Michigan Water Resources Volume 6, Number 6 May 2000
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| In This Issue... Habitat Watch #169 Meet the New
President Michigan AWRA Board of Directors 2000..............2 Salt, A Hidden Danger.................3 Membership Benefits...................5 Calendar of Events.......................6 Malletts Creek..............................7
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Habitat Watch # 169 Great Lakes United Week of 2/21/00- 2/27/00 Great Lakes Predicted to be Threatened by Exotic Weed: The hydrilla is the latest potential foreign introduction threatening the Great Lakes ecosystem. The weed, which is clogging waterways, killing native plants, ruining waterways for recreational use, swimming and disrupting navigation in states from Florida to Connecticut, is believed to have originated in Korea and was introduced into the states as an aquarium decoration. Dr. John Madsen of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stated at an aquatic nuisance species meeting held last week in Toronto, that hydrilla is a perfect aquatic weed. It grows in water up to 20 meters in depth, can grow up to 2.5 cm a day, forms densely branched mats on water surfaces and can withstand cold winters. It is also highly adaptable, inhabiting almost any body of fresh water, including springs, marshes and ditches. While no predictions have been made on when hydrilla will invade the Great Lakes, it’s likely to become prolific once introduced, especially in Lakes Ontario, Erie and St. Clair. Hydrilla is now the most abundant aquatic weed in Florida, infesting 70% of the state’s freshwater areas and costing $14.5-million annually for control efforts. For more information, go to: http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=5726 or http:// cbc.ca/cgi-bin/templates/ print.cgi?/news/2000/02/15/hydrilla000215. GLU’s Habitat and Biodiversity Task Force produce’s Great Lakes Habitat Watch with support from the George Gund Foundation and GLU coalition members. The task force is committed to protecting natural areas, wildlife, and strong conservation laws across the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River ecosystem. To join the coalition, subscribe or send stories, contact GLU: (716) 886-0142; fax: (716) 886-0303; or email: jen@glu.org. Past issues of Habitat Watch can be found at: http://www.sustain.org/Bulletins/index.cfm S Jennifer Nalbone |
President’s Report Meet the New President Hello, my name is Eugene Jaworski, and I am a professor
at Eastern Michigan University in the Thanks to Past President, Jon Bartholic I wish to thank Dr. Jon Bartholic for his assistance during the past year when I was Vice President of the Michigan Chapter of the American Water Resources Association (AWRA). It is gratifying to know that this organization has the support of the Institute of Water Research at Michigan State University, including the services of the Director Dr. Jon Bartholic as well as Dr. Lois Wolfson. Bruce Manny of the USGS Great Lakes Center in Ann Arbor has also been very helpful. My Water Concerns Please know that I take the presidency of the Michigan Chapter of the AWRA very seriously. There are a number of current water issues in Michigan which require our thoughtful review and possible involvement. (President’s Report continued on page 3)
2000 Board of Directors President Ted Starbuck, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) Past
President’s Members at Large
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| President’s Report continued Other issues that concern many of us is the high cost of stormwater management, as in the case of Mallett’s Creek in the City of Ann Arbor, as well as continued wetland loss, consumptive water loss in our irrigated agricultural areas of Michigan, and urban stream restoration. While there have been recent conferences and workshops on watershed management, we do not seem to be able to do very much about fixing the direct discharge from existing storm sewer pipes in our urban streams. Some researchers suggest that we need to discharge stormwater in the lower portions of our streams during rain events as soon as possible in order to prevent augmentation by upstream flows. But how do we achieve stormwater pre-treatment when there is no detention? On the other hand, most stormwater detention basins are only 40 to 70% efficient anyway as regards contaminant removal. Michigan is growing quite rapidly. We see urban sprawl, as well as re-development in cities such as Southgate and townships such as Van Buren of Wayne County where 5 to 10 years ago there was very little growth. Sometimes we wonder who is purchasing all these nice new houses in the new subdivisions! This growth stresses our existing infrastructure, including water supply systems, roadways, and storm sewers. Adequate water supply and water quality are part of the real concerns as growth takes place. Fortunately, Michigan is located within the humid part of the country and is surrounded by the Great Lakes - - the world’s largest supply of freshwater. Nevertheless, we need to plan today, so that some of the water problems of tomorrow may be minimized. With access to data, as provided in part by information technologies, we can encourage the general citizenry and the private sector to take voluntary action. Luncheon Meetings Our new Vice President of the Michigan Chapter of the AWRA, for the year 2000, is Mr. Michael Gregg. He will be largely responsible for setting up two or three luncheons during the year. If you have luncheon ideas or other input for Michael Gregg, please contact him at greggm@state.mi.usS Sincerely, Eugene Jaworski, Ph.D. Professor |
