutrients), toxic substances (PCBs,
heavy metals, chlorinated organic compounds) and
habitat modification (marina construction, commer-
cial shipping). Sources for these contaminants
include bottom sediments, municipal and industrial
discharges, commercial development, hazardous
waste disposal sites, combined sewer overflows
(CSOs), Fields Brook discharge, coal handling
facilities and railyards.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
In 1983, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
issued an all-species fish consumption advisory for
the Ashtabula River AOC. The advisory was based
on levels of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs),
hexachlorobenzene, pentachlororbenzene and
tetrachloroethane in fish tissue.
As of June 30, 1997, the ODH revised the advisory
for the Ashtabula River AOC. The 1997 advisory is
based on PCB and mercury levels in fish tissue and
suggests restricted consumption for smallmouth bass,
largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish and
common carp in the Ashtabula River AOC. Re-
stricted consumption of walleye, freshwater drum,
carp, steelhead trout, white perch, coho salmon,
chinook salmon (19" and over), smallmouth bass,
white bass, channel catfish and lake trout are
suggested in Lake Erie.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
Ohio EPA's biological indices of fish population
conditions reveal a very poor to fair fish community
in the Ashtabula River AOC and the indices were
below applicable Ohio warmwater habitat aquatic
188
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
life use criteria. Although fish communities have
recovered somewhat in historically polluted areas of
the lower Ashtabula River, especially downstream of
Fields Brook, pollution-tolerant species continue to
dominate the population composition. No data have
been found to suggest that wildlife populations are
impaired in the Ashtabula River AOC. The RAP has
evaluated this category as UNKNOWN rather than
UNIMPAIRED. Anecdotal information indicates
Ashtabula County, which is located along the Great
Atlantic flyway, has more birds than any other Ohio
county. Every year, during migratory periods, rare
and uncommon bird species are observed around the
lake nearshore in Ashtabula County. The RAP is
seeking partners to undertake research in this area in
order that an evaluation may be made.
Fish Tumors or Other Deformities:
The Ashtabula River Remedial Action Plan Stage
1 Report contains several references to fish tumors
and deformities. Local anglers have reported the
presence of tumors and lesions on fish. A 1989 Ohio
EPA biological survey found a community of brown
bullhead in the area inside the west breakwall with a
high incidence of lip and skin tumors and precancer-
ous conditions. In 1991, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) examined 98 brown bullheads,
ranging from 3 to 7 years old, in the Ashtabula River
AOC (harbor, breakwater and river) for evidence of
cancers. The 1994 USFWS Final Report found
external abnormalities, such as skin discolorations,
stubbed barbels, and lip papillomas and both
preneoplastic and neoplastic liver lesions in bull-
heads from all three areas. The USFWS fish tumor
survey provides a body of evidence that is consistent
with, but not proof of, the hypothesis of adverse
effects in fish from some environmental factor, i.e,
chemical causation. The RAP is seeking partners to
undertake research in this area in order that an
evaluation may be made.
Degradation of Benthos:
Benthic macroinvertebrate communities throughout
the Ashtabula River AOC remain impaired,
especially with regard to species density and diver-
sity. 1992 narrative evaluations of ICI scores (Ohio
EPA measures of benthic macroinvertebrate popula-
tion conditions) ranged from high upstream of the
AOC to fair downstream of Fields Brook in flowing
sections of the river. The major impacts are from
habitat destruction, and marina development and
associated boat traffic, although some chemical
impacts were noted near the confluence of Fields
Brook. In the harbor, oligochaetes, especially
Tubificidae, are the predominant species that are
among the most tolerant to gross organic enrichment.
In the nearshore, populations were indicative of
moderate organic enrichment and similar to the
community found elsewhere around the southern
central basin nearshore.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
This impairment is the primary reason for the delay
in implementing a RAP for the Ashtabula River
AOC. Sediments in the Ashtabula River AOC are
classified by U.S. EPA as heavily polluted due to
heavy metals, PCBs and chlorinated organic com-
pounds, which currently preclude open-water
disposal. Accordingly, much of the lower river has
not been dredged since 1962. With the exception of a
small area downstream of the 5th Street bridge,
dredged Ashtabula Harbor sediments have no
restrictions on disposal (approximately 100,000-
150,000 cubic yards are dredged triennially). Dis-
posal of the heavily polluted sediments, at or above
50 parts per million, is regulated under the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA). The TSCA sedi-
ments must be disposed in a confined disposal
facility, for which the Ashtabula River RAP and
other stakeholders are currently developing detailed
design plans.
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
From the 24th Street bridge to the river mouth, fish
habitat is impaired while wildlife habitat is impaired in
places, due to the construction of marinas and
commercial shipping facilities. In the navigation
channel, the combination of minimal riparian cover,
siltation of bottom substrates, low gradient, prepon-
derance of vertical bulkheads of concrete and sheet
piling, periodic mainte-
nance dredging of the
outer harbor, and loss of
natural substrates contrib-
ute to this segment being
impaired for both fish and
wildlife. Shoreline
alterations, maintenance
dredging, and the use of
the littoral zone for
development result in the
nearshore Lake Erie area
considered probably
impaired in some places.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
189
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Progress and Achievements
Considerable progress has been made toward
planning and designing a comprehensive RAP, due to
the focused effort and vision for comprehensive river
cleanup among stakeholders represented on the RAP
Council and River Partnership. The partnership has
been able to generate more than $2 million in funds
from local stakeholders, foundations and agencies to
provide staffing, planning and engineering design
support to pursue RAP goals and implement a
comprehensive RAP for the benefit of the Ashtabula
River AOC. RAP partners have completed numer-
ous studies and conducted activities to address
beneficial use impairments in the AOC, provide
outreach to the local community, and move the
remedial action plan toward implementation.
RAP Milestones:
2000: Revised and Updated main text(s) of
draft Ashtabula River Partnership CMP and
EIS.
December 1997: Distribution of the draft CMP/
EIS for formal public review and
comment.
October 1997: RAP Council distributed its
second survey to 400 (more) registered county
voters to poll community awareness and attitudes
on river cleanup efforts and their willingness to
pay for cleanup.
June 1997: Completion of ARP review of
preliminary draft Ashtabula River CMP/EIS.
May 1997: At an Ashtabula County Economic
Profiles Breakfast, Dave Ullrich, U.S. EPA
Region 5 Deputy Administrator, told the commu-
nity that U.S. EPA has placed on hold designa-
tion of the Ashtabula River AOC as a federal
Superfund site due to significant progress made
by the Ashtabula River Partnership.
April 1997: Completion of preliminary draft of
the Ashtabula River CMP/EIS.
February 1997: Selection of one candidate site in
northern Ashtabula County for upland CDF.
October 1996: RAP Council distributed its survey
to 500 registered county voters to poll community
awareness and attitudes on river cleanup efforts.
Survey showed high community awareness about
river pollution and low awareness of the RAP
Council and Partnership efforts to design and
implement cleanup.
September 1996: RAP Council received final
Ohio State University report: Ashtabula Har-
bor Economic and Fiscal Impact Analysis
showing Port of Ashtabula is integral part of
county's economic and fiscal health.
June 1996: Receipt of $500,000 from U.S. EPA
Coastal Environmental Management (Clean
Water Act Section 104(b)(3) funds, matched one
hundred percent by Fields Brook stakeholders,
that are being applied toward detailed project
design for the dewatering and disposal facilities
and also, the scope of dredging.
December 1995: ARP announced two candidate
disposal sites for CDF and detailed site investiga-
tion of both to drive selection of one final site.
August 1995: Formation of the ARP Speakers
Bureau.
July 1995: Hired a full-time local Coordinator.
June 1995: ARP announced shortlist of five
candidate confined disposal facility (CDF) sites
for dredged river sediments after completion of a
comprehensive evaluation matrix to review 40
properties in northern Ashtabula County.
June 1995: Completion of sediment sampling and
limited Toxic Contaminant Leaching Procedure
(TCLP) testing to determine volumes and
contaminants associated with sediment in river
sideslopes and determine if sediments contain
hazardous waste.
June 1995: Initiated work on the Comprehensive
Management Plan/Environmental Impact
Statement (CMP/EIS) for river cleanup.
May 1995: Ohio EPA and U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers sign a $600,000 agreement under
Section 401 of the 1990 Water Resources
Development Act, the first agreement of its kind
in the nation, to fund technical, planning, and
190
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
engineering assistance to the Ashtabula River
AOC.
March 1995: Approval of ARP By-laws.
August 1994: Initial Organizational ARP Meet-
ing.
July 1994: Ashtabula River Partnership (ARP)
formed. ARP Charter signed by numerous
interested parties.
January 1994: RAP Council votes to support
creation of Ashtabula River Partnership.
November 1993: Interim dredging completed
in AOC to remove approximately 30,000 cubic
yards of nontoxic sediment to alleviate a serious
recreational navigation hazard in the river caused
by sediment buildup.
December 1991: Ashtabula River Remedial
Action Plan Stage 1 Report completed.
March 1988: Formation of the Ashtabula River
RAP Advisory Council.
Highlights of recent progress and achieve-
ments include the following: (from the 2000
Ashtabula River RAP Activities and Accom-
plishments report)
Revised and Updated main text(s) of draft
Ashtabula River Partnership CMP and EIS.
Preparation of a Radiological Risk Assessment for
dredged Ashtabula River sediments.
Revised and Updated Geotechnical Engineering
Report for Ashtabula River Landfill and Trans-
fer/Dewatering Site(s).
Conducted HTRW Evaluation of Alternative
Proposed Landfill at former RMI property and
Transfer/Dewatering Site(s).
Preparation of Landfill Design Criteria Report
for preliminary (conceptual) design to satisfy
USACE Feasibility Study requirements.
Finalized an Ashtabula River Value Engineering
study, an USACE requirement for construction
projects in excess of $2 million, to produce
improved performance and cost savings through
employment of alter nate methods and materials.
Revised and Updated Project Cost Estimates
(from 1996 to 2000 dollars).
Preparation of Cost-Sharing and Non-Federal
Responsibilities Report & Appendices.
Revised and Updated Environmental Justice
Assessment.
Developed six Ashtabula River restoration
project proposals and economic and ecological
valuation models for same to support work for a
legal claim under CERCLA Natural Resource
Damage Assessment authority, all of which is
being coordinated with the Ashtabula River
remediation proj ect.
Numerous reviews of various revisions of the
draft August 1999 Ashtabula River Partnership
CMP/EIS and its Technical Appendices.
Contracted a local video crew to develop ideas
for script and video, as well as future public
service announcements (PSAs) to generate
comprehensive public support, education and
awareness of Ashtabula River Remedial Action
Plan.
Creation through final rule ORC 3734.28.1 by
Ohio EPA of Fund 541, an interest-bearing
account for the accrual of $7 million total
dedicated exclusively for Ashtabula River
remediation, thus satisfying a critical USACE
requirement for nonfederal costshare of the river
remedial project.
Finalized an Ashtabula River Design Agreement
between USACE and city of Ashtabula Port
Authority (PA) whereby city PA agreed to be
the designated local (nonfederal) sponsor for the
Ashtabula River Remedial Action Plan, thus
satisfying another critical USACE requirement to
complete the Feasibility Study Phase, and enable
future federal funding to be applied toward
detailed engineering design plans for dredging,
dewatering, and disposal of contaminated river
sediments.
Dredging to remove sediment in the Ashtabula River.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
191
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Conducted radiological, PCB and PAH testing of
river sediment at 25 stations to fill in data gaps
and adequately characterize radiological constitu-
ents associated with river sediments, especially
for the Ohio Department of Health.
Preparation of a Radiological Risk Assessment
for Resident-Farmer and Worker-Dredger
scenarios.
1990 and 1995 Sediment Sampling Studies
Forty sampling locations selected in 1995 effectively
filled in PCB data gaps from the 1990 Woodward-
Clyde Study where 450 sediment samples were
collected in the two-mile AOC. The 1995 sampling
helped to define the concentration and location of
PCB contamination, especially in river sideslopes,
and both confirmed and refined areas of contamina-
tion of PCBs at and above 50 parts per million (ppm),
for which disposal is regulated under the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA). The 1995 PCB
sampling data was then added to the 1990 database
to determine sediment volumes that will be regulated
for disposal under TSCA, if the river were dredged.
Eight samples also were taken in 1995 to determine
if dredged sediment had the potential to be regulated
for disposal as a hazardous waste under the Re-
source Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
This was done by testing sediment under the TCLP
for heavy metals, semi-volatile organic and volatile
organic compounds. No compounds were detected
that exceeded the RCRA regulatory thresholds. This
means no samples failed the TCLP test, andtherefore
dredged river sediment will not be subject to RCRA
regulations.
Researchers
conduct
sediment
sampling
aboard
U.S. EPA
"Mudpuppy".
Gulls flock to dredging disposal site.
Comprehensive Evaluation Matrix for Suitable
Dredged Sediment Disposal Sites
In little more than a year, the ARP siting committee
developed a comprehensive site evaluation matrix
and reviewed 40 local properties for a suitable upland
disposal site for dredged contaminated sediments.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District,
estimates this level of effort normally requires at
least two years. Early on, the community agreed that
the best location for an upland disposal site would be
in Ashtabula County, north of State Route 90, in close
proximity to the river and the historical pollution
sources. The evaluation matrix incorporated numer-
ous federal, state and local siting criteria, including
location restrictions near or in parks, recreation
areas, gravel pits, quarries, sole source aquifers and
setbacks from natural areas, property lines, domi-
ciles, surface water and floodplains.
$600,000 Water Resources Development Act
(WRDA) Section 401 Agreement
Much of the work completed in the AOC in recent
years was funded under the authority of Section 401
of the 1990 Water Resources Development Act
(WRDA). In May 1995, Ohio EPA and U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, signed a
WRDA Section 401 agreement to authorize the
Corps to provide technical, planning and engineering
assistance to the Ashtabula River AOC in the
development and implementation of its RAP. Section
401 requires a shared cost of 50% federal and 50%
nonfederal. The 1995 Ashtabula agreement was the
first time this authority had ever been used in the
nation. Major work products provided by the agree-
ment include:
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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development of a disposal site valuation
matrix,
geotechnical (soil borings) and environmen-
tal analysis of one or more candidate
disposal sites to determine their suitability
for landfill construction,
limited sediment sampling in river sideslopes
and TCLP testing,
development of a CMP/EIS; and,
development of three dredging scenarios
using Geographic Information System (GIS)
applications.
Sediment sampling under a drawbridge, Ashtabula River.
Development of a draft CMP/EIS
Normally, the Army Corps is solely responsible for
preparing a CMP/EIS for a dredging project, accord-
ing to the National Environmental Policy Act require-
ments. However, not long after the partnership
formation, it was agreed that the Corps would act as
project manager for the partnership and the draft
CMP/EIS would be prepared as a partnership
document. This decision represented significant
benefits to AOC stakeholders in tapping their com-
bined expertise, knowledge and experience with local
property owners, engineering design for sediment
dredging, dewatering, and disposal, community
infrastructure, local and regional planning issues,
network of contacts, and resources. On April 30,
1997, the Army Corps presented to the partnership
project committee a preliminary CMP/EIS to review
and revise, as necessary.
RAP Community Survey
In 1996, members of the RAP Council and Partner-
ship Outreach Committee developed and distributed
a survey to 500 registered county voters to poll
community awareness and attitudes about river
cleanup efforts. As a result of the initial survey
mailing and subsequent follow-up calls, the overall
response rate was 65%, or 322 respondents. Survey
results showed high awareness of the pollution
problem and low awareness of the efforts of the
RAP Council or Partnership to formulate a RAP.
Many of those who indicated high awareness of the
problem and the ongoing cleanup effort appeared to
be users of the river or Lake Erie resource, either as
an angler, boater, beachgoer or visitor to the
Ashtabula Harbor district. The survey provided a
clear signal that more outreach is necessary, espe-
cially to women and non-users of the resource.
Ohio EPA Intensive Survey
In 1995, the Ohio EPA conducted an intensive survey
of the Ashtabula River watershed (from river mile
(RM) 27.2 to RM 2.3, and both branches) as part of
their five-year basin monitoring program. Chemical,
biological and sediment samples were collected, and
physical attributes of approximately 14 sampling sites
were recorded. The report on the results of this
survey, completed in January 1997, indicated that the
Ashtabula River, including the west and east
branches, met the warmwater habitat (WWH)
biological criteria at six of seven locations sampled
giving 27.3 miles in full attainment of aquatic life
uses. One location, RM 19.1, covering 0.3 miles, was
in partial attainment of WWH criteria due largely to
effects from intermittent flows. Low summer flows
limit the ability of the river to assimilate pollutants,
and high fecal coliform counts (>100/100ml) at
several locations following a rain event suggested
anthropogenic stresses, either on-site sewage
disposal or, in the upper watershed, sporadic live-
stock access was contributing to the partial attain-
ment. Water quality data indicated that organic
enrichment was secondary to intermittent flows.
Conversely, the benefits of conservation farming
practices paired with intact riparian vegetation and
low density development were manifest, especially in
the middle reaches, by the relative abundance of
mimic shiner and bigeye chub, species that require
clear, silt-free habitats to thrive. (Ref: 1997. Biologi-
cal and Water Quality Study of the Grand and
Ashtabula River Basins. Ohio EPA Division of
Surface Water., Columbus, Ohio.)
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
193
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Community Outreach Strategy
A local public relations consultant has volunteered
considerable time and expertise to devise and
implement a practical two-year outreach strategy for
the RAP partners. Key components of the Ashtabula
outreach strategy include:
an active local Speakers Bureau that is much in
demand regionally for radio talk shows, television
interviews, civic events;
holding press conferences to announce mile-
stones and inform the public on remedial options
being explored;
providing written news releases to regional
media to explain project objectives, initiatives and
progress;
co-sponsoring area schools environmental essay
contests; and,
co-sponsoring a six-month YOUth LEADERship
class with area high school youth in which the
Ashtabula River is used as a case study to
highlight the importance of watershed manage-
ment.
Community Involvement
The Ashtabula RAP Council and River Partnership
share many members in common, and accordingly
collaborate on awareness, educational and public
involvement opportunities for the local community.
Both RAP and ARP presentations are made all year
long to civic, school, business, environmental and
professional groups via the Speakers Bureau. To
schedule a talk from either group or obtain informa-
tion, interested parties may refer to the list of con-
tacts at the end of this document. Newsletters are
mailed out to more than 500 stakeholders semi-
amiually. Be Part of the Solution is a color brochure
printed in June 1994 that explains the context of the
Ashtabula River RAP. Part of the Solution is a
color brochure printed in May 1997 that explains the
context and status of the River Partnership. The
RAP also participates in local events (cleanups,
festivals, fish frys, etc.) with other groups whose
focus is on the Ashtabula River and Lake Erie and
their resources.
Specific Activities (from the 2000 Ashtabula
River RAP Activities & Accomplishments
Report)
Several appearances before Ashtabula City
Council (broadcast on community cable) and
monthly meetings with city, county, and township
officials to provide an update on Ashtabula River
remedial project, generate cooperation and
understanding on requirements for local
(nonfederal) sponsorship, explain the Natural
Resource Damage Assessment claim under
CERCLA, describe requirements for the project
Design Agreement, and formally request finan-
cial support for core River Partnership expenses.
Numerous presentations throughout 2000 with
local schools, Ashtabula County Builders Asso-
ciation, Great Lakes Commission workshop on
Empowering Community Leaders, League of
Women Voters, US ACE Buffalo District incom-
ing commander.
Applied $48,828 from a grant from Ohio EPA's
Ohio Environmental Education Fund to help
develop an Ashtabula After School Discovery
program called "Waterways Adventure" for 2000
area city school kids in grades 4, 5, 6, 8 and 12 to
conduct field monitoring at selected lake, river
and pond sites and share results at a Great
Lakes Science Student Symposium in Buffalo,
New York.
Convened two separate meetings with river
marina owners/operators to discuss potential
impacts of river dredging project including:
1) safe navigation during dredging, 2) dock
removal, 3) disruption of local businesses, and 4)
integrity of river bulkhead structures installed
since 1962 dredging, and to ultimately determine
satisfactory means to address the impacts,
should they occur.
Participated with local community groups,
including Litter Prevention and Recycling Office,
on three cleanup events in area neighborhoods,
including: 1) the Great American Cleanup at
Walnut Beach on Lake Erie; 2) Ashtabula River
Gulf cleanup at Cedarquist Park; and 3) Earth
Day cleanup.
Ashtabula River RAP Council and the Gazette
News sponsored an Earth Day essay contest
among Ashtabula County elementary and high
schools.
194
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Directors of USEPA's Great Lakes National
Program Office and Ohio EPA, along with a
representative from the IJC's Great Lakes
Regional Office and local media toured
Ashtabula River and Harbor at the August 2000
annual meeting of the Ashtabula River Partner-
ship while Partnership members highlighted the
overall approach and annual milestones toward
remediation of the AOC.
Local video crew filmed annual meeting/tour and
interviews with visitors for use in video produc-
tion, slides, and PSAs for public support, educa-
tion and awareness of Ashtabula River Remedial
Action Plan.
Schedule
Meetings:
RAP Advisory Council Meetings held quarterly
in January, April, August, November, usually on
the fourth Wednesday of the month.
River Partnership Project and Coordinating
Committee Meetings held monthly, usually on the
fourth Wednesday of the month.
Resource Committee Meetings held monthly,
usually on the fourth Tuesday of the month.
Outreach Committee Meetings held monthly,
usually on the second Tuesday of the month.
Quarterly Update River Partnership Meetings
held in January, April, August, November,
usually on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
Technical Advisory and Work Group Meet-
ings held on an as needed basis.
Outlook
Since 1994, the Ashtabula River public/private
partnership process has been very successful
generating seed monies, completing relevant studies
and making steady progress toward implementing its
RAP. Furthermore, the partnership is committed to
maintaining a high profile around the Great Lakes
region. Much of the success in these areas may be
attributed to the organizational structure of the
partnership and its use of the combined expertise,
knowledge, experience, networks and resources of
its many partners. Research efforts into understand-
ing the complex nature of the river ecosystem
continue, and will help focus RAP actions in the
future. A comprehensive community outreach
strategy will continue to be employed to ensure
public and community involvement in the RAP.
Current priorities of the RAP Council and
Partnership include:
Revise final draft Ashtabula River Partnership
(ARP) Comprehensive Management Plan/
Environmental Impact Statement (CMP/EIS)
and Technical Appendices.
Distribute final draft CMP/EIS for public
comment review period.
Air video and related PSAs of Ashtabula River.
Commence preparation of a Project Cooperation
Agreement to designate lands, easements,
rights-of-way to result in a final bids and specifi-
cations package for the Ashtabula River reme-
dial dredging project.
Conduct public outreach to various target groups
about the RAP.