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| Salt, A Hidden Danger By Kathy Aseltyne Silly old us! While we want to be sure we have pure, clean drinking water, we hazard polluting that water by our widespread use of water softeners and road salt! Have you thought about how much salt we send into the groundwater and to our rivers, streams and lakes on a routine basis? In general, above average levels of salt, or sodium chloride, in Michigan rivers serve as indicators of human activities. Increases in salt result in increases in conductivity, which measures dissolved content in the water, including salt ions. As the conductivity of a stream moves about its natural range, aquatic organisms, such as fish and insects, must adapt to the new levels or relocate to an area that meets their chemical needs. Adopt-A-Stream data shows that, almost always, high conductivity correlates with a deteriorated site in terms of biological diversity. Water softeners Most people soften well
water for a variety of good reasons. The groundwater in our watershed How softeners soften Water from the well is pumped through a cylinder that contains synthetic resin beads and a supersaturated salt solution. These beads contain sites that trap calcium and magnesium. Initially these sites have salt on them from the salt brine in which they are bathed, but they bind much more readily to calcium and magnesium. When the hard water passes through the resin bead tank, the beads release a sodium ion in preference for a calcium or magnesium, which is done by recharging the beads with high concentrations of salt (sodium chloride). The material discharged to the septic field contains not only the calcium and magnesium at 20 times the original concentration but also a high concentration of salt. A 1990 study reported that surveyed homeowners add an average of 80 to 100 pounds of softener salt per month, which results in as much as 1,000 pounds of salt per household per year being discharged into the ground. Road deicers Another significant
source of sodium chloride contamination is the use of salt for the road deicing. For
example, the Oakland county road Commission reported the recent use of 83,000 tons of salt
for approximately 3,000 miles of paved road. (Icy gravel roads are treated with sand.) The
amount applied varies with the severity of snow, icy weather. A 1990 study in White Lake (Oakland County) that measured sodium in untreated well water showed that households in densely populated areas that were located close to paved roads had greatly increased levels of sodium. Lakes that were adjacent to paved roads and in densely populated areas also showed higher sodium chloride levels. An expanding population that desires paved roads in newly developed areas exacerbates the problem of excessive salt use. Solutions for pollution Homeowners can reduce the amount of salt being introduced by water softeners:
Currently, a satisfactory replacement for road salt as a deicer is unavailable. A substance called Calmag is one alternative, however its high cost and contribution of large volumes of calcium and magnesium salts to the environment make it a less than ideal option. More frequent plowing and shoveling could reduce the amount of salt needed. Mixtures of sand and salt are being used in some locations, and some countries add sand and pea-sized gravel to snow covered roads. The gravel is collected in the spring and reused. As a citizen, you can report any large amounts of stored salt that are not properly covered. You can also reduce the amount of salt applied to your walkways by shoveling and using cat litter and sand for traction. Further reading Mattson M.D. and Godfrey P. J. Identification of road salt contamination using multiple regression and GIS. 1994. Environmental Management 18(5): 767-773. A 1992 conference report “Chemical Deicers and the Environment” edited by Frank M. D’Itri, Institute of Water Research, Michigan State University. Studies conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation on the impacts of road salt on surface waters in Wisconsin. Contact Bob Patenaude, (608) 246-7946. Study by Kathy Aseltyne in 1990, unpublished. Kathy Aseltyne researched the effects of household water softeners on groundwater for her Masters thesis at Wayne State University. She now protects waters of the Huron River system near her home in White Lake Township.S
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| Membership Benefits Why Join MI-AWRA? The Michigan State Section - American Water Resources
Association provides a common forum in which professionals in water resources and related
disciplines, and other interested individuals, can meet, discuss, debate, and exchange
information and ideas about all aspects of water resources research and management.
To become a member, simply fill n the form provided in this newsletter and send it with the $20.00 annual membership fee to the address listed. If you are currently a member of the MI-AWRA, introduce a friend or colleague to the benefits of membership! Become involved in MI-AWRA We encourage our members to share their expertise by volunteering to serve on one of these committees:
The Program Committee
welcomes suggestions on luncheon topics and speakers. Meeting hosts are also needed. A
host is responsible for selecting a luncheon site and making the necessary arrangements.
Promotions, handouts, and all other costs of the program are paid by MI-AWRA, although we
appreciate sponsors for room charges, parking, or other associated costs. Call Eugene
Jaworski at (734) 572-6130 |
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Calendar of Events May 18-19, 2000 Chicago, IL The conference will
address several key questions that face those interested in watershed-based trading for
cost-effective water quality improvements. Sponsored by the Great Lakes Trading Network. July July 11-13, 2000 Michigan State
University Ag Expo is
Michigan’s largest farm show, A 35-acre exhibit area on the Michigan State University
campus. Central location. More than 90% of field crop income, livestock income and net
farm income is produced within a two-hour drive. More than 325 commercial and educational
exhibits. Daily field demonstrations on crop protection and care (including sprayers and
pesticide application, row crop cultivation, side dressing and fertilizer placement).