The RAP Council continues to look at other
issues in the AOC as well, such as habitat
enhancement and restoration. RAP mem-
bers are presently discussing installation of
low-tech inexpensive fish spawning struc-
tures in non-polluted river slips, as a mini-
pilot project, prior to full-scale river cleanup.
Many anglers and boaters are aware of the
problems and ongoing cleanup efforts underway
in the Ashtabula River AOC.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
195
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Partners
Ashland Chemical Company
ASHTA Chemicals
Ashtabula City Council
Ashtabula City Manager
Ashtabula City Port Authority
Ashtabula County Commissioners
Astabula County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Ashtabula County Health Department
Ashtabula County Medical Center
Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce
Ashtabula County Planning Commission
Ashtabula County Port Authority
Ashtabula County Soil & Water Conservation
District
Ashtabula County Township Association (all 27
townships)
Ashtabula Growth Partnership
Ashtabula Recreational, Inc.
Ashtabula River Partnership
Ashtabula River Remedial Action Plan
Advisory Council
Ashtabula Star Beacon
Ashtabula Township Association
Ashtabula Township Trustees
Ashtabula Yacht Club
Centerior Energy Corp. (CEI)
ConRail
Detrex Corporation
Elkem Metals
Great Lakes United
Harbor Merchants Association
Harbor Yacht Club
International Joint Commission
Iten Industries
Jack's Marine
Millennium Inorganic Chemicals (formerly SCM)
Molded Fiber Glass
Northcoast Marina
Occidental Chemical (OxyChem)
Ohio Department of Development
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Ohio Sea Grant
Olin Corporation
Pinney Dock & Transport Co.
PPM, Inc. TRANS-END
Praxair, Inc.
Reserve Environmental Services (RES)
Riverside Yacht Club
RMI Environmental Services
R.W. Sidley
Sutherland Marine
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Buffalo District
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Research
1997 Environmental Risk Assessment and
Management Considerations for Dredging the
Ashtabula River and Harbor, Ohio EPA and U.S.
EPA, pending.
1995 Biological and Water Quality Study of the
Grand and Ashtabula River Basins, Ohio EPA
Division of Surface Water, Columbus, Ohio,
January 7,1997.
1995 Ashtabula Harbor Economic and Fiscal
Impact Analysis, Ohio State University, Depart-
ment of Agricultural Economics, September
1996.
1994 Ashtabula River AOC Fecal Coliform
Bacterial Study, Ashtabula County Health
Department, December 1994.
1992 ARCS Program, Ashtabula River
Remediation Guidance Document, U.S. EPA,
GLNPO, October 1994.
1992 ARCS Program, Ashtabula River Assess-
ment Guidance Document, U.S. EPA, GLNPO,
August 1994.
1990 Assessment and Remediation of Contami-
nated Sediments (ARCS) Program, Ashtabula
River Baseline Human Health Risk Assessment,
U.S. EPA, Great Lakes National Program
Office (GLNPO), December 1992.
1990 Biological and Water Qual ity Study of the
Lower Ashtabula River and Harbor within the
Area of Concern, Ohio EPA, Columbus, Ohio,
January 14, 1992.
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Publications
Contacts
December 2000 Environmental Justice Assess-
ment.
December 2000 Cost-Sharing and Non-Federal
Responsibilities and Appendices.
Ashtabula River Project Cost Estimates and
Benefit-Cost Analysis.
Maxxim, Inc. Landfill Design Criteria for
Dredged Ashtabula River Sediments.
HTRW Evaluation of Potential Landfill and
Transfer/Dewatering Site(s).
December 2000 Geotechnical Engineering for
Landfill and Transfer/Dewatering Site(s).
Preliminary Final Radiological Risk Assessment
for Ashtabula River.
Preliminary Final Report November 2000
Ashtabula River Sediment Sampling and Analysis
of Extent of Radionuclide Contamination.
July 2000 Ashtabula River RAP Newsletter.
February 2000 Ashtabula River Value Engineer-
ing Study Team Report.
Ashtabula River Partnership, Part of the
Solution, color brochure, May 1997.
Three Ashtabula River RAP PSAs produced by
the Ashtabula River RAP, March 1995.
Ashtabula River , Be Part of the Solution, color
brochure, June 1994.
Ashtabula River RAP Fish Fry, interviews and
regional television coverage, video produced by
WSEE Channel 35, Erie, Pa., October 1993.
Three Ashtabula River RAP Public Service
Announcements (PSAs) produced by the
Ashtabula River RAP, January 1993.
Ashtabula County - A Community Working
Together, video produced by RM1 Titanium,
August 1989.
Ashtabula River Remedial Action Plan Stage 1
Report, December 1991.
Ashtabula River Remedial Action Plan (RAP)
Newsletter, Ohio EPA, Division of Surface
Water.
Natalie Farber, Ashtabula River RAP Coordinator
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Division of Surface Water
P.O. Box 1049
1800 WaterMark Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049
Phone:614-644-2143
Fax:614-644-2329
natalie.farber@epa.state.oh.us
Carl Anderson, Co-Chair
Ashtabula River RAP Advisory Council
2916 Fairview Drive
Ashtabula, Ohio 44004
Phone:440-998-1969
Leonard Eames, Co-Chair
Ashtabula River RAP Advisory Council
2000 Great Lakes Avenue
Ashtabula, Ohio 44004
Phone:440-964-9621
Fax:440-992-0515
Compiled: June 14,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/ashtabula.html
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern 197
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State of Ohio
Black River Area of Concern
A- ,
iter
Background
Of the four RAP areas located in the State of Ohio,
the Black River is the only Area of Concern (AOC)
that encompasses an entire watershed. Located in
north-central Ohio, the Black River watershed drains
over 1,210 km2. Although flowing primarily in Lorain
County the watershed does include drainage from
Medina, Ashland, Huron and Cuyahoga Counties. In
Elyria's beautiful Cascade Park, the east and west
branches of the river join to form the main channel,
which then flows
16 miles north and
discharges into
Lake Erie at the
port of the City of
Lorain. Overall,
51 % of the land
within the AOC is
used for agricul-
ture, while only 1 %
is truly industrial.
Between these two
extremes are rural
(38%), urban
residential (7%)
and Commercial
uses (3%).
Contaminant loadings from point sources (factories,
waste water treatment plants, etc.) have been
significantly reduced over the past several years.
The Black River, like many major rivers across the
country, is being threatened by major impacts
throughout the entire watershed, not just in the
industrialized areas. These impacts are caused by the
way the landscape is used for urban, suburban and
rural activities. Land disturbances associated with
high residential growth rate and intensive agricultural
practices are a particular problem. The sub-basins in
the upper Black River watershed have seen more
than 20% of their land eroding at a rate of 5 tons/
acre/year or more. Over 17,000 acres are eroding at
"excessive" levels in these areas with cropland
accounting for 82% of this number.
A buffer strip of
natural vegetation
(a riparian corridor
of trees, shrubs,
and grasses) along
the river and
stream banks
protects against
the eroded mate-
rial from washing
quickly into the
river. Unfortu-
nately, in many
areas of the Black
River and its
tributary systems, there has been considerable
disruption of the natural riparian corridor. Without the
corridor in place, significant amounts of nonpoint
source pollution (runoff) enter into the Black River
and its tributaries. Chemical pollutants cannot be
naturally filtered out by the buffering corridor.
Unchecked loadings of sediment from the disturbed
land cover the stream bottoms and eliminate fish and
macroinvertebrate habitat sites which can severely
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
199
-------
reduce their diversity and numbers. The suspended
material can irritate and clog the gills of many fish
species. The highly turbid waters may even "shade
out" the light needed for aquatic plants and algae
resulting in the low dissolved oxygen concentrations
found in the mainstem. In addition, as the stream
bottoms are filled in, the streams run shallower and
wider and cause both increased stream bank erosion
and flooding problems.
In response to problematic land use practices and the
associated nonpoint source pollution that is threaten-
ing the river system, the Black River Remedial
Action Plan (RAP) Coordinating Committee and its
community partners have been working hard on
finding solutions. In 1996, they passed a resolution
that is a unique community based public-private
initiative, aimed to combat these nonpoint source
impacts through the restoration, enhancement and
protection of the Black River riparian corridor. The
main focus deals with assisting the private landown-
ers who own 95% of the land along the Black River
in the management of their resource. In addition, one
project has the Black River RAP looking literally
"from heaven to earth" to combat the nonpoint
source problem. This project, called the Upper Black
River Watershed Project, combines:
1) Regular sampling of the waters in the upper
watershed so failing and failed septic
systems can be identified and located, and
2) State of the art space technology to assist
farmers with precision farming techniques.
Here, satellites are used to accurately "map"
the farm field and its crop cover for precise
applications of fertilizers. This will save
money and save the river system from the
loadings of excess fertilizer.
All these efforts are in line with the Strategic Long
Range Plan developed by the Black River RAP
Coordinating Committee in 1997. This Long Range
Plan, Stage 2 of the RAP Process, is intended to guide
the RAP process far into the future. The initiatives
covered in the Strategic Long Range Plan include the
development of land conservation tools, water quality
and habitat enhancement initiatives, storm water
management efforts targeting pre- and post-constuction
activities, sewer management initiatives addressing
failed and failing septic systems, innovative county and
regional planning measures using an ecologically sound
watershed approach, education and community
awareness programs.
Properly managing urban, suburban and rural land
use practices along the Black River and the en-
hancement and protection of the riparian corridor will
improve the quality and productivity of this valuable
natural resource.
RAP Status
In September 1991, the Ohio EPA director appointed
a local planning group to assist the Ohio EPA in the
preparation of the Black River RAP. This local
planning group, named the Black River Remedial
Action Plan Coordinating Committee, (BRCC),
includes members representing local public agencies,
state and federal agencies, industries and private
commercial groups and citizen representatives. The
Ohio EPA designated the BRCC to develop the
Black River RAP and submit it to the Ohio EPA for
subsequent submittal to the International Joint
Commission. The BRCC was given a plan develop-
ment role, not simply a public advisory role. The
Black River RAP Stage One Report was completed
in April 1994. The Black River RAP Strategic Long
Range Plan (Stage Two Plan) was completed in
March 1997.
RAP Status
0 20 40 60 80 100
Percent Completed
! or each Jtage, a report is submitted to liio IjC
Preparation of the RAP reports and plans are done
by the BRCC noted above, with assistance from the
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency
(NOACA), which provides secretariat and planning
support to the RAP. The Ohio EPA also provides
planning support to the RAP. The RAP chair resides
with the Lorain County General Health District.
Technical and implementation work is conducted
through various work groups established around
specific issue areas.
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Beneficial Use Impairments improvements. It is hoped this trend continues
r allowing for a lifting of the advisories.
Use Impairments - Black River AOC
V
Restrictions on fish and
V
Eutrophication or
wildlife consumption
undesirable algae
V
Degradation of fish and
V
Restrictions on drinking
wildlife populations
water consumption, or
V
taste & odor
Fish tumors or other
V
deformities
Beach closings
V
Degradation of benthos
V
Degradation of aesthetics
V
Restriction on dredging
V
Loss of fish and wildlife
activities
habitat
Land use activities cause significant amounts of
contaminated runoff (pathogens, sediment, heavy
metals, oil and grease, phosphorus, nitrogen and
pesticides) to enter into the Black River and its
tributaries in the form of urban storm water runoff,
construction site soil runoff, river bank soil erosion,
agricultural soil runoff, combined/storm sewer
overflow and home septic system releases. There-
fore the current beneficial use impairments in the
Black River AOC are now attributed primarily to
nonpoint (runoff) sources of pollution. As a result, the
following beneficial use impairments have collec-
tively been confirmed and associated with these land
use impacts:
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
A fish consumption advisory was issued for the
lower 5 miles of the river in 1983 due to the high
incidence of liver and lip cancers found in fish,
particularly brown bullhead. It was determined that
the tumors were associated with high concentrations
of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in
river sediments. The advisory warned against eating
any fish species from that part of the river. Following
removal of the most highly contaminated sediments
in 1990, the incidence of tumors has decreased
dramatically.
In 1997, the fish consumption advisory was revised
to restrict consumption of brown bullhead (one meal
per week), freshwater drum and carp (one meal per
month). The most recent studies of the bullhead
fishery in the Black River has shown dramatic
Also, based on the 1993 document, "Protocol for
a Uniform Great Lakes Sport Fish Consumption
Advisory", the contaminant of concern is now
PCB. The "Protocol" adopted a more stringent
PCB guideline than the previously used FDA
guideline, causing PCB concentrations in fish to
now be considered at levels of concern.
The RAP has indicated that waterfowl may
become contaminated while feeding in areas of
concentrated toxins. Specific concern is for
waterfowl, which consume zebra mussels which
grow in the mainstem and near shore areas. Bird
tissue sampling is needed to clarify existing
conditions.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
Evaluation is based on Ohio Environmental Protec-
tion Agency (EPA) Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI)
and the Modified Index of Weil-Being (Miwb) for the
fish communities. In the Ohio EPA intensive survey
of the Black River, 18 fish species historically
present were not found. It appeared that high
turbidity and sedimentation were the cause of the
disappearance of these primarily clear water/
pollution-sensitive fish.
In contrast, according to the aforementioned indices,
fish communities in the free-flowing portion of the
mainstem improved in 1996 relative to 1992. This is a
considrable improvement when compared to data
from 1982 and 1977. A general absence of intolerant
species is considered to be a point source pollution
legacy and a symbol of continued watershed habitat
impairment. While some improvement has been
noticed for fish communities throughout the water-
shed, high turbidity and sedimentation (habitat
impairment) appear to be the major cause of the
impaired fish populations in the AOC.
In another encouraging contrast, one section of the East
Fork of the East Branch of the Black River met criteria for
Exceptional Warmwater Habitat Status. Habitat enhance-
ment and protection must be directed to this area to protect
some of the higher quality stream segments.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
201
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Fish Tumors or Other Deformities:
Based upon sampling data from 1982,1987 and 1992
the Black River mainstem and near shore area
indicate a history of fish tumor and other deformities.
Studies conducted by Dr. Paul Baumann of Ohio
State University and Ohio Sea Grant beginning in the
early 1980s established a link between high PAHs in
the sediment of the Black River mainstem and liver
cancers in bullhead. PAHs, not readily soluble in
water, collect in the bottom sediments. The bullhead
is particularly susceptible because they feed off the
river's bottom where the contaminants collect.
Further research documented a decline in PAHs in
sediment and subsequent decline in fish tumors
coincident with the closure of the USS/KOBE coking
facility on the river. Liver tumor frequency was last
studied at two through four years post-dredging
(1992,1993, 1994), revealing a very high cancer
prevalence in 1992 and 1993 with a sharp decline in
1994 centered in the youngest age group studied (age
three). The 1992 and 1993 numbers represented a
large increase in tumor prevalence over the 1987
survey, which was four years after the coke plant
closure but prior to dredging. In 1994 the incidence
of tumors decreased due to the removal of contami-
nated sediment. In the most recent study conducted
in 1997, the incidence of tumors has further declined.
A pristine reach of the Black River.
Degradation of Benthos:
Evaluation is based on Ohio EPA's Invertebrate
Community Index (ICI) for the benthos communities.
High turbidity and sedimentation appear to be the
maior cause of the impaired benthos populations in
the AOC.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
The contaminated sediments dredged in the vicinity
of the closed USS/KOBE coking facility were
dredged and placed into a confined hazardous waste
landfill on USS/KOBE property. Sediments were
heavily polluted with the metals zinc, cadmium, iron,
lead, chromium and arsenic in the mainstem and a
PAH (benzo (b) flouranthene), and heavy metals
arsenic and iron in the harbor area.
Sediments are routinely sampled, analyzed, and dredged
from the ship channel and are disposed of in an Army
Corps of Engineers Confined Disposal Facility located
adjacent to the East Breakwater Shorearm of Lorain
Harbor. Currently, The Corps dredges about every two
years, pulling approximately 160,000 cubic yards of
sediment from the harbor and ship channel.
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae:
Increased nutrient loadings remain a problem in
many areas of the watershed. The excess nutrients
come from sewage treatment facilities, over-fertiliza-
tion of lawns, from areas with failed, failing, and
direct discharge home sewage systems and from
agricultural runoff.
Restrictions on Drinking Water Consumption,
or Taste & Odor:
There are no public water supply intakes in the
mainstem of the Black River. However, there are
two communities that obtain their water from the
Upper Black River Watershed. These communities
may potentially be seasonally impaired due to
excessive sediment during periods of withdrawal.
Beach Closings:
Two public swimming beaches are located near the
AOC. High bacteria levels after storm events make
this a periodic impairment. Swimming is not advised
for a period of one to two days following a rainstorm,
or when bacteria levels are high enough to warrant
posting of the beach. Public access to the lower
mainstem of the river, although fairly limited due to
its industrial and urban nature, is impaired due to a
contact advisory.
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Degradation of Aesthetics:
Despite limited qualitative data, methodology limita-
tions and lack of common standards, aesthetics are
considered impaired throughout the AOC.
Streambank erosion of the waterways with natural
debris, trash, detergents, solids and odor from failing
septic systems contributes to degradation of aesthet-
ics. In addition, combined sewer overflows (CSOs)
and improper dumping are increasingly found
throughout the AOC.
Increased nutrient loadings remain a problem in
many areas of the watershed. The excess nutrients
come from sewage treatment facilities, over-fertiliza-
tion of lawns, from areas with failed, failing, and
direct discharge home sewage systems and from
agricultural runoff.
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
Low to moderate Qualitative Habitat Evaluation
Index (QHEI) scores result from channel modifica-
tions due to bank protection work and increased or
diverted runoff. As has been repeatedly stated, in-
stream sedimentation is problematic throughout the
basin as evidenced by degraded fish communities.
Wetland, riparian and upland habitats have been
affected or eradicated by land use alterations.
him
Channelization, deepening and widening of the lower
three miles of the river for commercial navigation
replaced the natural river/shoreline habitat with steel
and concrete bulkheads, leaving only a narrow strip
of shallow water habitat. Upstream habitat is af-
fected by numerous low level dams and elevated
sedimentation rates.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
2000
The Black River RAP develops a priorities list
for 2001 and expands upon their Long Range
Plans for remedial action.
The Lorain County Community Development
Department received an Ohio Small Cities
Community Development Black Grant to create
a Farmland Retention Report.
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating
Agency adopts the Clean Water 2000 Plan, part
of the regional water quality management plan.
The Black River Remedial Action Plan com-
pletes ten years of action within the watershed.
1999
The Lorain County Soil and Water Conservation
District established a Technical Advisory Com-
mittee to discuss and plan educational opportuni-
ties, community outreach and identification of
possible demonstration projects in the Black
River watershed.
The Lorain County commissioners received a
grant from the Great Lakes Commission to start
up a county urban sediment control program.
The Ohio EPA publishes the "Biological and
Water Quality Study of the Black River Basin."
This report shows some improvements but notes
a decided problem with dissolved oxygen con-
centrations in the mainstem, particularly in the
sections dredged for navigation. The four major
NPDES dischargers to the lower Black River
join efforts to develop a Lower Black River
Water Quality Study. This study will develop a
computer model of the lower river to determine
the causes of the depletion in concentrations of
dissolved oxygen.
1998
The Black River RAP and the International Joint
Commission co-sponsored a public symposium in
Lorain entitled "Protecting What's Been Gained
in the Black River."
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203
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RAP Milestones: (continued)
1998
The Black River RAP received a RAP Achieve-
ment Award from the International Joint Com-
mission.
The Black River RAP was awarded a Merit of
Honorable Mention in the Natural Resource
Category at the Northern Ohio Live Awards of
Achievement Reception.
1997
Adoption of the Black River RAP Long Range
Plan (Stage Two).
The Upper Black River Watershed Project is
given federal 319 Program support for the years
1998-2000.
The Model Township Comprehensive Plan: A
Lorain County Township Adaptation Project
is funded by the Ohio Lake Erie Protection Fund.
Official Launch of the Black River Stream Team
projects.
The Ohio EPA conducts its intensive water
quality study of the Black River.
From the Black River Remedial Action Plan
2000 Summary:
The Black River RAP Study Team was recon-
vened to assess any observable changes in the
beneficial use impairments of the Black River.
The Team had much difficulty in addressing the
beneficial uses and impairments to them. Current
thought is that RAPs and AOCs began during a
time of greater impacts from point sources. Point
source impacts have been lessened considerably
in the past several years and controlling them
were more easily accomplished by regulatory
means. Impacts from non-point source pollution,
traditionally seen by the public as less severe, are
also more difficult to identify and then remediate.
The Study Team decided to adjourn and wait for
the results of the Lower Black River Water
Quality Model and the TMDL study to be
conducted by the Ohio EPA in 2001. In the
meantime, the RAP will attempt to increase the
educational activities to gain public support for
remedial measures to non-point source impacts
once they can be fully identified.
1996
Adoption of the Black River RAP
Riparian Corridor Resolution.
Conducted "Stage Two" Black River
RAP Retreat at Lorain County Metro
Parks Carlisle Facility. Facilitated by
The Ohio State University's Depart-
ment of Public Policy.
The Great Lakes Watershed Initiative
Project is launched in the Black River
Watershed with The Conservation
Fund, the Ohio EPA and the Black
River RAP.
Launched the Black River Watershed
Education Project, sponsored by
Oberlin College.
1994
Completion of the Black River RAP Stage One
Report.
1992
Conducted "Stage One" Black River RAP
Retreat at Oberlin College.
An Urban Sediment Control Specialist was hired
for Lorain County utilizing funds from a Great
Lakes Commission grant to the County Commis-
sioners. The specialist, working out of the Lorain
Soil and Water Conservation District office, is
developing a program to help reduce environ-
mental damages caused by urban development.
A team of volunteers work to curb nonpoint source pollution through
various erosion control techniques.
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Lighthouse near Black River shipping channel.
A Lower Black River Water Quality Model is
being developed. The dredged shipping channel
has been consistently plagued by severely
lowdissolved oxygen concentrations. In the 1999
OhioEPA study, Biological and Water Quality
Study of the Black River Basin, it was noted that
the principal water quality problem with the
Black River main stem is a reduction in dissolved
oxygen in the shipping channel. Recognizing this
depletion as a major factor in the poor habitat
conditions noted in the lake-influenced reach of
the main stem, an initiative to perform a study of
the main stem was started by four RAP mem-
bers. A very extensive sampling regime com-
menced in January 2001, with OhioEPA's
assistance. The initiative also includes assistance
from USGS and USEPA. The study will produce
a "mini-TMDL" of the Black River main stem,
where the causes of the oxygen depletion are
determined. Using the model, the proper, or most
effective remedial effort can be identified.
A Ditch Habitat Study received funding by the
USEPA. This study consists of demonstration
projects that evaluate the biological and habitat
impacts from varied levels of ditch cleaning.
Before and after monitoring of water quality and
habitat (by QHEI) will hopefully show that ditch
cleaning can facilitate necessary flows, but also
respects and preserves habitat. The study is
administered by the Lorain SWCD.
The Lorain Port Authority developed a Master
Plan for the Grove Site, which is a brownfield
development along the Black River mainstem.
The Port Authority has included many of the
recommendations of the Black River RAP
Coordinating Committee including:
1) Decreasing the amount of shoreline to be
hard-armored (sheet piled);
2) The protection of the majority of the natural
shoreline of this section of the Black River main
stem; and
3) The establishment of additional shoreline
habitat by the creation of a manmade aquatic
habitat shelf in the river.
(If sufficient funding is available, the Grove Site
streambank restoration may be expanded to more of
the Black River mainstem. There have been discus-
sions with the City and Port Authority to include the
purchase of additional property along the Black River
mainln response to the connection between problem-
atic land use practices and the nonpoint source
pollution associated with those practices, the Black
River Remedial Action Plan (RAP) Coordinating
Committee and its community partners passed a
resolution on January 8,1996. This resolution is a
unique community based public-private initiative. It
aims to combat non-point source impacts through the
restoration, enhancement and protection of the Black
River riparian corridor and its associated natural
resources. An aggressive and comprehensive
implementation plan, called the 1997 Black River
RAP Long Range Plan has been developed to guide
the Black River RAP process far into the future. The
following projects support the Black River RAP, its
1996 Riparian Corridor Resolution or its 1997 Long
Range Plan.
The Upper Black River Watershed Project,
funded by the section 319 Nonpoint Source
Pollution Program, is nearing completion. This
project consists of two components:
1) Addressing non-point source impacts through-
out the watershed by way of the utilization of
precision farming techniques. This program will
demonstrate practices that lessen the impact of
agricultural non-point source pollution.
2) Identification of areas with failed and failing
home sewage disposal systems (HSDS). This
program will allow the county health departments
to develop and implement a HSDS maintenance
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
205
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Progress and Achievements: (continued)
and inspection program. Part of this program is to
include a public outreach and education portion that
explains the links between improperly maintained
HSDS's and nonpoint source pollution.
The Village of Lodi applied for funds from the
new Ohio EPA-DEFA Water Resource Restora-
tion Sponsor Program. This project, if funded,
will add monetary resources to a streambank
remediation plan that began in 1999 as a Supple-
mental Enforcement Project. Approximately $2-
2.5 million will be added by the WRRSP to
enhance, restore, and protect wetlands, eroding
stream banks, aquatic and buffer habitats, and
riparian corridors along the East and West Forks
of the Black River. A new wetland will be
constructed to receive the effluent of the up-
graded Lodi wastewater treatment plant.
The Lorain Port Authority began discussions
with the Black River RAP Coordinating Commit-
tee in dealing with the problem of the Confined
Disposal Facility (CDF) located at the river's
mouth. The CDF, which receives the spoils from
the dredging of the ship channel, is nearing
capacity. Alternative solutions to the disposal of
the spoils at this site need to be identified
The Black River RAP Coordinating Committee
developed a Remediation Site Identification
Subcommittee. The Subcommittee will assess
identified sites, and if remedial action is needed,
the Coordinating Committee will attempt to
locate funds and/or the human power to get the
remediation efforts accomplished.
In response to the connection between problematic land
use practices and the nonpoint source pollution associ-
ated with those practices, the Black River Remedial
Action Plan (RAP) Coordinating Committee and its
community partners passed a resolution on January 8,
1996. This resolution is a unique community based
public-private initiative. It aims to combat non-point
source impacts through the restoration, enhancement
and protection of the Black River riparian corridor and
its associated natural resources. An aggressive and
comprehensive implementation plan, called the 1997
Black River RAP Long Range Plan has been devel-
oped to guide the Black River RAP process far into the
future. The following projects support the Black River
RAP, its 1996 Riparian Corridor Resolution or its 1997
Long Range Plan.
The Upper Black River Watershed Project:
A federal grant of $300,000 through the Ohio 319
Program, matched by $294,055 in local/state in-kind
and monetary contributions for a combined total of
$594,055 was received for this project. The project
involves the Lorain Soil & Water Conservation
District (SWCD), Lorain County General Health
District, Medina County Health Department, Ohio
Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the
Ohio EPA. Project Summary Highlights: The Lorain
SWCD will be providing $ 140,000 in cost-share
monies for farmers in Lorain County to implement a
nutrient management program using precision
farming techniques (uses state-of-the-art satellite
technology). They have also received $40,000 from
ODNR to establish gully erosion practices in agricul-
ture crop areas along the Upper West Branch of the
Black River in Lorain County. The Lorain County
General Health District and the Medina County
Health Department have collectively received
$75,000 to implement an in-depth investigation/survey
and sampling of known and suspected "on-site septic
and aeration disposal systems" in Lorain and Medina
County portions of the Black River watershed. This
survey will be supported by a GIS database. The
survey and sampling data collected will support the
implementation of maintenance and inspection
programs for the Lorain and Medina County portions
of the Black River watershed.
The Model Township Comprehensive Plan: A
Lorain County Township Adaptation:
$71,110 in state Lake Erie Protection Fund (LEFP)
monies matched by $70,000 in local/state/federal in-
kind contributions for a combined total of $ 141,110
have been received for this project. Project Partners
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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include the Lorain County Commissioners, the Lorain
County Community Development Department and
the Ohio EPA. A consultant has been hired to help
Carlisle Township (a rural/suburban mix township
that includes both branches of the Black River in
Lorain County, Ohio) develop a comprehensive
Township Plan that incorporates natural resource and
open space protection, flood control and non-point
source pollution abatement measures. GIS support
staff will be hired to develop a Carlisle Township
land use database that will compliment zoning
changes to the Township Plan. Carlisle Township will
have access to a volunteer team of natural resource
and conservation experts for forming their Township
Plan. Also, a consultant will be hired to assist Lorain
County in developing a Community Guide on how to
develop Township Comprehensive Land Use Plans
using the Carlisle Township Plan as the model.
Northeast Ohio Water Quality Management
Plan:
In 1975, the Governor of the State of Ohio desig-
nated the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating
Agency (NO AC A) as the Water Quality Manage-
ment Agency under Section 208 of the Clean Water
Act. NOACA continues to serve in this capacity on
behalf of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and
Medina counties. The Northeast Ohio Four County
Planning and Development Organization (NEFCO)
serves the same role in Portage, Stark, Summit and
Wayne Counties. Together, NOACA and NEFCO
are undertaking a major update of the regions Water
Quality Management Plans, which were originally
developed in the late '70's. A 208 Water Quality
Planning Task Force has been formed to assist in this
undertaking. The Task Force includes representa-
tives of municipalities, counties, sanitary sewer
agencies, boards of health, planning commissions,
county park districts, soil and water conservation
districts and watershed advisory bodies from each of
the counties in the Northeast Ohio 208 planning area.
They are charged with updating the Northeast Ohio
208 Water Quality Management Plan to guide future
land use and watershed management decisions in the
region.
Lorain County Metro Parks Wetland Restora-
tion Projects: Carlisle Woods Project and the
North Ridgeville Sandy Ridge Project
Carlisle Woods Project: The Lorain County Metro
Parks in partnership with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) put about 150 acres of the
parks' Carlisle Reservation in the USDA's Wetland
Reserve Program. Through an agreement, the
USDA paid about $ 107,000 for an easement to do
restoration projects, and Metro Parks officials agreed
to manage the land according to regulations in the
program. The USDA Natural Resources Conserva-
tion Service Program in Elyria worked locally with
the Metro Parks on the project.
North Ridgeville Sandy Ridge Project: Lorain
County Metro Parks and the Lorain Building Indus-
tries Association have completed work on a 130-acre
wetlands park within the municipal limits of the City
of North Ridgeville. The park features a picnic-
playground area and water-covered acreage with an
elaborate series of floating walkways and habitats to
give visitors a close-up look at vegetation and
animals that live in a wetland setting. Development
of the park was a part of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers' national mitigation program designed to
preserve and create wetland areas.
Constructed Wetland Sewage Treatment:
A remarkable experiment in wetland-based sewage
treatment is taking place in the Black River AOC. In
early 1993, the Lorain County General Health
District recognized the need for an alternative to the
conventional septic system for private homes.
Alternative systems need to be able to handle the
cold temperatures common during northeastern Ohio
winters. So the Health District in 1993 initiated an
experimental project using constructed wetlands to
treat sewage affluent from single-family homes.
Constructed wetlands are engineered ecosystems
designed to clean polluted water by filtering it
through a network of bacteria and anything from
algae and plants to snails and fish. By 1994, twelve
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
207
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systems were installed at individual residential
homes. The homeowners voluntarily agreed to test
and pay for the wetland systems.
Community Involvement
The Black River RAP has structured much of its
educational work into teacher education in order to
allow teachers to reach many more students than the
RAP would be able to do on its own. As part of this,
the new Black River Environmental Center was
opened in Oberlin. Some RAP-partnered educational
initiatives as part of this Black River Environmental
Center established unique professional development
opportunities for area educators. They include:
GLOBE - Global Learning and Observations to
Benefit the Environment sponsorship through
NASA, NSF, and NOAA
WET - Watershed Education for Teachers
Watershed Education Partnership Project -
Oberlin College watershed course
The Adopt-A-Watershed program conducted a
four-day Environmental Leadership Institute for
local educators in June 2000.
All three of the above programs help educators
explore the Black River watershed and all of its
components. The programs provide them with hands-
on instructional activities to assist students in explor-
ing the watershed and their place in the watershed.
Other education and outreach efforts are of a more
traditional hands-on, meet the public nature. They
include:
Mother Earth S ings - A springtime environmental
fair in Cascade Park, usually attended by several
hundred children and their families.
The Environmental Science Fair - An environ-
mental day camp for gifted students of Lorain
County.
The Black River RAP is looking for enthusiastic
individuals and organizations with a desire to help
improve the quality of the Black River as well as the
life associated with it. The Black River is "Your
River" and you can make it part of "Your
Responsibility" to help clean it up. The RAP relies
on public involvement and education as a long-term
solution to many of the remaining problems in the
river. Your involvement and input are extremely
important to the RAP process and its success. If you
are interested in finding out more about a specific
action group or program within the RAP, make a
connection with those listed in the "Contacts" section
of this AOC summary.
The following are highlights on how volunteers
continue to advance the cause:
Black River Watershed Volunteer Monitoring:
There is a four-step volunteer monitoring program
established in conjunction with the Ohio EPA to
Wr ci UK,
Black
Our River, Our Responsibility
Remedial Action Plan
assess the health of the Black River system. The
Program, called CARE (Coordinated Assessment of
River Environments) allows volunteers to choose
which steps they would like to be involved with. The
steps include (1) Site Assessment; (2) Macro-
invertebrate sampling; (3) Chemical Monitoring; and
(4) Bacteria Testing.
In 1996, the Black River RAP piloted a project to
engage middle and high school students in watershed
monitoring. The goal of the project is to use the
RAP's need for information about non-point source
pollution to build credibility with the school commu-
nity, to transfer watershed information to science
teachers and to develop school contacts for RAP
partners. Schools participate in fieldwork to measure
rain runoff and river pollution.
Black River Stream Team:
The Black River Stream Team is a voluntary group
of local and state partners who strive to find free
resources and expertise for landowners along the
Black River who need assistance in repairing an
eroded stream bank, removing a logjam obstruction
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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or enhancing wildlife habitat. The Black River
Stream Team is dedicated to increasing awareness
and support of farmers, contractors, business own-
ers, residents, government officials and others in the
implementation of Black River stream riparian
corridor restoration, enhancement and protection
through the use of voluntary best management
practices. Such practices mainly use 'natural materi-
als' and well-established practical bio-engineering
methods.
Presentations, Lectures and Displays:
The Black River RAP and its partners are often
asked to give presentations to a wide array of
organizations from school groups to public officials.
Different members of the Black River RAP speak at
such occasions, depending on the audience. The
Black River RAP also regularly puts up displays at
workshops, conferences and other special events to
educate participants on the purpose of the RAP and
outline the many activities of its partners.
Schedule
Meetings:
The main organization associated with the Black
River RAP is called the Black River RAP
Coordinating Committee (BRCC). Its meetings
are held in January, March, May, July, Septem-
ber and November, usually on the second
Monday of the month. All meetings are open to
the public.
Various work group meetings are held on an as-
needed basis. All meetings are open to the
Outlook
Properly managing urban, suburban and rural land
use practices along the Black River through protec-
tion of the riparian corridor will improve the quality
and productivity of this valuable natural resource.
One area that will benefit from riparian protection
once non-point source pollution is controlled is the
lower 6-8 miles of the Black River (known as the
lacustuary area or the Lake Erie influenced stretch).
Within the Black River lacustuary area, the effects
of point source pollution have been minimized to the
level that the overall water quality and fish communi-
ties are on the verge of recovery. This is due to the
closing of the USS/Kobe coke facility in the early
1990's and the upgrading of the Elyria Waste Water
Treatment Plant. As a result, the overall water
quality of this area (which includes the aquatic
habitat) is nearing environmental recovery. If the
local communities along the Black River continue to
reduce the non-point source pollution nutrient
loadings entering the lacustuary by protecting
upstream riparian corridors, and do not encroach on
the lacustuary's physical structure, algal abundance
(feeding upon the nutrients) will decline, the re-
establishment of aquatic vegetation will occur, and
high quality fish communities with abundant sport
fish species and rare and endangered species will
return. In addition, to the benefit of the sports fishing
industry and endangered fish species, this area of the
Black River could be known as a unique high quality
environment and attract visitors and recreationalists
from throughout the Lake Erie area.
The Black River RAP and its community partners
have been making a difference. Through the
support of the Riparian Corridor Resolution and
the Communications/Education Programs, the
Black River RAP and its community partners
have fostered a new and heightened awareness
to protect this area.
Volunteer water quality samplers do
their part for the Black River RAP.
AnVQfoferview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
209
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Partners
Research
The following are organizations associated with the
Black River RAP Coordinating Committee:
City of Elyria
City of Lorain
Lorain County Chamber of Commerce
Lorain County Commissioners
Lorain County Farm Bureau
Lorain County General Health District
Lorain County Metro Parks
Lorain County Municipalities
Lorain County Port Authority
Lorain County Township
Lorain Soil & Water Conservation District
Lorain County Engineer
Medina Soil & Water Conservation District
Medina County Commission
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Ohio State University Sea Grant
U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Re-
sources Conservation Service
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Building Industries Association of Lorain County
LTV Steel
Republic Technologies International
A Remedial Site Identification Sub-Committee is
set up by the Black River RAP in 2000. This
sub-committee will inventory and prioritize river
sites for potential remedial action and develop
the funding opportunities and manpower re-
sources need.
As an outcome of the 1994 Stage One Report,
which identified home sewage disposal systems
as a major contributing source of bacteria in the
watershed, the Northeast Ohio Areawide
Coordinating Agency received a grant in 1999
from the Lake Erie Protection Fund to conduct a
study of home septic systems and semi-public
sewage disposal systems in a seven county area.
In 1999, Dr. Paul Baumann of Ohio State
University and the USGS Field Service Station
releases a report entitled, "Health of the Bull-
head in an Urban Fishery After Remedial
Dredging." The report shows the Black River
population of Brown Bullhead catfish is living
longer and with less evidence of tumors and
cancers than observed in previous studies.
Previous studies documented the effects of
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
polluted river sediments. These polluted sedi-
ments were a legacy of steel mill coking opera-
tions on the Black River. The 1999 report shows
the recovery of the fish after the polluted
sediments were dredged.
The City of Lorain conducted extensive sampling
around Lakeview Park and Century Park from
1994-1997.
The Ohio EPA Biological Water Quality Study of
the Black River (with selected tributaries) and
Beaver Creek, 1994 and 1997.
Ohio EPA completed fish tissue surveys in 1992,
1994 and 1997.
Dr Paul Baumann of the National Biological
Survey and the Ohio State University received
funding to carry out fish tumor analyses in the
Black River in 1992,1993 and 1994. This data
builds on that collected in 1982 and 1987.
The Friends of the Black River undertook
sampling throughout the watershed in 1993 with
the assistance of a grant from the Black River
Research Fund.
Mr. Craig Limpach undertook a limited survey of
birds and small mammal populations along the
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Black River in 1992 with funding assistance form
the Black River RAP Research Fund.
Ohio EPA conducted a short survey of fecal
coliform levels in 1992.
The Findlay Lake Study identified the need to
upgrade the package plants that discharge to the
Lake.
The Lorain County General Health District is
monitoring the performance of ten constructed
wetland sewage treatment systems in an attempt
to assess the use of these systems to provide a
cost-effective alternative for safe treatment of
residential and commercial sewage.
The Black River Study Group at Oberlin College
had been funded to provide hunter/fisher opinion
surveys in 1993 and 1994.
USS/KOBE has been providing annual updates
on Blue Heron rookery populations in the vicinity
of its facility along the Black River mainstem.
John Carrol University researchers assessed
algae at four Lake Erie estuaries, including the
Black River.
Dr. Susan Fisher of The Ohio State University,
along with the assistance of Dr. John Estenek of
the Ohio EPA, is undergoing an assessment of
toxicity in several watersheds including the Black
River involving turtles. Additional data needs will
be developed following the completion of this
work.
Publications
Black River Remedial Action Plan: 2000
Activity Summary
2000 Bathing Beach Summary: Produced by
the City of Lorain Health Department, it shows
many of the swimming advisories at near shore
beaches are linked to storm events and associ-
ated contaminated runoff.
1999: A guidebook, Streambank Guide for
Homeowners, is developed by the Lorain County
Soil and Water Conservation District through a
grant from the Great Lakes Commission. The
guidebook is intended to help homeowners learn
more about protecting stream banks from erosion
utilizing bioengineering techniques.
1999 Annual Update of the Black River
Remedial Action Plan: Produced for the Black
River RAP by NOACA. It identifies the
progress made by partners in the Black River
watershed during 1999 to protect and to improve
water quality.
Canesadooharie: A newsletter of the Black
River RAP initiated as part of education grants
from the Ohio EPA and NOACA.
A series of pamphlets were prepared and
distributed by the Lorain County Community
Development Department. Many of these
pamphlets deal with development issues in and
around the Black River watershed. These timely
pieces were designed to help inform the public
and elected officials in the area of proper land
management, especially in response to the
increasing development pressures in the eastern
townships as Greater Cleveland expands west-
ward. They include:
NPDES Storm Water Phase II Regulations
Major Subdivision Review Procedures
Minor Subdivisions in Lorain County
Developing Land in Lorain County
Developing Land in the 100-Year Floodplain
Explorations of a Watershed - The Natural
History of the Black River. A wonderful
compilation of subjects pertaining to the various
stages and ages of the Black River. It was
compiled by Brad Masi and published as part of
the Watershed Education Partnership Project.
Some of the subject matter was written by RAP
members Cheryl Wolfe and Ted Conlin and
gleaned through interviews of RAP members
Karl Schneider and Tom Holmes.
The International Joint Commission released a
report based on the document "Protecting What
Has Been Gained In The Black River." The
1999 report can be accessed on the web at:
www.iic.org/boards/wab/black/cover.html
1999 - The Ohio EPA's report on the water
quality study conducted in 1997 available on the
Agency's Division of Surface Water's web page:
www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/rap/blackdocs.html
1998 - Four Fact Sheets, called "Black River
RAP Sheets" developed by Seventh Generation,
a former member of the Black River Coordinat-
ing Committee.
1997 - Black River RAP Long Range Plan: The
Black River RAP has developed a Strategic
Long Range Plan, which provides an on-going
focus for RAP activities. The Plan forms the
core of the RAP Stage Two Report called for by
the agreement with the International Joint
Commission, which initiated the RAP process
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
211
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Publications: (continued)
Contacts
throughout the Great Lakes. The Strategic Long
Range Plan identifies the goals and objectives of
the RAP. It includes an Annual Work Plan that
guides the RAP and assists in the attainment of
the stated objectives.
1996 - Black River RAP Riparian Corridor
Resolution: Passed in January 1996, the Black
River RAP and its associated partners through
this unique public-private initiative will seek out
cooperative and voluntary arrangements, develop
programs to increase awareness and seek
funding to support Black River restoration,
enhancement and protection, including implemen-
tation of best management practices.
1995, 1996, 1997, & 1998 - Black River RAP
Annual Report: Highlights yearly activities and
accomplishments.
1994 Black River RAP Stage One Reporf.This
report focuses on the pollution problems and use
impairments that affect the Black River AOC.
The report references related research informa-
tion and makes suggestions for Stage Two
Implementation activities.
Ken Pearce, Chair
Lorain County General Health District
9880 South Murray Ridge Road
Elyria, Ohio 44035
440-244-2209
Pamela L. Davis, RAP Secretary
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency
668 Euclid Avenue
4th Floor, Atrium Office Plaza
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-3000
216-241-2414 ext. 250
pam.davis@mpo.noaca.org
web page: www.noaca.org
Ted Conlin, Black River RAP Coordinator
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Northeast District Office
2110 East Aurora Road
Twinsburg, Ohio 44087
330-963-1131
ted.conlin@epa.state.oh.us
web page: www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/rap/bIk home.html
212
Compiled: July 9,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/blackriver.html
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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State of Ohio
Cuyahoga River Area of Concern
Background
The Cuyahoga River is located in northeast Ohio. It
begins its 100-mile journey in Geauga County, then
flows south to Cuyahoga Falls where it turns sharply
north until it empties into Lake Erie. The river drains
813 square miles of land in portions of six counties.
Native Americans referred to the U-shaped river as
the Cuyahoga or "crooked river."
Fires plagued the Cuyahoga beginning in 1936 when
a spark from a blow torch ignited floating debris and
oils. Fires erupted on the river several more times
before June 22, 1969, when a river fire captured
national attention when Time magazine described the
Cuyahoga as the river that "oozes rather than flows"
and in which a person "does not drown but decays."
This event helped spur an avalanche of pollution
control activities resulting in the Clean Water Act,
Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and the
28SH1
vii llI
creation of the federal and state Environmental
Protection Agencies.
The boundaries of the Area of Concern (AOC) were
set by the Cuyahoga Remedial Action Plan Coordi-
nating Committee (CCC) in 1988. The AOC includes
the lower 45 miles of the river from the Ohio Edison
Dam to the mouth as well as approximately 10 miles
of Lake Erie shoreline, from Edgewater Park on the
west side of Cleveland to Wildwood Park on the
east. The AOC includes the Cuyahoga Valley
National Recreation Area, which preserves 22 miles
of river between the primary urban/industrial centers
of Akron and Cleveland.