Daily demonstrations on farming with animals. Member, North American Farm Show Council. Ag
Expo Contact: July 9-13, 2000 Vancouver, BC The conference will bring together environmental professionals for a showcase on integrated resource management and environmental protection principles using watershed-based approaches. Sponsored by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the British Columbia Water and Waste Association, and the Western Canada Water and Wastewater Association and co-sponsored by New Zealand Water & Wastes Association. Contact: New
Zealand Water & Wastes Association Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI Sponsored by the
National Wildlife Federation, this summit is a week long program with outdoor activities
that accommodate the varied interests, attention spans, and ability levels of your whole
group! Dedicated naturalists and environmental experts bring the sights and sounds to life
and help your family build a lasting base of outdoor knowledge and expertise. Phone: 1-800-245-5484 August August 6-10, 2000 Ann Arbor, MI Hosted by the University
of Michigan’s School of Public Health, the aim of this conference will be to examine
some of the past accomplishments and failures in dealing with problems of heavy metal
pollution, and to look prospectively at future challenges and opportunities. October 17-19, 2000 Columbus, OH The conference provides
an opportunity for hydrogeo logists, geologists, engineers, students and others studying
ground water resources in their respective states to meet and exchange ideas, discuss
mutual problems affecting the Midwest, and summarize results of field and laboratory
studies. October 26-27, 2000 Lisle, IL; Morton Arboretum Plant researchers and
industry professionals from North America, Europe and Asia will present research, discuss
critical issues, and review industry trends related to the selection, production, and use
of maples in the urban landscape. Phone: 630.719.2460 November November 6-9, 2000 AWRA’s Annual Water Resources Conference, Miami, Florida The only conference that brings together water resources management and research professionals from all disciplines. For more information contact Robert Higgins, Phone (561) 439-7807, Fax (561) 439-0026 or Email bhiggins@ix. Netcom.com
Chicago, IL This international
symposium will provide a technical forum for environmental professionals to share
experiences and knowledge concerning permitting activities for sources of air and water
pollutants and waste facilities and to discuss legal and regulatory requirements. Hosted
by the Air and Waste Management Association. December December 20, 2000 Columbus, OH The Ohio Lake Erie
Commission meets quarterly. These meetings are public forums in which individuals and
groups interested in Lake Erie issues are strongly urged to attend. Email:jbusch@www. epa.state.oh.us |
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| Malletts Creek Restoration Plan Introduction Malletts Creek, which is a tributary of the Huron River, has been designated by the Michigan DEQ in 1998 as a TMDL in regard to volume. This stream has a drainage area of approximately 11 sq. miles, and a channel length of about 8.5 miles. Current data indicate that about 40 percent of this urban watershed is impervious, which helps explain its flashy and flood-prone nature. Moreover, the headwater areas are generally enclosed, while the middle and lower reaches are channelized and contain several inline detention ponds. This drain flows through
the southern part of the City of Ann Two Main Problems According to a recent study by ECT (Environmental Consulting & Technologies, Inc.), Applied Science, Inc., and Tilton & Associates, Inc., there appears to be two main problems in this creekshed. Though flow volumes during storms generated the TMDL designation, the water quality/habitat quality is also a problem. Field data and modeling both substantiate that rain events generate the large flow volumes. SWMM modeling by Applied Science, Inc., reveal important relationships between flow, velocity, and channel depth. The flow velocities during rain events tend to increase until bankful stage is reached, and then the velocities generally level off. Peak flows of 2,250 to 2,750 cfs, and associated channel depths of 5.5 to 10.5 feet, occur in the main or downstream reach. Channel scour and bank erosion are significant during these high flow periods. One of the consultants in the study suggested that the channel should be widened and overbank flow facilitated in order to reduce flow velocities during storm events. Alternatively, source reduction and eliminating some of the direct discharges of stormwater to the drain may also be important. The other main problem is the degraded water quality as evidenced by nutrient data as well as by a bioassessment study. During wet weather, the total phosphorus and orthophosphate averaged 420 and 36 ug/l, respectively, as compared to 40 and 13 ug/l during dry stream flows. Malletts Creek clearly reveals a “first flush” effect during rain events as regards total phosphorus, TSS and TKN. A cooperative study by the Washtenaw County Drain Commission, City of Ann Arbor, and Pittsfield Township at 6 sampling stations revealed that the habitat quality index ranged only between a -1 and a -6, with no positive stations. In addition, the EPT Index indicates the absence of mayflies and stoneflies in the creek, though varieties of caddisflies are present.S |
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Department of
Geography-Geology. My research and teaching interests include freshwater wetlands,
stormwater management, soils, remote sensing, and environmental assessment. Some of you
know me through my small, private consultant firm and wetlands work being provided to
several communities in southeast Michigan. 
Arbor, and also drains the northern part of Pittsfield Township and a
bit of Ann Arbor Township. The land use in the watershed is a mix of residential,
commercial, and light industrial usage. Although, there are some 100-year capacity
detention basins in and about the Briarwood Shopping Center, as well as some first flush
basins, over half of the watershed has no stormwater detention. Much of Malletts Creek is
a designated county drain, and it is the most degraded creek in the Huron River Watershed.