RAP Status
The Cuyahoga River RAP process began in 1988
when the Ohio Environmental Protection
Agency, the designated lead agency for
developing RAPs in Ohio, appointed a 33-
member planning committee to develop the
Cuyahoga River RAP. This group, the
Cuyahoga River RAP Coordinating Commit-
tee or CCC, is a balanced representation of
stakeholders in the planning process, with
representatives from local, regional, state
and federal agencies, businesses and
industry, and citizen and environmental
organizations. NOACA, the Northeast Ohio
Areawide Coordinating Agency, provides
secretariat and planning support for the
RAP. In June 1992 the Stage One Report
was completed, identifying the impairments
of beneficial uses and sources and causes of
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
213
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those impairments. This report was updated in early
1996 with the Stage One Update, which presented
more recent data on issues previously addressed
along with discussions on additional environmental
issues. An Early Implementation Report issued in
March 1996 describes the many projects and pro-
grams underway that will have a positive impact on
the Cuyahoga River.
Preparation of the RAP is done by the CCC, with
assistance from the Cuyahoga River Community
Planning Organization (CRCPO), a nonprofit organi-
zation formed by the RAP Steering Committee to
support its goals. Technical work is conducted
through various work groups established around
specific issue areas (e.g, Habitat, Land Use, Human
Health, Community Involvement, etc.) or grant-
related projects (e.g., Big Creek Stream Stewardship
Program, GLNPO Streambank Rehabilitation
Project, Yellow Creek Stream Stewardship Program,
Larval Fish Study, Work Groups including: Fish &
Aquatic Life, Human Health, Recreation, Socio-
Economic, Wildlife, Plan Drafting, Technical, Com-
munity Involvement Committee).
Use Impairments - Cuyahoga River AOC
RAP Status
Stage
20 40 60 SO
Percent Completed
100
* For Mfli a report is .submitted to the IjC.
Beneficial Use Impairments
Ten of 14 use impairments have been identified
through the Remedial Action Plan (RAP) process.
These environmental problems are caused by cultural
eutrophication (nutrients), toxic substances (PCBs,
heavy metals), bacterial contamination, habitat
modification, and sedimentation.
Sources for these contaminants include municipal
and industrial discharges, bank erosion, commercial/
residential development, atmospheric deposition,
hazardous waste disposal sites, urban stormwater
runoff, combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and
wastewater treatment plant bypasses.
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Degradation of fish and
wildlife populations
V Fish tumors or other
deformities
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Eutrophication or
undesirable algae
V Beach closings
V Degradation of aesthetics
V Degradation of phy-
toplankton & zooplank-
ton populations
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
Restrictions on Fish Consumption:
In 1994 the Ohio Department of Health issued a Fish
Consumption Advisory for Lake Erie and the
Cuyahoga River AOC. This advisory is based on
PCB levels in fish tissue and suggests restricted
consumption for white sucker, carp, brown bullhead,
and yellow bullhead in the Cuyahoga River AOC.
Restricted consumption of walleye, freshwater drum,
carp, steelhead trout, white perch, coho salmon,
chinook salmon (19" and over), smallmouth bass,
white bass, channel catfish and lake trout are
suggested in Lake Erie.
Degradation of Fish Populations:
Beginning at the Ohio Edison Gorge (River Mile 44)
and extending downstream to Lake Erie, IBI and
Mlwb scores (Ohio EPA measures of fish population
conditions) ranged from fair to very poor and were
below applicable Ohio warmwater habitat aquatic life
use criteria. Although fish communities have recov-
ered significantly in historically depleted segments of
the Cuyahoga River, pollution-tolerant species
continue to dominate the population composition.
Fish Tumors or Other Deformities:
Ohio EPA data collected in 1991 indicate that
although deformities, eroded fins, lesions and external
tumors (DELT anomalies) have declined throughout
the watershed, significant impairments still occur
from the headwaters to the nearshore areas of Lake
Erie.
Degradation of Benthos:
Benthic macroinvertebrate populations throughout
the Cuyahoga River AOC remain impaired in places,
214
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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but show significant recovery within the segment
downstream of the Akron Water Pollution Control
Station (WPCS) to the head of the navigation
channel. 1991 narrative evaluations of ICI scores
(Ohio EPA measures of benthic macroinvertebrate
population conditions) ranged from good to margin-
ally good throughout most free-flowing sections of
the river. Departures into the fair range were limited
to sites in the Akron municipal area, downstream of
the Akron WPCS, and in the mixing zones of the
discharges from the Akron and NEORSD Southerly
sewage treatment plants. In the navigation channel,
populations remain in the poor range.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
Most of the sediments dredged from the navigation
channel of the Cuyahoga AOC are subject to
restrictions on disposal because of their classification
by U.S. EPA as "heavily polluted" by heavy metals.
Only a small amount of the dredged material at the
extreme upstream end of the navigation channel has
no restrictions on disposal (30,000 cubic yards of a
total 400,000 cubic yards dredged annually) and are
used for beach nourishment. The "heavily polluted"
sediments are disposed of in a confined disposal
facility in the Cleveland area.
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae:
Little can be said about the trophic status of the free-
flowing upper section of the Cuyahoga AOC, from
the Ohio Edison Dam to the head of the navigation
channel, due in part to a lack of standards or consis-
tent monitoring. The navigation channel is listed as
probably impaired because of severe oxygen deple-
tion during summer months. This is due primarily to
exertion of sediment oxygen demand compounded by
the dredged, bulkheaded morphology of this segment.
The nearshore Lake Erie area is currently listed as
impaired, but recent changes in water clarity and
phytoplanktonic cell abundance warrant further
study.
Beach Closings & Recreational Access:
Two public swimming beaches are located in the
AOC. High bacteria levels after storm events make
this a periodic impairment. Swimming is not advised
for a period of one to two days following a rainstorm,
or when bacteria levels are high enough to warrant
posting of the beach. Public access to the river in the
section from the Ohio Edison Dam to the head of the
navigation channel is not impaired due to the 1993
completion of the 22-mile towpath trail in the
Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area. This
bike and hike path is being extended into Cleveland
to the north and into Akron in the south. Recreational
access to the river is considered impaired in places in
the navigation channel and nearshore area due to the
primarily industrial land use, although several small
parks exist and more are planned.
Degradation of Aesthetics:
Despite limited quantitative data, methodology
limitations and a lack of common standards, aesthet-
ics are considered impaired throughout the AOC.
Erosion of hillsides and streambanks; contamination
of the waterways with natural debris; as well as the
effects of trash, detergents, solids and odor from
failing septic systems; CSOs; and improper dumping
are pervasive. Many of the problems to aesthetics
are exacerbated by storms and high flow conditions.
Trash, debris, oils and other materials on street
surfaces may enter the waterways through storm
sewer discharges.
Degradation of Phytoplankton & Zooplankton
Populations:
Limited studies on phytoplankton populations indicate
they may be possibly impaired in the AOC when
compared to other areas. However, no indices of
phytoplankton community health or ecosystem health
based on the phytoplankton community structure
currently exist. No standards exist for zooplankton
communities as well. No studies of zooplankton
communities have been made in the riverine portion
of the AOC, and limited information is available for
the nearshore Lake Erie area. This impairment is
listed as "UNKNOWN" at this time. The RAP is
seeking partners to undertake research in this area in
order that an evaluation may be made.
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
From the Ohio Edison Dam to the head of the
navigation channel fish habitat is not impaired while
wildlife habitat is impaired in some places, particu-
larly urban areas. In the navigation channel the
combination of past channelization, lack of riparian
cover, siltation of bottom substrates, low gradient,
bankwalls of concrete and sheet piling, annual
maintenance dredging and loss of natural substrates
contribute to this segment being impaired for both
fish and wildlife. Shoreline alterations, maintenance
dredging, and the use of the littoral zone for develop-
ment result in the nearshore Lake Erie area consid-
ered probably impaired in some places.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
215
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Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
2001: RAP completes State of Big Creek and
State of Yellow Creek Reports.
2001: RAP publishes Life at the Water's Edge:
Living in Harmony with Your Backyard Stream.
2000: RAP completes four stream bank restora-
tion projects, demonstrating soil bioengineering
techniques.
1999: RAP completes Strategic Planning pro-
cess.
1998: RAP achieves presidential designation of
the Cuyahoga River watershed as one of
fourteen American Heritage Rivers in the nation.
1998: RAP initiates Larval Fish Study of Naviga-
tion Channel.
1997: RAP launches Stream Stewardship
Programs for Cuyahoga River Tributaries (Big
Creek/Yellow Creek).
1996: RAP initiates investigation of the potential
for fish recovery in the Navigation Channel using
artificial re-aeration techniques.
1996: RAP completes an Early Implementation
Report.
1995: RAP completes Stage One Update Report.
1993: RAP conducts Creel Survey on type and
quantity of fish caught and consumed from the
river/lakefront.
1992: RAP completes Stage One Report.
1992: RAP conducts Community Preference Poll
of Cuyahoga and Summit County residents.
1991: Review of Methods for Estimating Ben-
efits from Environmental Amenities report is
completed.
1989: Cuyahoga River Community Planning
Organization (CRCPO) established by the CCC
to support RAP activities.
1988: Cuyahoga River RAP Coordinating
Committee (CCC) established by Ohio EPA.
1987: GLWQA, Annex 2, requires Remedial
Action Plans (RAPs) for 43 polluted waterways
impacting the Great Lakes.
1972: Ohio EPA is created.
1972: Canada & U.S. sign Great Lakes Water
Quality Agreement (GLWQA), recognizing that
pollution is threatening the Great Lakes.
1969: The "burning" Cuyahoga River creates a
national scandal, and a challenge to clean up
polluted urban rivers.
With the concentrated efforts of the stakeholder
organizations represented on the CCC, considerable
progress has been made in the development and
implementation of the Cuyahoga River RAP. The
CRCPO currently operates with funding support
from The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund
Foundation, The GAR Foundation and The Ohio
EPA, local stake holders and donations to provide
staffing and planning support to pursue RAP goals
and implement RAP projects for the benefit of the
Cuyahoga River and its surrounding watershed.
Many activities have been undertaken by the RAP
and its partners to address beneficial use impair-
ments and involve local communities and area
stakeholders.
Highlights of recent progress and achieve-
ments: (From the "2000 Cuyahoga River RAP
Achievements" document)
The Community Involvement Committee com-
pleted a Comprehensive Education and Market-
ing Strategy.
The Technical Committee initiated an email
discussion/project development website.
RAP Work Groups continued to develop action
plans to address identified beneficial use impair-
ments. Actions/projects identified and currently
being pursued include:
Aquatic Life Work Group
Wetland Restoration Site Suitability Model
Groundtruthing
Modification of the Station Road Dam Feasibility
Study
Navigation Channel Habitat Feasibility Study
Streambank Rehabilitation/Restoration Project
Implementation
Sediment Characterization Studies in suspect
areas
Results of Larval Fish Study Evaluation and
Report
Riparian Area Management Workshops for
Officials & Managers
Cuyahoga River/Lake Erie coho salmon.
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Human Health Work Group
Cuyahoga River Creel and Fish Consumption
Survey
Fish Consumption Advisory Signs
Human Health Data and Study Review
Community Health Survey
Recreation Work Group
User-Friendly Aquatic Bacteria Level Database
Socio-Economic Work Group
Local Initiatives for Public Access
Eutrophication/Aesthetics Research Agenda
Wildlife Work Group
GIS Wildlife Habitat Inventory
USGS Aquatic and Terrestrial GAP Analysis
Input and Review
Wildlife Professionals Survey
More Progress and Achievements:
The RAP continued to serve as a point of
contact for the American Heritage River
Partnership. This group is working to secure
funding with a national nonprofit consortium
to develop a PBS documentary series on the
American Heritage Rivers. The Cuyahoga
partnership formed from the major organiza-
tions involved in planning activities throughout
the watershed. The partners include the
Cuyahoga River RAP, Northeast Ohio Areawide
Coordinating Agency (NOACA), Northeast Ohio
Four County Regional Planning & Development
Organization (NEFCO), Ohio & Erie Canal
National Heritage Corridor (CanalWay Ohio),
and the Upper Cuyahoga River Watershed Task
Force.
Big Creek Stream Stewardship Project continues
success
V The Stream Stewardship Patch Handbook,
Storm Drain Stenciling Handbook revision
and State of Big Creek Report were com-
pleted.
v The Big Creek Watershed Action Group held
a "Walk your Watershed" event as part of
Ohio Coastweeks. Development continues
on a new environmental program at
Cuyahoga Community College.
V Several Big Creek Clean Up events were
conducted attracting hundreds of volunteers,
several of whom have "adopted" stream
segments to monitor and clean up.
V The State of the Big Creek Report is
completed.
Completed the third year of collections for Cuyahoga
River Larval Fish Survey, the third component of
the Navigation Channel Reaeration Feasibility
Study funded by a grant from the Ohio Water
Development Authority and local matching
funds. A panel of fish experts convened to
evaluate data and make recommendations for
future work.
A strategic review of the Cuyahoga River
tributaries is being convened to evaluate potential
sub-watersheds to expand the Stream Steward-
ship Program. A variety of resources and
existing data will be utilized to evaluate these
watersheds. The analysis and recommendation
of this review will result in the expansion of the
Stream Stewardship Program to a new tributary
river.
Yellow Creek Stream Stewardship Project
continues progress: Public Forums and meetings
with elected officials resulted in a Riparian
Overlay District Ordinance adopted by Bath
Township to help protect this threatened water-
shed. The formation of a Watershed protection
and preservation group is underway in the Yellow
Creek watershed. Everyone is welcome to join
the effort to preserve the Yellow Creek water-
shed.
Fall fishing in the Cuyahoga.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
217
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Progress and Achievements: (continued)
In March, 1999 the Cuyahoga River RAP
Coordinating Committee adopted a Strategic
Plan to help guide its activities for the next 3-5
years. Outlined goals in this plan address the
activities currently being undertaken or planned
to reduce or eliminate beneficial use impair-
ments; maximizing citizen participation and
involvement; focusing and improving RAP
education strategies; and implementing strategies
for maintaining the RAP Coordinating Committee
as a strong, active, and representative body for
deliberation and decision-making.
On July 27,1998 the Cuyahoga River was
designated as one of fourteen "American
Heritage Rivers" by President Clinton and Vice
President Gore. "The Cuyahoga is of singular
importance in the birth of the American environ-
mental movement," said Elliot Diringer, a spokes-
man for the White House Council on Environ-
mental Quality. The designation has helped to
create a renaissance along the Cuyahoga by
creating new partnerships, improving economic
opportunities and promoting environmental,
historical, and cultural projects.
The Cuyahoga RAP received a grant from the
U.S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Office
to provide funds and oversight for the design and
construction of several bioengineered rehabilita-
tion projects in the Cuyahoga River watershed. A
two-day technology transfer session was held in
1996 to introduce bioengineering ideas and
concepts to local stakeholders. Construction on
the first projects began in 1997. It is expected
that these sites will serve as demonstrations for
future projects and the expansion of bioengineer-
ing techniques for stream rehabilitation. The
RAP assisted in sponsoring several workshops
regarding streamside management. The RAP
was also a key collaborator in the production of
the Life at the Water's Edge booklets to be used
by riparian landowners.
Community Involvement
Big Creek Stream Stewardship Program
By focusing attention and effort on a tributary
watershed of the Cuyahoga River, the RAP is
developing a comprehensive program to combine the
efforts of public involvement with planning and
technical assessment at the local level. The tributary
watershed aligns more closely with municipal and
township units, thus enabling residents and local
officials to mobilize around the protection of a stream
"in their own back yard." It is expected that this
program may then be used as a model for activities
in other tributary watersheds. A grant for this three-
year project was obtained from a Federal Clean
Water Act Section 319 grant and local matching
funds. Actions underway include education and
outreach activities with community residents, elected
officials and local leaders; creating databases on
riparian areas and local environmental ordinances;
storm drain stenciling and habitat improvement
projects; development of citizen-friendly tools for
data collection; and dissemination of information to
the public.
Yellow Creek Stream Stewardship Project
This is the second tributary watershed to garner the
focus of RAP action and effort. It began in late 1996
with the receipt of an $83,000 grant from the Lake
Erie Protection Fund to the Northeast Ohio Four
County Organization and a $45,000 grant to the
CRCPO from the GAR Foundation. The project is
expected to incorporate activities and public out-
reach/involvement concepts similar to the Big Creek
project. As of 2001, the stream stewardship effort
has assisted in successfully garnering zoning changes
within Bath Township with the passage of the
Riparian Overlay District, the formation of a water-
shed protection group (yet to be formally named),
and the continued support of the areas residents in
the stream monitoring program.
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Events/Public Awareness/Education
The Cuyahoga RAP continues to provide educational
and involvement opportunities to area residents and
interested parties. A narrated slide presentation is
used to explain the RAP story. More than 50 RAP
presentations are made annually to civic, school and
professional groups. Delegations from around the
world stop regularly in Cleveland to see the river and
hear the Cuyahoga RAP story. More than 5,000
street storm drains have been stenciled and more
than 40,000 fish-shaped door hangers distributed to
promote understanding of their link to
the river and lake. Newsletters are
mailed out to more than 6,500 stake-
holders on a biannual basis.
The Cuyahoga Caravan is an annual
RAP event that provides an opportu-
nity for the public to tour the river and
learn how to help protect it. The RAP
also participates in the Friends of the
Crooked River Annual River Day,
during which more than 30 events
(cleanups, nature walks, canoe trips,
concerts, etc.) focusing on the river
are conducted. The Friends of the
Crooked River and the RAP team also
completed a highly effective home
sewage system maintenance video
with a grant from the Ohio Environ-
mental Education Fund.
Burning River Fest: The 32nd
anniversary celebration of the flames that claimed
the Cuyahoga River and brought the environmental
movement to the forefront of peoples minds was a
great success! On Friday, June 22, 2001 approxi-
mately 400 people joined us at the Great Lakes
Brewing Company in the Tasting Room & Tank
Farm. We celebrated with food, games, and live
entertainment by Walkin' Cane and of course
Great Lakes Brew. The funds raised were
matched dollar for dollar by The George Gund and
GAR Foundations.
River Symposium 2001
The Cuyahoga River RAP hosted a River Sympo-
sium on October 25,2001 to review and discuss with
the public the most recent findings and studies on the
Cuyahoga River, including Ohio EPA 2000 Intensive
Survey results, Towpath Trail extension plans,
Riparian Habitat and Restoration Projects, and
Cuyahoga River Larval Fish Study results.
Schedule
Meetings:
CCC Meetings held in January, March, May,
September, November, usually on the third
Thursday of the month.
Steering Committee Meetings held in January,
March, May, September, November, usually on
the first Thursday of the month.
CRCPO Board of Directors Meetings held in
January, March, May, September,
November, usually on the first Thursday
of the month.
Community Involvement, Technical
Advisory and Work Group Meetings
held on an as needed basis.
Outlook
The Cuyahoga River RAP process
continues to address the issues and
problems identified by the Stage One
Report and Update. It has been very
successful thus far in garnering re-
sources and funding to undertake these
projects and programs. Much of the
success in this area is attributed to the
organizational structure of the RAP and
its use of a nonprofit organization, the
CRCPO.
Significant actions have been undertaken by the RAP
and its partners to restore the beneficial uses of the
Cuyahoga River. Research efforts into understanding
the complex nature of the river ecosystem continue,
and will help focus RAP actions in the future.
Aggressive efforts have been made to develop a
public and community involvement strategy that
guides the outreach and education efforts of the
RAP.
Current priority issues of the RAP include several
that are outgrowths of recent projects and studies.
These include habitat restoration, navigation channel
dissolved oxygen/larval fish studies, stream steward-
ship, wetland identification, urban stormwater
management and comprehensive environmental
education and community involvement.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
219
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Outlook: (continued)
The Cuyahoga River RAP team is also committed to
honoring the designation of the Cuyahoga River as
an American Heritage River. The historical, cultural
and environmental significance of this river, as well
as its past, present and future economic impacts on
the nation, make it a worthy selection for such
recognition. Because of the efforts of dedicated
agencies, organizations, local stakeholders and
private individuals, the Cuyahoga River will never
burn again!
Partners
STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES:
Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area
Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Ohio Department of Natural Re-
sources
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban
Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
INDUSTRY/COMMERCIAL AND
PRIVATE INTERESTS:
American Steel and Wire
Flats Industry
Flats Oxbow Association
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Greater Cleveland Growth Association/
U.S. Sea Grant
Lake Carriers Association
LTV Steel
Samsel Supply Co.
COMMUNITY INTEREST GROUPS:
Cleveland Waterfront Coalition
Friends of the Crooked River
Greater Cleveland Boating Association
Great Lakes Tomorrow
Great Lakes United
League of Women Voters
Ohio & Erie Canal Association
Sierra Club
West Creek Preservation Committee
LOCAL PUBLIC JURISDICTIONS:
Akron Public Utilities Management
Cleveland Department of Public Utilities
Cleveland Metroparks
Cuyahoga County Board of Health
Cuyahoga County Planning Commission
Cuyahoga County Sanitary Engineering Office
Cuyahoga Mayors & Managers Association
Cuyahoga Valley Community Council
Metroparks Serving Summit County
Northeast Ohio Four County Planning and
Development Organization
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency
Summit County Health Department
Summit County Sanitary Engineering Office
Research
Larval Fish Study:
The Cuyahoga River RAP, Ohio EPA and the Ohio
Water Development Authority have conducted a
qualitative survey of larval fish in the lower 20.8
miles of the Cuyahoga River. In 1998 three sites
were sampled in the area downstream of the first
river dam (river mile 20.8) to the head of the naviga-
tion channel (river mile 5.6). Collections were made
using ichthyoplankton net sets and tows. Collections
were identified and processed by Darrel Snyder and
the Larval Fish Laboratory at Colorado State Univer-
sity. Samples contained 23 species from 7 families.
Large numbers of catostomid eggs, probably white
Dredging the harbor of the Cuyahoga involves many partners.
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An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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sucker, and the possible presence of longnose sucker
indicate the usage of the navigation channel for Lake
Erie fish migration. Follow-up studies in 1999 found
larval fish in the navigation channel (species to be
determined) and migration of steelhead trout adults to
the Gorge Dam at river mile 45.
Navigation Channel Reaeration Feasibility Study:
Dissolved oxygen levels in this dredged, bulkheaded
and channelized segment of the river have histori-
cally been too low to support aquatic life under low-
flow conditions or to allow passage of fish to up-
stream areas. The Cuyahoga RAP received a grant
from the Ohio Water Development Authority, along
with local matching funds, to conduct a study on the
feasibility of restoring adequate dissolved oxygen
levels to this segment. Included in the study is a
survey of fisheries experts on the potential benefits
to fish populations. Findings indicate that although
reaeration technology is feasible, little benefit to fish
populations will result due to a lack of riparian
habitat.
Strategies/Projects addressing Elevated Bacte-
ria Levels:
A study of sewer, flooding and water quality
issues in the Mill Creek tributary watershed was
completed by the Northeast Ohio Regional
Sewer District in 1997. As a result of this study,
$ 175 million in improvements are to be con-
structed by 2005. NEORSD recently received $2
million to conduct a similar study in the Doan
Brook watershed.
The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District has
been developing Long-Term CSO Control Plans
across their combined sewer area. Planning in
the Mill Creek area was completed in 1997 and
construction of a CSO storage tunnel is ongoing.
Planning in the Westerly WWTP planning area
was completed in 1999 and the design and
construction of CSO control projects is ongoing.
Planning in the Easterly and Southerly WWTP
combined sewer areas is ongoing. The entire
NEORSD long-term CSO control plan is sched-
uled to be finalized in early 2002. The estimated
cost for the NEORSD CSO control program is
$ 1 Billion. Additionally, the NEORSD has com-
pleted the Doan Brook Watershed Study, with
recommendations provided for CSO control,
stormwater management, channel and floodplain
management, and biotic community management.
Ohio EPA Intensive Survey:
In 1996 the Ohio EPA conducted an intensive survey
of the Cuyahoga River watershed as part of its five-
year basin monitoring program. Chemical and
biological samples were collected, and physical
attributes of approximately 90 sampling sites were
recorded. The report on the results of this survey
was completed in early 1998.
Summary of Research:
The restoration effort for the Cuyahoga River has
spawned a variety of research needs within the
watershed. These needs are consistently being
addressed by the RAP and partnering organizations
through grant funding efforts and other collaborative
projects. As with all aspects of the RAP, the Coordi-
nating Committee provides direction for efforts
regarding these needs.
Publications
2001
State of Big Creek Report
State of Yellow Creek Report
Fish Consumption Advisory Posters
State of the River Report (in progress)
2000
November 19-23, 2000: The Forgotten Valley
Report - a week-long series of stories on
Cuyahoga River Valley history, development and
future appeared in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Larval Fish Survey Report
Evaluating the Big Creek and Yellow Creek
Stream Stewardship Programs of the
Cuyahoga River RAP
Stream Stewardship Patch Program Manual
Storm Drain Stenciling Project Handbook
Life at the Water's Edge - Living in Harmony
With Your Background Stream by The RAP
Streambank Restoration and Education Project.
This riparian owners handbook was funded by
GLNPO and ODNR-DSWC.
The Cuyahoga River Watershed - Restoring
an American Heritage River was featured in
"Watershed Success Stories - Applying the
Principles and Spirit of the Clean Water Action
Plan" written by the Clean Water Action Plan
Partnership. The article can be accessed on the
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
221
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Publications: (continued)
Contacts
Internet at http://www.cleanwater.gov/success/
cuvahoga.html.
Two RAP*UP newsletters mailed to over 6000
stakeholders
Other Publications
Cuyahoga River Community Planning Orga-
nization Annual Reports, 1996, 1995, 1994,
1993,1992,1991.
Cuyahoga River Remedial Action Plan Stage
One Update Report - Impairment of Beneficial
Uses and Sources of Pollution in the Cuyahoga
River Area of Concern, April 1996.
Cuyahoga River Remedial Action Plan -
Progress in Restoring the Environmental
Quality of the Cuyahoga River: An Early
Implementation Report, March 1996.
Fact Sheets on Big Creek, Stormwater Manage-
ment, Storm Drain Stenciling, Nonpoint Source
Pollution, Illicit and Malfunctioning Sewer
Connections, Habitat, Combined Sewer Over-
flows, Pollution Prevention, Fish Consumption
Advisory, Sewage Disposal Systems, Stream
Monitoring Survey Forms, 1996.
Restoring the Cuyahoga River - A Remedial
Action Plan full color brochure, 1996.
Included with it are a watershed poster and
environmental timeline.
Cuyahoga River Remedial Action Plan Stage
One Report - Impairments of Beneficial Uses
and Sources and Causes in the Cuyahoga River
Area of Concern, June 1992.
Understanding Beach Warnings brochure.
Dollars Down the Drain home sewage system
maintenance video produced by Friends of the
Crooked River.
Teacher s RiverGuide - A curriculum hand-
book on the Cuyahoga River developed by
Kent State University.
Water Quality Handbook - A Teacher Re-
source for Water Quality Improvements
developed by the Cuyahoga Soil and Water
Conservation District, also containing eight video
vignettes.
Kelvin Rogers, Cuyahoga River RAP Coordinator
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Northeast District Office
2110 East Aurora Road
Twinsburg, Ohio 44087
330-963-1117
kelvin.rogers@epa.state.oh.us
Kelly Danczak, Environmental Planner
Cuyahoga River RAP
1299 Superior Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
216-241-2414 ext. 275
kdanczak@mpo.noaca.org
JanineRybka, Interim Administrator
Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization
1299 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
216-241-2414 ext. 610
irvbka@mpo.noaca.org
John Beeker, RAP Secretary
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency
1299 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
216-241-2414 ext 250
ibeeker@mpo.noaca.org
Compiled: July 9,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/cuvahoga.html
222
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
State of Ohio
Maumee River Area of Concern
ihy
Background
The Maumee River begins in Ft. Wayne, Indiana,
and travels more than 130 river miles to Lake Erie,
105 miles of which are located in Ohio. The bound-
aries of the Maumee Area of Concern (AOC) were
initially defined as the area from the Bowling Green
water intake (River Mile 22.8) downstream to the
Maumee Bay and Lake Erie, including Duck Creek,
Otter Creek, Cedar Creek, Grassy Creek, Crane
Creek, Swan Creek and the Ottawa River. In 1992,
the AOC was expanded to include Packer Creek,
Turtle Creek, Rusha Creek and the Toussaint River.
The drainage area for the AOC covers all of Lucas
County and parts of Wood, Ottawa and Sandusky
counties. The Maumee has the largest drainage area
of any Great Lakes river with 3,942 stream miles
draining into the Maumee River.
When the Maumee AOC was designated, it was
primarily due to the large problem of agricultural
stormwater runoff. However, upon further investiga-
tion it was discovered that there were far more
problems than just agricultural nonpoint source
pollution. Such problems include the 17 wall-to-wall
dumps along the banks of the Ottawa River.
Remediating leachate from these dumpsites and
numerous other uncontrolled waste sites throughout
the AOC is one of the most expensive problems
facing the restoration of the Maumee AOC to
"fishable and swimmable" conditions.
RAP Status
The Maumee RAP process began on October 1,
1987, when the first public meeting was held by the
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
(Ohio's statewide RAP coordinator) and the Toledo
Metropolitan Area Council of Governments
(TMACOG) (local coordinator for the Maumee
RAP). In 1988 the Maumee RAP Advisory Commit-
tee was formed. The 74-member RAP Advisory
Committee included representatives from all levels of
government, business and industry, universities and
other interested individuals. Problem definition was
completed in 1990 with the submission of the
Maumee RAP Stage 1 Report (1990) to Ohio EPA.
Stage 1 of the RAP process was officially concluded
in March 1992 when the Maumee RAP Stage 1
Report (1990) was reviewed and accepted by the
IJC.
RAP Status
0 20 40 60 80 100
Percent Completed
* f or paoii -it/ige,. a report U .tuhmittpd tn ihf 11C
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
223
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After Stage 1 was finished and the Advisory Board
was abolished, the Maumee RAP Implementation
Committee (MRIC) was formed to oversee all the
restoration activities of Stage 2 that were occurring
throughout the Maumee AOC. MRIC is comprised
of 21 members, including 7 representatives from
government, 7 from business and 7 citizens. The
Maumee RAP is currently well into Stage 2 of the
process. The Maumee RAP Implementation Com-
mittee, with the collaboration of its eight action
groups, recently completed a detailed Maumee River
Remedial Action Plan Strategic Plan (1997), which
documents some of the progress and achievements
of the RAP, as well as provides direction as the
Maumee RAP strives toward completion of Stage 2.
Beneficial Use Impairments
Ten of the 14 use impairments have been identified
for the Maumee AOC through the Remedial Action
Plan (RAP) process. These environmental problems
are caused by toxic substances (heavy metals,
polychlorinated biphenyls), habitat modification
(channelization), bacterial contamination, cultural
eutrophication (nutrient enrichment) and landfill
leachate. Sources of these pollutants include urban
stormwater runoff, commercial and residential
development, municipal and industrial discharges,
combined sewer overflows (CSOs), sanitary sewer
overflows, wastewater treatment plant bypasses,
hazardous waste disposal sites and agricultural
runoff.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Consumption advisories for the fish caught in differ-
ent waterways have different recommendations.
When the Maumee RAP Stage 1 (1990) was
written, fish consumption advisories existed for carp
and catfish in all Lake Erie waters due to polychlori-
nated biphenyls (PCBs). In the Ottawa River and in
Hecklinger Pond, consumption restrictions were
placed on all species of fish also due to PCBs. As of
June 1997, the Ohio Department of Health issued its
annual consumption advisory limits. One meal a
month is the consumption recommendation for
smallmouth bass and carp caught in any waters of
the Maumee River due to PCBs and mercury.
However, the advisory limit for carp becomes one
meal every two months if they were caught in
Maumee Bay. There are advisories of one meal a
week for freshwater drum and largemouth bass
caught from the mouth of the Maumee River to
Waterville. Advisories against eating any catfish
caught in Maumee Bay and any species caught in
the Ottawa River from the Wildwood Metro Park to
Maumee Bay also were issued.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
According to the Maumee RAP Stage 1 Report
(1990) fish populations were identified as degraded
throughout the AOC. Those areas downstream
exhibited a higher degradation of fish communities
than those areas upstream. The lowest fish commu-
nity values were present in the area between the
Toledo Wastewater Treatment Plant and Maumee
Bay.
Fish Tumors or Other Deformities:
When the Maumee RAP Stage 1 Report was
written in 1990 there was an elevated frequency
of fish tumors and deformities observed in the
Lower Maumee River mainstem, the lower five
miles of the Ottawa River and near the mouth of
Otter Creek. No data have been made available
for Otter Creek.
Use Impairments - Maumee River AOC
V
Restrictions on fish and
V
Eutrophication or
wildlife consumption
undesirable algae
V
Degradation of fish and
V
Restrictions on drinking
wildlife populations
water consumption, or
V
taste & odor
Fish tumors or other
V
deformities
Beach closings
V
Degradation of benthos
V
Degradation of aesthetics
V
Restriction on dredging
V
Loss of fish and wildlife
activities
habitat
Degradation of Benthos:
Benthic communities have been degraded due to
the pollutants released by industrial discharges,
landfill leachate and other sources. Some bottom-
dwelling organisms absorb persistent pollutants
and may not be greatly affected by them. How-
ever, when larger animals feed on these polluted
macroinvertebrates, the levels of pollutants
224
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
increase as they move up the food chain. Diversity
of macroinvertebrates living in a stream can help
indicate health of the waters. Students monitoring the
Ottawa River near Stickney Avenue found no living
organisms in the stream from 1990 through 1994.
Beginning in 1995, they began to find a few species.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
Materials dredged from the Maumee River Shipping
Channel can contain elevated levels of pollutants and
possibly require treatment. According to the Maumee
RAP Stage I Report (1990), 40 percent of the
dredged sediments from the shipping channel needed
to be placed in a confined disposal facility, and it has
been recommended that open lake disposal be
phased out completely.
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae:
Eutrophication can be directly linked to high levels of
nutrients, in the form of phosphorus and nitrogen, in
the water. A major source of these excess nutrients
is the fertilizers that are carried in the runoff from
farmland. When the Maumee RAP Stage 1 Report
(1990) was written, the Maumee River contributed
more than 40 percent of the annual phosphorus load
from Ohio to Lake Erie.
Restrictions on Drinking Water Consumption,
or Taste & Odor:
Advisories are often issued seasonally for elevated
nitrate concentrations in the communities that use the
Maumee River as a public drinking water supply.
These warnings are usually issued in the early spring
when rainfall is heavy and the local fanners have just
applied their fertilizers and pesticides. This causes
larger quantities than normal of chemicals to be in
the treated water, which can be dangerous to
particular groups of the population, such as children
and pregnant women. Occasionally, there are taste
and odor problems in the water from the Toledo and
Oregon Water Treatment Plants.
Beach Closings:
Although beach closings are not an area-wide
problem, beach closings have occurred within the
Maumee AOC. The summer of 1995 was one of the
recent worst with 69 days of posted swimming
advisories issued for the swimming beach at
Maumee Bay State Park. At those times, high levels
of fecal contamination were detected in the park, but
this contamination could not easily be traced to a
single source. In addition to the beach closings at
Maumee Bay, sections of the Ottawa River within
the AOC have contact advisories that have been
posted since 1991. This means that no one should
swim or come in direct contact with the water during
any form of use.
Degradation of Aesthetics:
Degradation of aesthetics can be attributed to the
many beneficial use impairments of the Maumee
AOC, including high sediment loadings and debris
following storm events. These impairments all
contribute to the lower aesthetic value of the
streams, rivers and portions of Lake Erie located
within the AOC.
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
Loss of fish and wildlife habitat has not been well
researched within the Maumee AOC. However, in
general, modifications such as riprap, channel
straightening, rerouting and filling in of the rivers and
streams do have short- and long-term effects on the
amount of available habitat for fish and wildlife.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
June 1997: Maumee Remedial Action Plan
Strategic Plan completed.
October 1994: Maumee Remedial Action Plan:
Progress Report 1994 released.
June 1993: Maumee Remedial Action Plan:
Progress Report 1992-1993 released.
March 1992: Maumee Remedial Action Plan:
Stage I Investigation Report accepted and
Stage 1 officially concluded by the IJC.
September 1991: Maumee Remedial Action Plan
Implementation Committee formed.
July 1991: Maumee Remedial Action Plan:
Recommendations for Implementation Report
completed.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
225
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RAP Milestones: (continued)
October 1990: Maumee Remedial Action Plan:
Stage I Investigation Report completed.
February 1988: Maumee Remedial Action Plan
Advisory Committee formed.
October 1,1987: Firstpublic meeting for the
Maumee RAP held.
Progress from within the Maumee RAP:
2000
Selected a consultant to create a 10-year
Activities and Accomplishments Report with the
assistance and funding support of Ohio EPA.
Agricultural Runoff Action Group
Toussaint River Improvement Incentive Program
- Phase 1 grant completed
Produced full color booklet on the success of
Phase 1 of the project - July
Conducted wrap-up media/information day - July
Created and posted conservation buffer area
signage for areas near roadways - August
Approved a total of 57 contracts for nearly 27
miles of streambank
Enrolled 233 acres of Floodplain, 32 acres of
Filter Strip, & 1461 acres in Con-tillage
Toussaint River Improvement Incentive Program
- Phase 2 grant begins
Continued to represent the Maumee RAP on
Ohio's Lake Erie Conservation Buffer Team
Dumps and Landfills Action Group
Continued representing the Maumee RAP on the
Duck & Otter Creeks Partnership
Assisted the Duck & Otter Creeks Partnership
in funding legal fees and to establishing the
Partnership as a nonprofit organization
Provided input to the City of Toledo Brownfields
Group
Finance Action Group
Established a Budget Committee to work with
TMACOG to reformat the RAP Financial
Report
Open Space and Wetlands Action Group
Distributed 1,000 trees from NIFTI to Ottawa
National Wildlife Refuge, Ohio EPA, ODNR-
Maumee Bay State Park, Wood Co. Recycling -
April
Maumee River Watershed Wetlands Protection
and Enhancement Planning Project grant begins
Mailed invitation letters to establish a Project
Advisory Board
Held first meeting of Advisory Board - August
Established 4 subcommittees to work on differ-
ent objectives of the project - August
Investigated and commented (in conjunction with
Ottawa River Action Group) on Point Pleasant
Cove wetland regarding a possible conservation
easement - October.
Ottawa River Action Group
Continued representing the Maumee RAP on the
Ottawa River Remediation Team
Developed a brochure for the general public
regarding the results of Recreational & Eco-
nomic Value of Dredging the Ottawa River
Environmental "Hot Spot" Delineation and Risk
Assessment for the Ottawa River grant contin-
ues
Received Data Gap Report from consultant
Ohio EPA collected samples from 17 sites
included soils, surface grabs, water column, and
biological data for the ICI and IBI - July
Ohio EPA collected fish tissue samples - Octo-
ber
Fourth Annual Maumee Watershed Clean Your
Streams Day (co-sponsored with Swan Creek) -
Sept. 9. Total of 106 land volunteers collected
4500 pounds of debris from 11 sites (2 by boat)
Hosted Profiling of the Ottawa River IV with 80
people attending - September
Investigated and commented (in conj unction with
REMEDIAL ACTION PUN
226
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Open Space and Wetlands Action Group) on
Point Pleasant Cove wetland regarding a pos-
sible conservation easement
Co-hosted with other interested groups an
Informational Brunch for elected officials -
December
Public Outreach and Education Action Group
Ongoing assistance in writing & distribution of
the Maumee RAP Newsletter
Established www.maumeerap.org as new front
page for RAP website - April
Began process of remaking 1965 Fate of a River
film regarding Maumee River water quality
issues
Conducted 5 planning meetings
Hosted a Remaking Fate of a River Kickoff
meeting at Sauder Village - November
Assisted with promotion of Swan Creek Days,
RAP Clothing Sale, Annual Summer Gathering,
and Clean Your Streams 4
Began the process of updating the Maumee
RAP General Brochure
Swan Creek Action Group
Swan Creek Watershed Plan of Action Project
grant continues
Hosted Swan Creek Day at Monclova Commu-
nity Center with 40 people attending - March
Completed StreamKeepers program
Volunteer sampling at 3 5 sites on a monthly basis
through May
Conducted a public information and volunteer
appreciation event - July
Continued research/development of a Watershed
Plan of Action document
Floodplain Study for Swan Creek through
Bowling Green State University completed
Fourth Annual Maumee Watershed Clean Your
Streams Day (see Ottawa River Action Group) -
September
Swan Creek OPUS project with ODNR grant
continues
Conducted Practices that Protect evening lecture
with speaker from OSU - August
Urban Runoff Action Group
Conducted nine training sessions for Storm Drain
Stenciling Project Leaders - Summer - Approxi-
mately 104 storm drains were stenciled by four
groups in the city of Toledo - May to October
Installed BMP water quality modification in
Toledo's Glen Cove detention basin - May
Maumee River Regional Storm Water Manage-
ment District grant continues
Held 14 meetings of the MRRSWC
Hired consultant (ERC) to develop regional
stormwater district plan of operation - February
Performed public opinion survey of regional
stormwater issues - July
Conducted two of six workshops to inform the
public and elected officials - October & Decem-
ber
Developed draft regional stormwater manage-
ment standards
Provided technical assistance for MRRSWC
Other Progress and Achievements:
Toussaint River Improvement Incentive Project
This project, through the Agricultural Runoff Action
Group, was aimed at increasing the incentives
available to farmers along the Toussaint River for
installing filter strips and using conservation tillage
practices. The establishment of these practices
should lead to improvement in the water quality of
the Toussaint River. Assessments of the Toussaint
River are being made now that the project is com-
pleted and data will be compiled in order to show the
direct benefits to water quality from using these
practices. The project was funded through a
$275,000 grant from the Ohio EPA's 319 grant
program with $ 194,000 in local and state matching
contributions. This project period was late 1997
through 2000.
Incentives for farmers lead to improved conservation
practices in the Maumee River watershed.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
221
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Strip-Till Equipment Lease Program: Reducing
Soil and Nutrient Runoff
This project was sponsored by the Agricultural
Runoff Action Group and aimed to promote strip-till
farming as a Best Management Practice to local
farmers who experience corn yield reductions when
planting into wheat stubble. The project was funded
through a sediment reduction grant from the Great
Lakes Commission and was in effect from the fall of
1997 through the fall of 1999.
Stormwater Workshop for Municipal Officials
throughout the Maumee AOC
In November 1993 a $10,000 federal nonpoint source
grant enabled the Urban Runoff Action Group to
organize a workshop for municipal officials dealing
with issues such as lawn chemicals, yard waste,
household hazardous waste and construction site
runoff. This well attended workshop also served to
educate participants about the Maumee RAP and
how municipalities can be a part of the RAP process.
"Buy-Down" Program for Farmers to Purchase
Conservation Tillage Equipment
A $641,000 federal grant for nonpoint source pollu-
tion abatement was used in 1992 to encourage
conservation tillage. The RAP Agricultural Runoff
Action Group collaborated with Ohio EPA, Ohio
Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and 17
Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) in
the program, which provided farmers with "buy-
down" money to be applied toward the purchase of
conservation tillage equipment. More than 400
participants received money from this highly
successful program, with farmers matching funds
at a rate of nearly nine to one.
Partners' Activities:
Metzger Marsh Restoration
Metzger Marsh is a 900+ acre Lake Erie marsh
being restored through a cooperative effort by the
ODNR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Ducks
Unlimited with support from many other organiza-
tions. This marsh was once protected by both a
beach and lake-front dike. They were breached in
the late 1950s. As late as the mid-1970s cattails still
covered about 40 percent of the land mass. By the
time restoration efforts began in 1994, only 10
percent of the original wetland remained. Extensive
research is ongoing by several organizations to
evaluate the success of this restoration project.
City of Toledo's CSO Abatement Tunnels
More than $40 million has been spent in reducing the
city of Toledo's CSOs in the Maumee River/Swan
Creek area. Massive storage tunnels have been
constructed to hold most of the combined sewage
and stormwater overflows and prevent it from
flowing directly into the rivers. Although there are
other areas within the Maumee AOC which could
greatly benefit from the removal of CSOs, the
elimination of CSOs in the Maumee River/Swan
Creek area is a major step in the right direction.
Landfill Cleanup
Two additional Ottawa River landfill sites, Tyler
Avenue and Stickney Avenue, were selected by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency
(U.S. EPA) for remediation under Superfund's
Accelerated Cleanup Model program. The sites
were scheduled for capping during 1998. Adjacent to
the Stickney Avenue Landfill is the property of
XXKem. Leachate collection for the XXKem site
was proposed in conjunction with the capping of the
Stickney Avenue Landfill.
Dura Containment Wall
A $4.8 million containment wall and leachate collec-
tion system was completed in 1994 at the Dura
Avenue Landfill. The wall, constructed along the
banks of the Ottawa River, is 259 meters long and 12
meters high, with another 12 meters extending below
ground level. Dura was believed to be a major
source of PCBs contamination in the Maumee AOC.
The $4.8 million Dura Avenue Landfill containment wall
and leachate collection system along the banks of the
Ottawa River was constructed to help stop PCB contami-
nation in the Maumee River AOC.
228 An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Otter Creek Watershed Improvements
Otter Creek was rerouted around an industrial landfill
to prevent input of leachate. In addition, Sun Oil
tapped into the Toledo sanitary sewer systems,
eliminating its industrial discharge to Otter Creek.
Maumee Bay Bacteria Task Force
Dedicated to reducing the bacteria problems in the
Maumee Bay area, this group consists of representa-
tives from a wide array of interested parties, such as
the Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Health and the
University of Toledo. These agencies collaborate
results on water sampling and bacteria testing in the
Maumee Bay area. The group is working toward
solving the bacteria problem of the Maumee Bay
area as a whole.
Maumee Bay Sediment Reduction Project
During 1996 and 1997, the Natural Resources
Conservation Service received $700,000 from the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct an
extensive soil conservation program. The goal of this
program is to prevent agricultural sediment runoff
thus reducing the dredging needs in Toledo Harbor.
These funds are being divided and used differently
among counties throughout the Maumee River basin
to assist farmers in reducing erosion.
Community Involvement
One of the biggest challenges for all RAPs is getting
others involved, because restoration can not be done
by just a few. Community involvement and education
is essential to the continuing progress of restoring our
waters to "fishable and swimmable" conditions. The
Maumee RAP community is continually seeking
involvement in ongoing projects and special events. If
you or someone you know would like to become
involved with the activities of the Maumee RAP,
please see the "Contacts" section below.
2000
Maumee Bay Student Watershed Watch Project:
This project brings students, as well as teachers and
many organizations, together to sample water quality
and learn about environmental issues. In October,
more than 1,000 students from 22 schools sampled
36 sites. After the sampling, the students meet
together in a large forum, called a "Watershed Watch
Summit," where they share and discuss their results.
The 12th Annual Summit was held in November.
Seventh Annual Walk for the World:
In April, 130 people participated in this pledged
walk with $1897 in proceeds being donated to
the RAP.
Conducted first Maumee RAP sale of clothing,
hats, and bags with an embroidered RAP logo.
Sponsored the First Maumee RAP Summer
Gathering to recognize members.
Swan Creek Streambank Stabilization Project:
This project was sponsored by the Open Space and
Wetlands Action Group in conjunction with ODNR
Stream Team and the Toledo Area Metro Parks. The
project was developed to help naturally stabilize the
bank along a portion of Swan Creek, to prevent
further erosion and to display the successful use of
soil bioengineering techniques. Volunteers installed
willow stakes (December 1995) and old Christmas
trees (February 1996) along the northern bank of
Swan Creek in the Metro Park. The project has been
considered a success.
Tree Plantings: The Open Space and Wetlands
Action Group, along with other agencies and indus-
tries, annually sponsors successful tree plantings.
Tree plantings have occurred in such places as the
GM PowerTrain and Local United Auto Workers
Family Park and the Albon Road Recreation Area.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
229
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Storm Drain Stenciling Program
This annual program is sponsored by the Urban
Runoff Action Group and the SWCD offices.
Volunteers stencil the shape of a fish along with the
motto "Dump No Waste, Drains to Lake" alongside
storm drains to raise public awareness of pollution
entering streams through the untreated water from
storm sewers. More than 1,500 drains have been
stenciled since the program began in 1995, with
approximately 1,300 drains stenciled in 1996.
Presentations, Lectures and Displays
Maumee RAP representatives are often asked to
give presentations to a wide array of organizations
from school groups to public officials and from
environmental organizations to foreign delegations.
Different members of the Maumee RAP community
make these speeches depending upon the audience.
Members also regularly put up displays at work-
shops, conferences and other special events to
explain the purpose of the RAP and outline the many
activities of the action groups.
Walk for the World/March for the Parks
This annual event is held during the week of Earth
Day and is sponsored in conjunction with the Bowl-
ing Green City Parks. This walk begins at the
Woodland Mall in Bowling Green, where displays
and educational environmental materials are pre-
sented. Volunteers walk 3.5 miles through Bowling
Green and raise money through pledges and dona-
tions, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to
the Maumee RAP program. In 1997 200 active
participants raised more than $1,200. This event
continues to attract local media attention.
Annual Maumee Watershed Clean Your
Streams Day
This event, was held September 13,1997, and was
sponsored through the Swan Creek Action Group
and the Ottawa River Action Group. The groups will
prioritize numerous sites along Ottawa River and
Swan Creek and organize volunteers to pick up the
trash at these sites. This project will become an
annual event with the focus cleanup areas varying
throughout the AOC from year to year.
Swan Creek: A Stream with a Future
This forum was held on September 5, 1997 by the
Swan Creek Action Group and brought together
various agencies, businesses, elected officials,
property owners and concerned citizens to determine
future goals and actions for restoring Swan Creek. A
Swan Creek Plan of Action for Restoration will be
put together from the information decided upon at the
forum. This Plan of Action will then be implemented
through the assistance of the Maumee RAP and its
many current and new partners.
Schedule
Meetings:
MRIC - Meetings held bimonthly in January,
March, May, June, August, October, December,
usually on the second Thursday of the month.
Contact: TMACOG (419) 241 -9155.
The following Action Groups generally hold monthly
meetings. Contact the RAP coordinator (listed at the
end of the Maumee River AOC) for more details.
Agriculture Runoff Action Group
Dumps and Landfills Action Group
Finance Action Group
Open Space & Wetlands Action Group
Ottawa River Action Group
Ottawa River Action Group Dredging Subcom-
mittee
Public Outreach and Education Action Group
Swan Creek Action Group
Urban Runoff Action Group
Outlook
The Maumee RAP process continues to address the
11 beneficial use impairments listed in the Maumee
RAP Stage 1 Report (1990) and significant progress
has been made in many of the impairment areas.
Through the dedication and funding ofTMACOG,
Ohio EPA and numerous other partners through the
years, the RAP is moving forward. It has taken a
long time to gather the in-depth research and data
necessary for implementation of a wide variety of
projects, but a strong foundation has been laid.
Active participation and public awareness within the
Maumee AOC is currently driving many worthy
projects that will eventually help lead to the comple-
tion of Stage 2. The involvement of all the action
groups and the wide array of partners in the creation
of the Maumee RAP Strategic Plan (1997) has
given renewed drive and focus to the RAP. The
Maumee RAP has a positive outlook and is dedicated
to the restoration of the waters of the Maumee Area
of Concern to "fishable and swimmable" conditions.
230
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Partners
Associated Yacht Clubs
AVCA
Black Swamp Conservancy
Bowling Green State University
BP Oil
City of Maumee
City ofSylvania
City of Toledo
Clearwater, Inc.
Dana Corporation
Finkbeiner, Pettis, & Strout
GM Powertrain
Great Lakes Commission
Hull & Associates
International Joint Commission
Jones & Henry
Lake Township
Libbey-Owens-Ford Corporation
Local Public and Private Schools
Lucas County
Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District
Midwest Environmental Consultants
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Reserve
N-Viro International
Neighborhood Improvement Foundation of
Toledo, Inc. (NIFTI)
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Ohio Lake Erie Commission/Office
Ohio Sea Grant Extension Office
Ottawa Soil and Water Conservation District
Owens Corning
Perstorp Polyols, Inc.
Philip Services Corporation/Cousins Waste Control
Sandusky Soil and Water Conservation District
Textileather
Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments
Toledo Area Metro Parks
Toledo Public Schools
University of Toledo
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Buffalo District
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. EPA, Great Lakes National Program Office
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Village of Ottawa Hills
Wood County
Wood Soil and Water Conservation District
Research
Maumee Area of Concern Project
$2.5 million was awarded to the Ohio EPA to
access current ambient conditions in the AOC and
characterize some of the many uncontrolled waste
sites. This extensive sampling program has
enabled the RAP community to prioritize sites for
remediation. The Ohio EPA is developing a GIS
data management program that will assist in
establishing links between impaired stream seg-
ments and likely sources of the contamination.
Toledo Metropolitan Area Stormwater Utility
Study
This study was sponsored by the Urban Runoff
Action Group and looked at the feasibility and the
benefits of stormwater management on a water-
shed basis, instead of only within individual city
limits. A local policy board of supportive elected
officials was established to provide input on
existing stormwater problems and management
k
Many point source discharges in the Maumee
River AOC have been remediated, thanks to
the work of the Maumee RAP.
1 I
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
231
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Research: (continued)
activities and to steer the direction of the study. The
study was funded through a $50,000 Implementation
Grant from the Lake Erie Protection Fund and was
completed in December 1998. This project was
supported by a local match totaling $50,000 from the
city of Toledo, Lucas County and TMACOG
Tracing Diffuse Sources of Fecal Contamination
Through Phenotypic and Genotypic Character-
ization of E. Coli Isolates
The University of Toledo received a grant to study the
possible sources of bacteria contamination in Maumee
Bay area. In particular, the "fingerprinting" project
linked sources of the bacteria problem in Maumee Bay
State Park to the culprits. A trial run of the project was
completed first before the full, $140,000 project, funded
by the Lake Erie Protection Fund, began in 1997.
Metzger Marsh Restoration
Metzger Marsh is a 900+ acre Lake Erie marsh being
restored through a cooperative effort by the ODNR,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Ducks Unlimited
with support from many other organizations. This
marsh was once protected by both a beach and lake-
front dike. They were breached in the late 1950s. As
late as the mid-1970s cattails still covered about 40
percent of the land mass. By the time restoration
efforts began in 1994, only 10 percent of the original
wetland remained. Extensive research is ongoing by
several organizations to evaluate the success of this
restoration project.
Cost of Reducing Sediments Delivered to the
Toledo Harbor
The Ohio State University, Department of Agricultural
Economics, received a grant from the Lake Erie
Protection Fund to support initial research on the
benefits and costs of soil reduction in the Maumee
River basin. The study proposed to map, using eco-
nomic modeling and GIS technology, the spacial
distribution of the costs of several types of sediment
reduction practiced in the basin. As a result, reduction
efforts can be targeted to areas providing the greatest
benefits at the least cost. In the future, incentive
packages may be developed to achieve reduction goals
with limited budgets. This study was conducted in
collaboration with the USDA Natural Resource
Conservation Services and Heidelberg College. A large
portion of the research was completed by June 1998
and final research concluded by June 1999.
Estimating the Value of Two Lake Erie Beaches
The Ohio State University, Department of Agricultural
Economics, received a grant from the Lake Erie
Protection Fund to survey users of two Lake Erie
beaches (Maumee Bay State Park is one) to estimate
the recreational value of beach use. This study was a
pilot study of a larger project to assess the impact of
environmental/ecological change (i.e, changes in water
quality) on the value of these two beaches.
Publications
Maumee Remedial Action Plan Strategic Plan
(June 1997)
Profiling the Ottawa River II, including infor-
mation regarding the first and second Profiling of
the Ottawa River informational sessions. (Sep-
tember 1996)
Maumee River RAP Brochure (March 1995)
Maumee Remedial Action Plan: Progress
Report (October 1994)
Maumee Remedial Action Plan: Progress
Report (June 1993)
Maumee Remedial Action Plan: Recommenda-
tions for Implementation (July 1991)
Maumee Remedial Action Plan: Stage I
Investigation Report (October 1990)
Contacts
Cherie A. Blair, Maumee RAP Coordinator
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Northwest District Office
347 North Dunbridge Road
Bowling Green, Ohio 43402
419-352-8461
Fax:419-352-8468
cherie.blair@.epa.state.oh.us
Kurt Erichsen, Director of Environmental Planning
Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments
300 Central Union Plaza
P.O. Box 9508
Toledo, Ohio 43697-9508
419-241-9155
Fax:419-241-9116
erichsen@tmacog.org
Compiled: July 11,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/maumee.html
232
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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State of Pennsylvania
Presque Isle Bay Area of Concern
Background
RAP Status
Presque Isle Bay is located in the northwestern
corner of Pennsylvania on the southern shore of
Lake Erie. Most of the watershed comprises urban
and industrial areas within the City of Erie and
Millcreek Township. The primary tributaries are Mill
Creek (including Garrison Run) and Cascade Creek,
which together account for about two-thirds of the
water flowing into the bay. The land use within the
Presque Isle Bay watershed is approximately 80%
urban. Being a relatively closed system with a
flushing time of almost 2.5 years, the
bay has suffered from the accumu-
lation and degradation of wastes
discharged by point and nonpoint
sources.
In January 1991, Presque Isle Bay
was designated as the 43rd Great
Lakes Area of Concern (AOC) by
the U.S. Department of State. As an
AOC, the bay received priority
attention from the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental
Protection (PADEP) in the form of
an Ecosystem Study and Back-
ground Report issued in June 1991.
This report was updated to a
Remedial Action Plan (RAP) and
submitted to the International Joint
Commission (IJC) in January 1993.
Stage*
The Presque Isle Bay Public Advisory Committee
(PAC) was formed to assist PADEP in developing a
RAP to address beneficial uses in the Bay. The PAC
is comprised of representatives from local, state and
federal agencies, environmental and civic organiza-
tions, academia and industry.
Stage Two of the Presque Isle Bay RAP is currently
underway. This document will detail the remedial
and regulatory measures - as determined by the
PAC - which will restore beneficial uses in the Bay.
RAP Status
20 40 60 80
Percent Completed
100
* For each stage, a report is submitted to the IJC
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
233
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Beneficial Use Impairments
The RAP process identified two of the IJC's four-
teen beneficial uses as being impaired. These
impaired beneficial uses, Restrictions on Dredging
and Fish Tumors or Other Deformities, are directly
related and have been linked to elevated levels of
nitrosamines and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
(PAH) in the sediments.
The naturally forming nitrosamines appear to be
highly variable, not only by season but also by
location within the Bay. Most of the PAH's in the
sediments are of pyrogenic origin (incomplete
combustion of organic matter, generally fossil fuels).
The pyrogenic PAH's are derived from deposition of
airborne particulate from various combustion
sources, runoff from roadways via combined sewer
overflows (CSO's) and from various historic and
current industrial practices.
Use Impairments -- Presque Isle Bay AOC
V Fish tumors or other
deformities
\ Restrictions on dredging
activities
Fish Tumors or Other Deformities:
The PADEP, in conjunction with Cornell University
and state veterinarians, have conducted three studies
(1992, 1993 and 1995) to determine the tumor
incidence and causative factors in fish from Presque
Isle Bay. More than 3,200 Brown Bullheads have
been either captured, tagged and released, or been
examined to reveal that 64% had developed skin
tumors and 22% had liver tumors. The relationship
between concentrations of PAH metabolites, even
those of carcinogenic PAH's such as
benzo(a)pyrene, in bile and tumors in fish is unclear.
However, the available data certainly support the
hypothesis that PAH's may contribute to the high
incidence of tumors in bullheads in Presque Isle Bay.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
Contaminated sediments in the Erie Harbor have had
no impact on the commercial shipping industry. The
sediment dredged from the navigation channel and
turning basin by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
has consistently met the requirements for open lake
disposal in Lake Erie. Although PAH's and a few
heavy metals are present in the sediments, Battelle's
1994 Sediment Study indicates sediment quality is not
a significant factor in abundance or diversity of the
benthos. This same study indicates the phyto- and
zooplankton communities are unaffected by water
quality and/or the presence of contaminants in the
underlying sediments.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
1995: RAP Update submitted to International
Joint Commission
1993: Stage One RAP was completed
Considerable progress has been made in updating the
RAP, implementing remedial actions and continuing
monitoring programs to assess conditions. Presented
below are highlights of activities that have taken
place since the Stage One RAP was written:
In 1996, Battelle Ocean Sciences was
contracted to perform a data analysis on the
1994 Presque Isle Bay Sediment Study results
and provide options for remediation of the
contaminated sediments. Battelle presented their
findings at a public meeting in Erie in March
1997. The final report was issued in April 1997
which incorporated some of the comments and
concerns from the March meeting. The PAC,
however, has yet to endorse the report in its
entirety and is awaiting clarification from Battelle
and U.S. EPA on certain issues.
In 1996, following a letter to Governor Ridge
from the PAC, Pennsylvania formally adopted
the Uniform Sport Fish Consumption Advisory
For The Great Lakes for Lake Erie and Presque
Isle Bay.
Porcupine brush cribs and shallow water spawning
structures have helped enhance fish habitat in
Presque Isle Bay.
234
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
The S.O.N.S. (Save Our Native Species) of
Lake Erie, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania
Fish and Boat Commission and Presque Isle
State Park, began in 1995, the first of a five-year
project to enhance the fish habitat in Presque
Isle Bay. To date this has included the construc-
tion and placement of more than 150 Porcupine
Brush Cribs and shallow water spawning
structures to provide cover for young-of-the-
year, juvenile and adult gamefish and panfish.
In 1995, PADEP and the Pennsylvania
Department of Agriculture conducted a study
of 100 brown bullheads and bowfin. A thor-
ough pathological examination along with
analysis of bile for PAH's was conducted to
determine the potential relationship between
chemical pollution in the Bay and the presence
of neoplasms in these aquatic organisms.
In conjunction with the U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Region III,
U.S. EPA ARCS Program and Battelle
Ocean Sciences, PADEP conducted a full-
scale sediment study in Presque Isle Bay in May
1994. Twenty-one sites were sampled for bulk
chemistry, toxicity testing and a benthic commu-
nity survey. In addition, through the use of the R/
V Mudpuppy, cores were taken to provide a
historical profile of contamination and to deter-
mine the sedimentation rate in the Bay.
A total and fecal coliform bacteria survey was
performed in 1993 to provide information to
assess the restriction on body contact recreation
which was lacking data for a determination at
the time of the report. No exceedance of
Pennsylvania's beach closing criteria or water
quality standards were found.
Comm unity Involvement
Presque Isle Bay Public Advisory Committee
The mission of the Presque Isle Bay Public Advisory
Committee (PAC) is to assist PADEP in developing
a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) to restore beneficial
uses in the Bay.
PAC Membership: The PAC is comprised of repre-
sentatives from local, state and federal agencies,
environmental and civic organizations, academia and
industry. Any interested citizen is welcome to join the
committee and contribute to the accomplishment of
its mission. The PAC meets several times a year at
the Stull Interpretive Center in the Presque Isle State
Park. To have your name added to the mailing list for
meeting announcements, send email to the committee
chair, burch.kellv@dep.state.pa.us. Mr. Kelly Burch,
or call him at 814-332-6816. Be sure to include
information such as name, organization represented
(if any), mailing address, telephone number, and
email address.
Aerial view of Presque Isle Bay, Erie, Pennsylvania.
Schedule
Meetings:
The Presque Isle Bay PAC meets bimonthly.
Outlook
Investigations to date indicate nonpoint source
pollution to be the largest contributor of contaminants
to Presque Isle Bay. The City of Erie has entered
into a Consent Decree with PADEP to spend an
estimated $90 Million to:
upgrade and double the capacity of the POTW
which includes construction of an additional 90"
diameter relief outfall with a length of 7,500 feet;
construct a 4 million gallon overflow retention
facility; and
eliminate the remaining 42 CSOs in the City's
system.
These efforts, along with additional nonpoint source
control measures, should allow for natural recovery
of the system according to the 1997 Battelle Sedi-
ment Study. This option for sediment management
has been presented to the PAC and is currently
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
235
-------
Outlook: (continued)
under consideration. The decision to allow for natural
recovery, with source control measures in place, will
be based on defensible scientific analysis in conjunc-
tion with community based economic and social
considerations. This sediment management decision
appears to be the most viable, both environmentally
and economically, in areas such as Presque Isle Bay
which are characterized by widespread, low-levels of
contamination with no known hot spots.
Partners
Battelle Ocean Sciences
Cornell University
Erie County Department of Health
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Presque Isle Bay Public Advisory Committee
Presque Isle State Park
S.O.N.S. (Save Our Native Species) of Lake Erie
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great
Lakes National Program Office
Research
Conceptual maps of metals in Presque Isle Bay
(courtesy of Bob Wellington, Erie County
Department of Health): arsenic, lead & mercury
Brief Explanation of Dioxin Detection Using
Bioluminescence (from Standard Methods for
the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 20th
Edition, APHA, AWWA, WEF)
Assessment of Sediments in Presque Isle Bay
(Preliminary Sediment Assessment Results),
Rick Diz, Department of Environmental Science
& Engineering, Gannon Univ., March 7,2001
(PDF)
Results from the Presque Isle Bay Sediment
Dioxin/Furan Survey, June 2000, Scott
Cienowski, USEPA-GLNPO, March 7, 2001
(PDF)
Technical Guidance for Screening Contaminated
Sediments (PDF), NY State Dept. of Environ-
mental Conservation, Division of Fish, Wildlife
and Marine Resources
Dioxin Information from the U.S. EPA
Publications
Battelle, 1997. Presque Isle Bay Sediment
Study-Data Review. Final report prepared by G.
Durell and J. Neff, Battelle Ocean Sciences.
April 1997.
PADEP, 1996. A Study of Fish Tumors in Fish
of Presque Isle Bay. Prepared by M.K. Walter,
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and
D.M. Dambach, University of Pennsylvania, for
PADEP. June 1996.
Battelle, 1994. Presque Isle Bay Sediment
Quality Evaluation Report for May 1994
Study. Final report by Battelle Ocean Sciences.
September 1994.
PADEP, 1993. Presque Isle Bay Brown Bull-
head Tumor Study; Conducted from March
1992 to October 1993. Prepared by E.C.
Obert, PADEP.
PADEP, 1992. Presque Isle Bay Remedial
Action Plan. Prepared by the PADEP and the
Presque Isle Bay PAC. December 1992.
Contacts
Kelly Burch, RAP Coordinator/PAC Chair
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Office of the Great Lakes
230 Chestnut Street
Meadville, PA 16335
814-332-6816
kburch@,state.pa.us
Compiled: July 31,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/presque.html
236
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
State of Wisconsin
Lower Fox River/Green Bay Area of Concern
Background
RAP Status
The Lower Green Bay and Fox River Area of
Concern (AOC) consists of the lower 11.2 km of the
Fox River below DePere Dam and a 55 km2 area of
southern Green Bay out to Point au Sable and Long
Tail Point. The drainage area encompasses portions
of eighteen counties in Wisconsin and 40 watersheds
of the Upper Fox River, Wolf River and the Fox
River Basins, including the largest inland lake in
Wisconsin, Lake Winnebago and its pool lakes. While
water quality problems and public use restrictions are
most severe in the AOC, water resources of the
entire basin are affected by runoff pollution from
urban and rural
areas, municipal
and industrial
wastewater
discharges and
degraded SI age
habitats. Eleven
use impairments
have been
documented and
two are sus-
pected of being
impaired (see
impairment
graphic).
¦ Problem D'-efinitioh'^. .-.v,
The Lower Green Bay RAP was developed by the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(WDNR) using a multi-stakeholder partnership with
other agencies, local governments, scientists, citizens,
industries and environmental groups. More than 75
people participated for two years on four technical
advisory committees and a citizen's advisory commit-
tee for development of this community-based plan.
The technical advisory committees developed reports
identifying the problems, goals and objectives for
management and technical solutions to restore the
bay and river. The citizen's advisory committee
identified the ten most
pressing problems that
should be addressed in
the RAP, defined a
"desired future state"
for lower Green Bay
and the Fox River and
advised on recom-
mended remedial
actions.
RAF Status
Restoration of Beneficial Uses
--'v. . . -'V
finpicmtjrihjtioti
20 40 60 80 100
Percent Completed
For each a report is submitted to the IJC
Reversing the hypereutrophic conditions in the river
and bay is a top priority for the AOC. The LGB/Fox
Science and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC)
has formed a Strategic Data Acquisition Task Force
to begin assembling information needed to develop a
TMDL for the Fox-Wolf River Basin.
The RAP was com-
pleted in 1987 and
adopted as part of
Wisconsin's Water
Quality Management
Plan in 1988. Nearly two-thirds of the RAP's 120
recommended actions have been initiated. The RAP
is viewed as a "living" document and will be updated
regularly. Implementation and updating of the RAP is
facilitated by WDNR using a Green Bay RAP Public
Advisory Committee, a Science and Technical
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
237
-------
RAP Status: (continued)
Advisory Committee and a Public Education and
Participation Advisory Committee. In addition, two
nonprofit organizations have been established by
community leaders to promote implementation of
nonpoint source pollution controls (Great Lakes
Nonpoint Abatement Coalition) and to determine the
most cost-effective actions to meet the goals of the
RAP (Northeast Wisconsin Waters for Tomorrow, Inc.)
Beneficial Use Impairments
Eleven of the 14 use impairments have been identi-
fied for the Lower Green Bay and Fox River AOC
through the Remedial Action Plan (RAP) process.
Two impaired uses have been suspected but have not
been documented.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
There are consumption advisories for certain species
of fish and waterfowl using waters in the AOC.
Consumption advisories warn against eating mallard
ducks and fish of twelve species. PCBs have been
the primary cause for fish consumption advisories in
the AOC since 1976 and for the closure of the
commercial carp fishery in 1984.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
Fish and wildlife populations have been altered
through changes in habitat, impact from exotic
species, and toxic chemicals, some of which
bioaccumulate and affect reproductive success.
There have been population declines in waterfowl,
furbearers and endangered colonial-nesting water
birds.
Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive
Problems:
Fish and fish-eating bird reproduction are impaired.
Studies of various bird species indicate that contami-
nants continue to affect the reproductive capacity of
some species in the AOC. Summaries of studies and
historical data are contained in the 1987 Toxic
Substances Management Technical Advisory Com-
mittee Report and in the 1983 Toxics Task force
Report for the Lower Fox River.
Degradation of Benthos:
In the eutrophic conditions of the Lower Fox River
and Green Bay, the functional interrelationship of
nonpoint source and point source contributions of
excess phosphorus to the system and degradation
of benthos appears evident. Ammonia may be
present in sediments, not solely because of
industrial or municipal wastewater discharges, but
also because of algae which die and are incorpo-
rated into the sediment. Ammonia is generated as
a by-product of decomposition.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
Shipping and navigation in the harbor and channel
have been impaired due to the high cost of
dredging and contaminated sediment disposal. The
harbor must be dredged to a depth of 24 feet to
allow deep draft navigation. Dredging activities
have been substantially reduced because of
unresolved disposal issues.
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae:
Nutrient enrichment of the Lower Fox River and
Green Bay continues, leading to excess algal biom-
ass. The AOC is considered to be "hypereutrophic",
or extremely productive, because of high levels of
the nutrient phosphorus which stimulates algae
growth. The excessive amount of algae produces has
many widespread impacts resulting in a number of
use impairments, including restricted swimming, poor
aesthetics, degradation of aquatic habitats, degrada-
tion of phytoplankton populations, degradation of fish
and wildlife populations, and degradation of benthos.
Use Impairments - Lower Fox/Green Bay AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Degradation of fish and
wildlife populations
V Bird or animal deformi-
ties or reproductive
problems
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Eutrophication or
undesirable algae
V Restrictions on drinking
water consumption, or
taste & odor
V Beach closings
V Degradation of aesthetics
V Degradation of phytoplank-
ton and zooplankton
populations
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
238
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Restrictions on Drinking Water Consumption,
or Taste & Odor:
The RAP Toxic Substance Management Technical
Advisory Committee advised in its 1987 report that
existing and potential use of the Bay and Lake
Michigan as drinking water sources should be
protected by maintaining and improving Fox River
water quality. At present, the Fox River is not
suitable for drinking water supplies because of the
unknown risks of substances toxic to human health,
taste and odor problems, suspended solids, bacteria
and viruses, color, low flow effect on water quality,
and the high cost of water supply treatment.
Beach Closings:
The two main impaired desired uses of the AOC are
shore and water use. Fishing, boating, swimming,
hunting and passive recreation have been re-
stricted. Bay Beach, the only swimming beach on
the southern shore of Green Bay, closed in 1943
because of excessive bacterial contamination.
Additionally, excess sediment and algae cloud the
water, making visibility difficult and waters less
safe for swimming. State guidelines require that
public swimming waters have a minimum 1,3m of
visibility as measured by Secchi disk depth.
Current summer averages in the AOC are about 0.5m.
Degradation of Aesthetics:
An average of 90 million kg (200 million lbs.) of total
suspended solids (TSS) are delivered from the Fox
River to the Bay each year. Coupled with algal
blooms and turbidity created through wave action,
the Lower Bay continues to unacceptably turbid, and
it occasionally has problems with odor caused by
algal decomposition. Other odor problems in the
AOC have been attributed to emissions from power
generating facilities, industries, and wastewater
treatment plants.
Degradation of Phytoplankton & Zooplankton
Populations:
Excessive nutrient enrichment in the Lower Green
Bay has stimulated changes in both phytoplankton
and zooplankton populations. Phytoplanktonic algae
play a role in cycling toxic substances in the environ-
ment. As algae die and are incorporated into bottom
sediments, they release PCB through decomposition
by detrital organisms. This makes PCB available
again to the food chain. Algae also releases PCB
through dissolution and decay in the water column
itself.
Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat:
Disappearing wetlands caused by human activity and
rising water levels, shoreline erosion and filling, and
lack of underwater vegetation have resulted in the
decline of bird nesting and fish spawning habitat in
the Bay. Turbid water caused by suspended solids
and overabundant algae reduces submerged aquatic
plants and degrade habitat for underwater organisms
such as snails and aquatic insects. These organisms
are important sources of food for fish and wildlife.
Deposition of fine silt particles from tributaries,
overland flow or resuspension and redistribution of
bottom sediments in the Lower Bay also destroy fish
spawning habitat. Loss of habitat jeopardizes endan-
gered species in the area as well as other fish and
wildlife, particularly waterfowl and marsh birds.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
RAP was completed in 1987 and adopted as part
of Wisconsin's Water Quality Management Plan
in 1988.
Since 1988, 38 of the 120 recommended reme-
dial actions have been implemented.
Since 1988, 38 of the 120 recommended remedial
actions have been implemented. Another 57 remedial
actions have been initiated, but need more effort and
25 actions have had little or no progress. Many of the
actions completed have been short-term, lower cost
projects that demonstrate an immediate environmen-
tal result or institutional commitment to the RAP.
Presented below are highlights of RAP implementa-
tion and resource improvements.
Aerial view of Lower Fox River and Green Bay.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
239
-------
Progress and Achievements: (continued)
Fox River Damage Assessment:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency
(U.S. EPA) has proposed to list the area as a
Superfund site. Remediation will take place under a
$10 million agreement with the 7 paper mills in the
area. Under the agreement, work is progressing to
finish a PCB risk assessment and whole river clean
up plan, an evaluation of the PCB transport and fate
models and two sediment deposit cleanup projects.
Pre-design studies have been completed, feasibility
studies are underway and cleanup is scheduled for
next year under the cleanup projects. One of the
demonstration cleanups is being funded under the
agreement and another with a combination of U.S.
EPA, state and industry money.
Dredge Soil Disposal Plan:
The RAP is working cooperatively with the port of
Green Bay on a dredge soil disposal plan for disposal
and beneficial reuse of dredged material. The U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a feasibility
study on use of clean dredged materials for habitat
island
construction
5 in southern
| Green Bay.
| The RAP's
ff Biota and
E Habitat
o
g> Committee
| proposed this
j» project to the
| port and is
| working with
o
3 the port and
the Corps on
the feasibility
study and
engineering
designs. The
Biota and Habitat Committee has also designed a
habitat enhancement project for a new marina at the
mouth of the Fox River. The RAP committee is
working cooperatively with the marina developers to
design and cost-share the work.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement:
Work is progressing on nonpoint source pollution
abatement in the large drainage basin (6,400 mi2)
within the AOC. There are thirteen priority water-
shed projects in the basin addressing nutrient, soil,
pesticide and urban runoff pollution.
Actions to Reduce Toxicity:
U.S. EPA, WDNR and others completed the $13
million Green Bay and Fox River Mass Balance
Studies in 1993 to determine the extent of PCB
contamination from Lake Winnebago to Green
Bay and model the fate and transport of PCBs in
the river and bay system.
Wisconsin Legislature passed the Harbors and
Bays Act funding for sediment remediation in
1990.
WDNR formed a Sediment Management and
Remedial Techniques Program in 1989 to
inventory statewide contaminated sediment and
demonstrate effective remedial techniques.
WDNR completed the Little Lake Butte des
Morts demonstration project feasibility study for
evaluating remedial options for a sediment
deposit containing 716 kg PCBs in 1993.
WDNR entered into a cooperative effort with 30
representatives of industry, county and municipal
government and municipal publicly-owned
treatment works in the Fox Valley to develop a
cost effective remediation schedule for contami-
nated sediments in the 60 km (37 miles) of lower
Fox River. In 1993-94, the group prioritized sites
in 60 km of the river and initiated remedial
investigations and feasibility studies on four sites.
WDNR and the state adopted new water quality
standards for toxic substances in 1990 to protect
human health, fish and aquatic life and wild and
domestic animals. The state anti-degradation
policy for new discharges to Great Lakes waters
was also revised.
Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District ($69
million), the city of Appleton ($69 million), the
Heart of the Valley Metropolitan Sewerage
District, the city of Oshkosh ($ 15 million) and the
Village of Pulaski ($4.5 million) have completed
facility upgrades to reduce pollutant loadings.
Further reductions in air emissions are expected
with implementation of the Clean Air Act.
WDNR is developing new rules for stormwater
permits for industries and municipalities to
address urban nonpoint source pollution. East
River Priority Watershed project has an urban
stormwater component. City of Appleton is
developing a stormwater management plan.
Dredging remains an unsolved issue
in the AOC.
240
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
262 chemical spills have been cleaned up in the
Fox River Basin.
Cleanup of 5 82 leaking underground storage tank
cases in the lower Fox River Basin is ongoing.
Actions to Reduce Phosphorus and Sus-
pended Solids:
In September 1999, the Nutrient and Sediment
Management Work Group of the Science and
Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) met to
review the original Lower Fox River/Green Bay
RAP recommendations regarding proposed
reductions in phosphorus (P) and total suspended
solids (TSS, including sediments) for current
applicability. Of primary interest was the techni-
cal basis for the original recommendations of
1988 (and subsequent recommendations in the
1993 RAP update in order to sanction their use in
a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) process
for the Lower Fox River Geographic Manage-
ment Unit (GMU, or Basin).
Progress has been made in reductions of exter-
nal phosphorus loads to the AOC. Since the late
1970s, point source loads in the Lower Fox River
drainage basin have been reduced by 84%.
However, average summer total P concentra-
tions in the AOC have decreased over the same
period by only 32% (from 206 ug/1 in the 1970s
to 141 ug/1 in the 1990s). Summer averages of
chlorophyll a decreased in this period by about
38%, but Secchi disc values have remained
steady at around 0.5 m since the 1970s. (Source:
Nutrient and Sediment Management in the
Fox-Wolf Basin - White Paper, Science and
Technical Advisory Committee)
Between 1970 and 1990, municipal point source
control efforts (discharge permits) decreased
total phosphorus loadings from 370,000 kg/yr. to
60,000 kg/yr.
Publicly-owned treatment works for Green Bay,
DePere and Neenah-Menasha have voluntarily
reduced total phosphorus discharges and have
evaluated capabilities to achieve a 0.5 mg/L
effluent phosphorus concentration.
In 1992, an administrative rule was adopted
which extends the 1 mg/L phosphorus limit for
large municipalities to many industries and small
municipalities.
Comprehensive nonpoint source pollution abate-
ment projects have been initiated in four of the
twelve highest priority watersheds and in two of
the moderate priority watersheds. Landowners,
local governments and WDNR cooperate to
achieve project objectives which include protec-
tion of Big Green Lake (completed $1.1 million
project); reduction of phosphorus loading from
East River Watershed by 70% and sediment
loading by 50% ($23.8 million); reduction of
phosphorus loading from Lake Winnebago-East
by 40% and sediment by 50% ($2.6 million);
reduction of phosphorus and sediment loadings
by 50% from Arrowhead-Daggets Creeks ($2-3
million); and development of inventories for
Neenah Creek and Waupaca-Tomorrow Rivers
to determine potential load reductions.
Fifty landowners cut phosphorus fertilizer use by
36,360 kg in 1992 through the Soil Conservation
Service East River Water Quality Demonstration
Project.
A state model ordinance has been developed for
construction site erosion control. Amodel
ordinance for stormwater runoff is under devel-
opment. As of 1993, six local governments are
considering or have adopted ordinances. New
state legislation requires local erosion control
ordinances for 1-2 family developments.
Brown County has expanded its shoreland/
floodplain zoning ordinance to require agricultural
setbacks from perennial streams.
As of February 1993, 33,120 m of stream
Efforts to keep livestock away from streams
have been successful in the AOC.
shoreline in Brown County were protected from
livestock with the cooperation of 76 property
owners. An estimated 36,290 metric tons of soil
erosion was prevented, correcting 65% of the
problems caused by livestock along those
streams.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
241
-------
All counties in the Fox/Wolf Basin, except
Waushara, have adopted animal waste manage-
ment ordinances (58 animal waste management
applications processed; 68 waste management
plans prepared from 1990-1993).
52,300 ha have been enrolled in a Farmland
Preservation program for Brown County. The
amount of land enrolled in the Federal Conserva-
tion Reserve Program as a result of expanding
the eligibility to croplands adjacent to streams
includes: Brown County (526 ha); Calumet
County (2,023 ha); Fond du Lac County (283
ha); Outagamie County (2,023 ha) and
Winnebago County (4,210 ha).
Actions to Enhance Fish, Wildlife and Habitat:
Muskellunge have been reintroduced to increase
predator fish and control problem fish (fingerlings
stocked: 10,000 in 1989; 1,283 in 1990; 2,624 in
1991 and 2,259 in 1992).
335 m of walleye spawning habitat was created
at three Fox River sites in 1990.
A permanent barrier to sea lamprey migration
was constructed in 1988 by U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and WDNR at Rapide Croche Dam.
68 ha of wetlands have been acquired within the
West Shore Wildlife Area and 46 ha north of
Duck Creek.
U.S. EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
the RAP Biota and Habitat Committee used
wetland inventories to identify critical wetlands
and habitats for protection and enhancement
(completed in 1993).
20 private pothole wetlands have been restored
in the Fox River Basin (4.2 ha).
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o
O
Wetland protection is critical in the Lower Fox/Green Bay
watershed.
Actions to Monitor Ecosystem Changes:
Considerable resources are expended on an
annual basis to monitor contaminant levels,
trophic status, fish population trends and har-
vests, macroinvertebrates, waterfowl use, public
attitudes, human uses, etc.
Actions to Improve Public Access and Recre-
ational Opportunities:
The Green Bay Metropolitan Boat Launch
expansion was completed in 1993.
The Duck Creek access site was improved in
1993 (boat launch, handicapped-accessible
fishing pier, picnic area, boardwalk).
A new boat launch was built on the east side of
Fox River in DePere in 1991.
Access was also improved at Fox River Walk-
way, East River Parkway, Ashwaubenon Creek,
Sauamico and Bay Beach Park.
Improvements to Voyageur Park in DePere
include shoreline fishing facilities with handi-
capped-accessible areas, expanded park trails
and construction of two fish spawning reefs.
Actions to Improve Public Awareness and
Participation:
Considerable, ongoing efforts are underway.
Examples include a "Water Action Volunteers"
monitoring project in the Green Bay School
System; the annual "Clean Bay Backer" awards;
RAP and water quality education exhibits at the
Green Bay Metropolitan Boat Launch and
Neville Public Museum; a RAP exhibit at area
expositions like the Home and Garden Show and
Sports Fishing Show; an annual River/Bay
Cleanup Day and development of a mass media
campaign for nonpoint source pollution preven-
tion using an animated team of characters called
the "Clean Bay Backers."
Actions to Further Pollution Prevention:
In the Green Bay AOC, local efforts are under-
way by the WDNR, citizen advisors, University
of Wisconsin Extension, Lake Michigan Federa-
tion and the County Land Conservation agencies.
Federal efforts are underway through the
Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 and U.S. EPA's
33/50 program. State efforts are underway
through Wisconsin Act 325, including pollution
prevention audits and the resources of a number
of offices and centers set up to promote pollution
prevention.
242
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Actions to Evaluate Environmental Risks:
An environmental risk assessment was per-
formed in 1991-1992 to determine which prob-
lems or stressors posed the greatest potential to
harm human health, the ecosystem, the economic
system and/or the quality of life. Those stressors
judged to pose the greatest risk were, in de-
scending order: wetland/shoreland filling; exotic
species invasions; persistent bioaccumulative
organic substances; heavy metals; phosphorus
loadings; suspended solids loadings; BOD
loadings and nonpersistent toxic substances. This
information will be used to set priorities and
target resources for most effective risk reduc-
tion. In addition, a cost-effectiveness analysis is
also being performed by Northeast Wisconsin
Waters for Tomorrow, Inc. to help achieve the
greatest risk reduction and meet the appropriate
phosphorus and suspended solids objectives for
the least cost.
Outlook
Substantial progress has been made in developing the
RAP and implementing recommended actions.
However, despite incremental improvements to
prevent water pollution, restore habitats, improve
public access and further define the causes of
impaired uses, none of the problems in the AOC
have been completely solved. Recommendations are
being implemented sequentially - the easiest have
been started, the more difficult have yet to be
implemented. Full RAP implementation will be well
beyond the year 2000.
Reversing the hypereutrophic conditions in the river
and bay is a top priority for the AOC. The LGB/Fox
Science and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC)
has formed a Strategic Data Acquisition Task Force
to begin assembling information needed to develop a
TMDL for the Fox-Wolf River Basin.
Community Involvement
No current information is available. For further
information, contact the RAP Coordinator listed
under "Contacts" below.
Schedule
No current information is available. For further
information, contact the RAP Coordinator listed
under "Contacts" below.
The following information is extracted from the
STAC White Paper referenced above in "Progress
and Achievements".
To effect further, more significant reductions in P
levels, management strategies to control nonpoint
sources must be implemented throughout the Foxr
Wolf watershed. As a consequence, both Lake
Winnebago, which also suffers effects of excessive
P stimulation of algal growth and reduced water
quality, and the AOC would benefit from the P
controls.
A coordinated monitoring effort is essential to
enhance knowledge of the dynamic relationships
between P loads, water clarity and water resource
conditions. Coordinated monitoring is also important
for evaluating the results of P and Total Suspended
Solids (TSS) reduction efforts in the Fox-Wolf Basin.
The revised recommendations should also be consid-
ered in the Upper Fox, Wolf and Lower Fox River
geographic management units (GMUs). It is counter-
productive and counter-intuitive to expect to achieve
the desired future state for the Lower Fox River/
Green Bay AOC without including these GMUs in P
and TSS reduction efforts. Of particular interest
should be the Lake Winnebago pool of lakes.
Revised ambient targets for P and TSS can be
expected to achieve the following:
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern 243
-------
Outlook: (continued)
Publications
Reductions in algal abundance and abiotic
suspended solids will lead to increased water
clarity (Secchi disc of 1.5m).
The littoral community can be expected to
increase in biological production, diversity and
area of development, including fish and water-
fowl.
Beneficial uses such as swimming and fishing
can be expected to increase.
Increased development of aquatic plants will
reduce water turbulence and facilitate further
reductions of suspended solids, and may impact
boating in shallow water areas.
Frequency and intensity of nuisance blue-green
algae blooms will decrease.
The RAP recommendations, as revised in the STAC
White Paper for ambient concentrations of P, TSS
and chlorophyll-a should continue to serve as the goal
for achieving the desired future state as it relates to
nutrients and suspended solids in the watershed. In
order to meet these targets, the 50% reductions from
the 1981-1983 average estimated loads of P (just
over 1 million pounds) and TSS (200 million pounds)
stand. In other words, P loads should cut to 500,000
pounds and TSS to 100 million pounds annually.
The STAC recommends this information be used to
achieve a total maximum daily load (TMDL) in the
Lower Fox, Upper Fox and Wolf GMUs so that the
development and implementation of watershed
restoration strategies may begin as soon as possible.
A Summary of Contaminated Sediment Activi-
ties Within the United States Great Lakes
Areas of Concern, 1993.
Contacts
Vicky Harris, RAP Coordinator
University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute
2420NicoletDr., ES-105
Green Bay, WI54311-7001
920-465-2795
Fax: 920-465-2376
harrisv@uwgb.edu
Nancy Barker, PAC Chair
Winnebago County Land and Water Conservation
Department
500 East County Road Y
Oshkosh,WI 54901-9774
414-424-0044
Rick Lundgren
RAP Coordinator
MDNR, Surface Water Quality Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-3313
Partners
International Joint Commission
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Great
Lakes National Program Office
Research
No current information is available. For further
information, contact the RAP Coordinator listed
under "Contacts" below.
Compiled: September 7,2001
URL: http://www.epa.pov/glnpo/aoc/greenbav.html
244
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
State of Wisconsin
Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern
Background
The Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (AOC)
includes: the lower 5 km of the Milwaukee River
downstream of North Avenue Dam; the lower 4.8
km of the Menominee River downstream of 35th
Street; the lower 4 km of the Kinnickinnic River
downstream of Chase Avenue; the inner and outer
Harbor and the nearshore waters of Lake Michigan,
bounded by a line extending north from Sheridan
Park to the city of Milwaukee's Linnwood water
intake. The immediate area draining to the AOC
encompasses 57.5 km2 or 2.6 % of the entire basin,
including lands that drain directly to the AOC via
storm sewers and
combined sewer
systems. This
relatively small
drainage area
contributes
disproportionately
large amounts of
pollutants associ-
ated with urban
runoff. The AOC
acts as both a
source of pollu-
tion to Lake
Michigan and as
a sink for pollut-
ants generated throughout the watershed. Conse-
quently, water quality is affected by pollution sources
associated with land use from the entire Milwaukee
River drainage basin.
RAP Status
The development of a Stage Two RAP began in
1991 using technical work groups to develop recom-
mendations. The RAP fosters the philosophy of
continuous improvement. The 1993 Milwaukee
Estuary RAP document describes progress made on
RAP work and outlines a five-year work plan for
RAP implementation. The Stage Two RAP is at least
80 percent complete.
Stage One of the Milwaukee Estuary Remedial
Action Plan (RAP) was initiated in 1988. The
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(WDNR) was
primarily respon-
sible for RAP
development. A
Technical Advisory
Committee, a
Citizen's Advisory
Committee (CAC)
and a Citizen's
Education and
Participation
Subcommittee have
advised WDNR
during RAP devel-
opment. The CAC
has been instru-
mental in building consensus from divergent views,
striving for community-wide unity and enthusiasm for
the RAP. Much public awareness has been gener-
ated.
Stage*
RAP Slatos
Restoration of Beneficial Uses
||||j Implementation
Inning
3rob Jem. Definition.
O 20 40 60 SO 100
Percent Completed
* i or each stage,
-------
Beneficial Use Impairments
Eleven of the 14 use impairments have been identi-
fied for the Milwaukee AOC through the RAP
process. Problems in the AOC have impaired many
uses, including: fish and wildlife consumption, recre-
ational boating, swimming, degraded fish, navigation
and aesthetics.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Fish consumption advisories for PCBs are in effect
for resident and migratory fish species in the AOC.
The WDNR updates fish advisory information
annually and publishes an advisory informational
booklet that is available at WDNR offices statewide.
A waterfowl advisory issued for certain species
harvested in the Milwaukee Estuary AOC suggests
consumption of mallard, black ducks, scaup and
ruddy ducks from the Milwaukee area should be
restricted. Because the targeted waterfowl migrate
through the Great Lakes region and along flyways
from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic
Ocean, more data are needed to identify the role of
the AOC in contaminating waterfowl.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
Fish species diversity in the AOC is low, with many
tolerant species present. Several species identified
are seasonal migrants to the AOC. The lack of
natural features in the AOC in conjunction with
installation of steel pilings, channelization and
concrete lining, urban runoff and high sediment
input lead to poor quality habitat for fish foraging
and spawning.
Sufficient evidence is not available to show that
chemical contamination or water quality problems
have diminished wildlife abundance and diversity
in the AOC, but these causes are suspected.
Regardless of water quality problems, the declines
in wildlife populations and decreases in species
diversity can be attributed in part to urban devel-
opment. Nearly all the wetlands that existed were
filled in the AOC as development proceeded.
Remaining wildlife habitat is concentrated in and
around existing parklands and other open areas.
Fish Tumors or Other Deformities:
Detailed studies of possible deformities in Milwaukee
AOC fish populations have not been conducted,
however concentrations of fluoranthene, pyrene,
benzo(a)anthracene and benzo(a)pyrene found in
AOC sediments are similar to concentrations found
at other sites where fish have high cancer rates
(Baumann et. al, 1991). Because these concentra-
tions correspond to dose/response tables provided by
Baumann, fish tumors are considered an impaired
use in the AOC.
Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive
Problems:
Insufficient data are available to show whether
contaminants are causing these problems in the
AOC. The Stage I document considered this use
unimpaired because of lack of information. Since
organochlorine contaminants (e.g. PCBs, dieldrin,
DDT) and heavy metals (e.g. cadmium, mercury and
lead) found in the AOC are shown to impair repro-
duction and development in wildlife elsewhere (King
and Krynitsky, 1986; Scheuhammer, 1987), this use
should be considered impaired. Studies are needed to
determine the extent of this impairment.
Degradation of Benthos:
The results of several benthic organism surveys prior
to 1990 reveal that the benthos were lacking in
diversity, and were dominated by pollution tolerant
species including large populations of oligochaetes.
Because of this lack of diversity and prevalence of
pollution tolerant organisms, this use is considered
impaired.
Use Impairments - Milwaukee Estuary AOC
V Restrictions on fish and
wildlife consumption
V Degradation of fish and
wildlife populations
V Fish tumors or other
deformities
V Bird or animal deformi-
ties or reproductive
problems
V Degradation of benthos
V Restriction on dredging
activities
V Eutrophication or
undesirable algae
^1 Beach closings
V Degradation of aesthetics
V Degradation of phytoplank-
ton and zooplankton
populations
V Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat
246
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
-------
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
The concentrations of toxic contaminants contained
in AOC sediments restrict the options for disposal of
dredged materials. The confined disposal facility
(CDF) along the shoreline in the southern portion of
the Outer Harbor has been operating since 1975 and
is projected to be at capacity by early in the next
century. Options for extending the life of the facility
are being studied by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Sediment contamination will likely continue to cause
sediment disposal restrictions until all major sources
of contamination are brought under control and the
heavily contaminated sediments are remediated.
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae:
The AOC is considered excessively eutrophic as a
result of high phosphorus and nitrogen concentra-
tions. Total phosphorus in the AOC exceeded
concentrations suggestive of eutrophic conditions
in 40 to 75 percent of the samples taken from the
Inner Harbor, and 10 to 25 percent of the samples
taken from the Outer Harbor.
Beach Closings:
Beach closings often occur after large rainfall
(runoff) events in the Milwaukee area. South
Shore Beach along Lake Michigan closes periodi-
cally for 48 to 96 hours following heavy rainfall
events. Because bacteria levels in the lower rivers
exceed recreational standards, the waters are
classified as supporting partial body contact (e.g.
boating, canoeing, fishing, incidental contact)
rather than full body contact.
Degradation of Aesthetics:
After storms, considerable debris can be seen in the
rivers, which enters through the storm sewer system.
A river skimmer was employed for many years to
clean up the debris in the river, but costs of operating
and maintaining the vessel were prohibitive. The
skimmer ceased operation in 1994. Anew skimmer
was purchased in 1998 and operates during the
summer months.
Degradation of Phytoplankton & Zooplankton
Populations:
The dominance of attached diatoms in the outer
harbor, various spectral analyses, and water chemis-
try data indicate that the three rivers draining to the
Milwaukee Estuary have a significant influence on
the phytoplankton community in the outer harbor.
High nutrient leading from the three rivers, nonpoint
source pollution, municipal and industrial wastewater
discharges support the present phytoplankton assem-
blages. Zooplankton populations studied indicate a
decline of species richness and a dominance of
pollution tolerant species in the outer harbor. Zebra
mussels have had an impact on water clarity in the
outer harbor, but their impact on the zooplankton
population is unknown.
Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
Lack of suitable habitat is a major limiting factor for
fish and wildlife in the AOC. No natural streambanks
are found in the Milwaukee River portion of the
AOC. Very few natural areas exist on adjacent
streambanks in the harbor or along the other rivers.
From a water quality perspective, contaminated
sediments and poor ambient water quality impair fish
and aquatic habitat.
TJ
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8
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Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
July 1994: RAP progress report completed,
including 32 Stage Two recommendations
March 1991: Stage One RAP document com-
pleted
Progress in Implementing Existing Programs
Planning and implementation of remedial actions are
proceeding simultaneously. Considerable progress
has been made in implementing the RAP and devel-
oping additional recommendations for restoring uses.
Presented below are highlights of progress in imple-
menting programs to restore uses in the Milwaukee
Estuary AOC.
Viable fish and aquatic habitat is hard to come by in the
Milwaukee River or its harbor.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
247
-------
Pollution Abatement and Prevention:
The $2.2 billion Water Pollution Abatement
Program of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewer-
age District has been completed. Improvements
to the system have alleviated practically all dry
weather and most wet weather bypasses of
untreated wastewater.
The Greater Milwaukee Toxics Minimization
Task Force is a nonprofit pollution prevention
workgroup which has made substantial progress
in minimizing toxic pollutant loadings to the
system. They recently changed their name to the
Pollution Prevention Partnership.
The Greater Milwaukee Toxics Minimization
Task Force, along with the Intergovernmental
Cooperation Council, have established a perma-
nent household hazardous waste collection
facility.
Lake Michigan Federation and the Milwaukee
Metropolitan Sewerage District have completed
a two-year pollution prevention education
campaign targeting household hazardous
waste. In addition, many communities have
organized "clean sweep" programs for safe
disposal of household hazardous waste.
Testing the Waters Program was initiated in
1989 to involve students in testing local
waterways to educate them about protecting
and improving their environment. More than
2,000 students from 32 schools participated in
this program.
The Milwaukee River Revitalization Council, a
13-member assembly appointed by the
Governor in 1987, has encouraged recre-
ational, entrepreneurial and cultural activities
along the Milwaukee River and its tributaries.
populations and their habitats. These program
efforts are being integrated within the RAP.
U.S. Geological Survey's National Water Quality
Assessment Program monitors status and trends
in water quality at three stations in the Milwau-
kee River Basin. This program greatly benefits
the RAP by providing data on toxic contaminants
that the WDNR would not otherwise have the
resources to collect.
WDNR staff are working to ensure that the
RAP and the Lake Michigan Lakewide Manage-
ment Plan are complementary and reinforcing.
Regulatory Initiatives:
Numerous regulatory programs, in combination with
voluntary efforts, are being used to help implement
the RAP Critical programs include WDNR's
Wastewater Management, Solid and Hazardous
Waste Management, Water Regulation and Zoning
and Air Management Programs; Milwaukee Metro-
politan Sewerage District's Permit and Pretreatment
Program and U.S. EPA's Superfiind Program.
Resource Management:
WDNR's Water Quality Program has numerous
responsibilities in the Milwaukee River Basin.
Key components include Surface Water Moni-
toring; Sediment Management and Remedial
Techniques; North Avenue Dam Project Imple-
mentation; Lincoln Creek Stormwater Monitoring
Project; Fish Contaminant Monitoring and the
Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement Program.
These components are being integrated within
the RAP.
WDNR's Fisheries and Wildlife Management
Programs have direct responsibility for assessing,
protecting and enhancing fish and wildlife
Aerial view of the City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee River.
Contaminated Sediment Management Strategy:
Substantial resources are being devoted to implement
the Contaminated Sediment Management Strategy.
This practical strategy consists of a balance of
pollution prevention activities and enhanced nonpoint
source control efforts, in addition to cleanup of
strategic "hot spots." Twenty specific activities (e.g.
sediment characterization and monitoring, mass
balance study, remediation projects) have been
recommended to move toward meeting the sediment-
related goals of the RAP. A geographic information
system to track contaminated sediments in the
Milwaukee River Basin was completed in 1997.
248 An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Community Involvement
The RAP benefits from the efforts of many active
committees and foundations in the area:
Milwaukee River Revitalization Council
The Pollution Prevention Partnership (formerly the
Greater Milwaukee Toxics Minimization Task Force)
Great Lakes Future, Inc.
The Milwaukee River Basin Land and Water
Partner Team
Schedule
Meetings:
CAC meetings are not regularly held. The
WDNR recently has reorganized around river
basins. The Milwaukee RAP outreach will be
incorporated with Milwaukee River Basin Land
and Water Partners Team.
Outlook
MILWAUKEE ESTUARY
fitted
Wisconsin
^ Department of Natmal Resources j
Partners
Great Lakes Commission
International Joint Commission
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Great
Lakes National Program Office
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The restoration of the Milwaukee Estuary AOC will
require a long-term commitment, spanning 25 or
more years. Approximately 70 recommendations
have been developed thus far by the RAP
workgroups. Thirty-one recommendations are
targeted for implementation in the next few years.
These include 12 recommendations pertaining to
assessment and monitoring in order to make in-
formed, cost- and resource-effective decisions; six
recommendations pertaining to demonstration
projects controlling runoff from storage piles,
creating buffer strips, restoring streambanks and
increasing public access; twelve recommendations
pertaining to community information and education
and one recommendation pertaining to supporting and
advancing federal stormwater regulations. As these
projects are completed and programs are set in
place, a better understanding of what it will take to
restore and maintain the Milwaukee Estuary AOC
will be obtained. Subsequent recommendations will
be developed to address identified needs.
Publications
A Summary of Contaminated Sediment Activi-
ties Within the United States Great Lakes
Areas of Concern, 1993
Contacts
Marsha Burzynski, RAP Coordinator
WDNR, Water Program
P.O. Box 12436
2300 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Milwaukee, WI53212
(414)263-8708
burzvm@.dnr.state.wi.us
Glen Moder, CAC Chair
1628 E. Cumberland Avenue
Whitefish Bay, WI 53211
(414)457-5070
Research
No current information is available. For further
information, contact the RAP Coordinator listed
under "Contacts" below.
Compiled: July 25,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/milwaukee.html
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
249
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State of Wisconsin
Sheboygan River Area of Concern
Background
RAP Status
The Sheboygan River (AOC) encompasses the
lower Sheboygan River downstream from the
Sheboygan Falls Dam, including the entire harbor and
nearshore waters of Lake Michigan. The AOC
serves as a sink for pollutants carried from three
watersheds: the Sheboygan River, Mullet River and
Onion River. Pollutants of concern, both conventional
and toxic, have been identified as: suspended solids,
fecal coliform bacteria, phosphorus, nitrogen, PCBs,
PAHs and heavy metals. Today, industrial, agricul-
tural and residential areas line the rivers of the
Sheboygan River Basin. Agriculture is the dominant
land use in the area, totaling 67%. A number of past
and present pollution sources and practices have
contributed to the use impairments identified in the
impairment graphic below.
RAP Status
Stage3
Restoration of Beneficial Uses
JL
Problem Definition
I I I I 1
0 20 40 GO 80 100
Percent Completed
l ot each a report is .mbmitied to the HC
In 1994, a revised RAP was prepared by WDNR
and other stakeholders which outlined activities
targeted for implementation and progress toward
development of a comprehensive strategy for
restoring water quality, fisheries, recreational uses
and other benefits of the Sheboygan River Basin.
The 1994 RAP was published in October 1995 and
distributed for review at 51 libraries statewide,
including the Mead Public Library in Sheboygan and
the Memorial Library in Sheboygan Falls. Three
work groups (Water quality, Biota and Information
and Education) were formed to recommend remedial
actions for Stage Two RAP development.
A two-year cooperative effort of Wisconsin Depart-
ment of Natural Resources (WDNR), other agen-
cies, researchers and the citizens of the Sheboygan
area resulted in the completion of a Sheboygan River
and Harbor Stage One RAP in 1989. All of these
groups worked together to identify management
goals for the river and harbor for the year 2000 and
specific management strategies to control existing
sources of pollution, abate environmental contamina-
tion and restore beneficial uses. The RAP goals and
objectives describe the "desired future state" of the
Sheboygan River ecosystem. The Sheboygan County
Water Quality Task Force served as the Citizens
Advisory Committee (CAC) for Stage One develop-
ment. The CAC included representatives from
industry, government, fishing and conservation groups
and others, and was instrumental in facilitating
information exchange between environmental
agencies and the public. An intergovernmental
Technical Advisory Committee was utilized for
review purposes.
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
251
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Beneficial Use Impairments
Nine of the 14 use impairments have been identified
for the Sheboygan AOC through the Remedial
Action Plan (RAP) process.
Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
Fish and waterfowl consumption advisories are in
effect for the Sheboygan River AOC. Elevated PCB
concentrations in river sediment are contributing to
the problem. Anglers are advised not to eat any
resident fish (smallmouth bass, walleye, carp or
panfish) caught in the Sheboygan River, and to
consult the fish advisory about consumption of trout
and salmon. Based on the results of an experimental
stocking study, trout and salmon stocking has been
resumed on a limited basis in the Sheboygan River.
Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
The lower Sheboygan River currently supports a
diverse fish population. Recent surveys show
smallmouth bass are abundant in the Sheboygan
River system. Populations of trout and salmon are
dependent on stocking. However, bioaccumulating
contaminants in the food chain and sedimentation are
negatively affecting the fish populations and their
forage base.
Populations of mink are well below what normally
would be expected for the habitat available. Small
mammal trapping in 1993 resulted in no mink found in
the AOC. Occasional mink are seen in this area,
however they are suspected to be transient individu-
als which probably are not breeding there.
Fish Tumors or Other Deformities:
Fish health assessments were conducted by WDNR
on white suckers in the AOC in 1994. The research
concluded that white suckers residing in the lower
Sheboygan River were exposed to and absorbed
significant amounts of PCBs and PAH, and exhibited
biochemical, histological and hematological alter-
ations, suggesting impaired fish condition.
Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive
Problems:
Reproductive problems are suspected with mink
because of their low population levels in relationship
to available high quality habitat. A study that exam-
ined four species of birds collected along the
Sheboygan River concluded that reproductive
impairments were suspected because of the PCB
tissue concentrations found.
Degradation of Benthos:
Benthic surveys on the Sheboygan River identified
the AOC as having degraded populations. The
community shows low species diversity and is
dominated by pollution tolerant species compared to
reference conditions.
Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
Dredging in the lower Sheboygan River and Inner
Harbor has not been conducted since 1969 because
of contaminated sediment disposal concerns. The
sediments are contaminated with high concentrations
of PCBs, PAHs and heavy metals. Some deposits
are considered heavy pollution according to U.S.
EPA guidelines and WDNR draft sediment criteria.
Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae:
Nutrient concentrations in the lower Sheboygan
River and Harbor routinely exceed water quality
criteria. Blooms of nuisance algae are often seen in
summer months. The major cause of eutrophication
is nonpoint source pollution from developing urban
areas and upstream agricultural areas.
Degradation of Phytoplankton & Zooplankton
Populations:
The species found in the AOC are indicative of
disturbed conditions. The periphyton community
downstream of the Village of Kohler is highly
productive. The community shifts toward greater
tolerance of high nutrient conditions. Biomass and
density in the AOC are the highest found in the
Sheboygan River. High concentrations of nutrients
from point and nonpoint sources are considered
responsible.
Use Impairments - Sheboygan River AOC
V
Restrictions on fish and
V
Restriction on dredging
wildlife consumption
activities
V
Degradation of fish and
V
Eutrophication or
wildlife populations
undesirable algae
V
Fish tumors or other
V
Degradation of phytoplank-
deformities
ton and zooplankton
V
populations
Bird or animal deformi-
V
ties or reproductive
Loss of fish and wildlife
problems
habitat
V
Degradation of benthos
252
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
Although historic loss of habitat has occurred through
development, the quality of wildlife habitat along the
river is good considering its proximity to urban areas.
Ongoing loss of in-stream habitat for fish and wildlife
is occurring through sedimentation from streambank,
farmland and construction site erosion. Dams on the
river also contribute to degraded habitat in several
ways. They alter river flow, increase water tempera-
ture, cause the loss of important riffle areas, inhibit
fish migration and cause sediment build up which
buries much of the fish cover and invertebrate habitat.
Progress and Achievements
RAP Milestones:
Progress report with 29 Stage 2 recommenda-
tions completed in 1995.
Stage I report completed in 1989.
Considerable progress has been made in implement-
ing the RAP and developing additional recommenda-
tions for restoring beneficial uses. Below are high-
lights of specific actions taken to remediate-contami-
nated sediments:
Following a Remedial Investigation and En-
hanced Screening of the Superfund project,
emergency removal of PCB contaminated
sediments in the upper portion of the Sheboygan
River was completed in 1991. A total of 4,100
m3 of PCB contaminated sediments has been
removed to date. Sediment was deposited in two
Confined Disposal Facilities (one temporary and
the other an experimental Confined Disposal
Facility at Tecumseh Products Company) and
other selected deposits were armored in five
areas near Rochester Park. The remaining
sediments were to be dealt with in a later action.
U.S. EPA conducted a feasibility study for
further cleanup options (Winter 1997).
Monitoring of soil and groundwater for total
PAHs, cyanide, arsenic and nickel at the Coal
Gastification Plant site began in spring of 1992,
following the results of investigations that
showed exceedances of state enforcement
standards for these parameters.
A Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study
was completed in 1991 at the Kohler Company
landfill Superfund site. A Record of Decision for
landfill closure was issued in 1992. A Record of
Decision for groundwater was issued in 1996.
Community Involvement
There are many active organizations involved in the
Sheboygan AOC which were mentioned earlier. In
addition, in response to the two federal Superfund
sites in the AOC, the U.S. EPA granted the Lake
Michigan Federation Superfund Technical Assistance
Grants for the Kohler Landfill and Sheboygan River
and Harbor Superfund Sites. With these grants, LMF
hired a technical consultant to review all documents .
produced for the Superfund projects, and to explain
the information to the public. The consultant is also
charged with helping the public provide meaningful
comment to U.S. EPA throughout the Superfund
Process.
SHEBOYGAN RIVER
Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources
Schedule
Meetings:
Since its reorganization, the Sheboygan team
does not have separate RAP committees. There
is a Sheboygan River Basin External Partnership
Team that addresses basin issues, including the
RAP and the LaMP. It meets periodically.
Outlook
Improving the quality of the Sheboygan River Basin
ecosystem and achieving the "desired future state"
will require a long-term commitment from all levels
of government, as well as local interest groups and
citizens. RAP implementation must promote such
involvement at a feasible pace, allowing results to
materialize one step at a time. This step-by-step
implementation will pivot on RAP recommendations.
The RAP recommendations, which are implementable
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
253
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Outlook (continued)
Publications
in two to five-year periods, will be important steps
toward basin restoration. These are not the first
steps, many projects and programs are underway.
Recommendations will continue to materialize as
more is understood about the most efficient and
lasting ways to restore the Sheboygan River and
Harbor.
Monetary support alone, although important, does not
ensure RAP success. Successful implementation of
the RAP requires the cooperation of all stakeholders
and a willingness of the Basin's citizens to voluntarily
change the way we lead our lives.
Partners
International Joint Commission
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Great
Lakes National Program Office
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Research
Sheboygan River Food Chain and Sediment
Contaminant Assessment (initiated in 1994 by
WDNR).
Sheboygan River Experimental Fish Stocking
Study
Sheboygan River white sucker fish health survey
Various WDNR studies related to PCB contami-
nation in the Sheboygan River
Schrank, C.S., S. M. Cormier and V. S. Blazer.
1997. Contaminant Exposure, Biochemical
and Histopathological Biomarkers in White
Suckers from Contaminated and Reference
Sites in the Sheboygan River, Wisconsin. J.
Great Lakes Res. 23(2): 119-130.
Eggold, B. T., J.F. Amrhein and M.A. Coshun.
1995. PCB Accumulation by Salmonid Smolts
and Adults and its Effects on Stocking Poli-
cies, WDNR Southeast District Report.
Information Summary, Area of Concern:
Sheboygan River, Wisconsin
A Summary of Contaminated Sediment Activi-
ties Within the United States Great Lakes
Areas of Concern, 1993
Contacts
Marsha Burzynski, RAP Coordinator
WDNR, Water Program
P.O. Box 12436
2300 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Milwaukee, WI53212
(414)263-8708
burzvm@dnr.state.wi.us
Barb Lillesand, CAC Chair
Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce
712 Riverfront Drive
Sheboygan, WI 53081
414-457-9491
254
Compiled: August 22,2001
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/shebovgan.html
An Overview of U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern
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