Huron River Report Published by the Huron River Watershed Council SPRING 2019

feature story Hellgrammites The insect of your nightmares When volunteers look for aquatic cornutus from the family Corydalidae. insects during the River Roundup, Hellgrammite is certainly an eye few species generate more catching word, and it begs the excitement than the hellgrammite. question of how something could get This long and wide aquatic insect a name like that, but the etymology of boasts impressively large mandibles that name has been lost in time. It is that give a blood-drawing pinch to possible the second half of the world those brave or dumb enough to pick is based from “gammarus” meaning them up with their bare hands! But lobster in Latin. In any case, it is not fear not, swimmers and paddlers, hard to imagine why fishermen or for it is highly unlikely to accidently scientists started calling this insect run across a hellgramite; these shy such, because if there was ever a bug predators hide under rocks and from Hell, this would be it. in packs of leaves and decaying It can commonly grow between vegetation. two and three inches long, and larger “Hellgrammite” is the common specimens are found occasionally name given to this megalopteran during the River Roundup. The larvae, and the adult stage of the mandibles are about the same length insect is known as a dobsonfly or as the insect’s head and fringed with The Hellgrammite: if ever an insect came fishfly. In Michigan, there are five four sharp teeth. The thorax holds from Hell, this would be it. species from four genera, but the three pairs of legs, and the abdomen credit: H. Safford biggest and most common in the Huron River watershed is Corydalus continued on page 4

PFAS in the Huron River • An emerging threat PFAS, a family of toxic, persistent HRWC is working with org and continually pressing state chemicals, have been found in communities, county health agencies for updates. In October drinking water across Michigan. In departments, and state agencies and December, HRWC facilitated August, PFAS were found at high to understand PFAS chemicals and two public information meetings levels in the Huron River. They have determine how to clean them up. that gave watershed residents a also been found in a few wells in the There are currently no federal rules chance to hear from experts, ask watershed. So far, no drinking water regarding PFAS, so regulatory options questions about the potential health source in the watershed has PFAS will have to come from state or local impacts, and understand what can levels that exceed Environmental authorities. be done to address the issue. County Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, HRWC has been tracking health departments, watershed but there is concern the EPA the crisis since it emerged in communities, and state agencies guidelines don’t provide sufficient Michigan—compiling relevant protection. information for the public at hrwc. continued on page 5

INSIDE: Upcoming events and workshops Climate Change Vulnerability and Strategies Safe Paddling Tips | Ford and Belleville Lakes TMDL Update | Sharon and David Brooks Volunteer Profile HRWC status Laura’s Stream of Consciousness and updates Making Michigan a Leader in Clean Water and Environmental Protection

ith a new Michigan Throughout these discussions and • Utilize and administration, HRWC has recommendations, I identified a few fully fund Widentified policy priorities for clear top priorities directly related integrative asset 2019 and for the next four years. As to HRWC’s mission to protect and management Governor Whitmer assembled her restore the river for healthy and and watershed team and agency leadership, the vibrant communities. planning at environmental community was busy the state and

synthesizing and strategizing policy A few of our top priorities: local level so H. Buffman efforts to protect the environment all Michigan and for HRWC, specifically water. We • Utilize and fund MiCorps (the communities can modernize their seized a few opportunities. Michigan Clean Water Corps), a water infrastructure in an efficient, network of volunteer water quality sustainable, resilient and cost- HRWC participated inLaura the Rubin, Executive Directormonitoring programs for lakes effective manner. Include planning development of an Environmental and streams that collects and and actions that anticipate the Policy Priorities document to shares water quality data for use in impacts of extreme weather and present to the new governor, state water resource management and climate change. administration, and state agencies. protection programs. The policy document lays out clear • Provide the authority and financial and consistent environmental • Prohibit the use of coal tar sealcoats and technical resources to local policy priorities from the Michigan containing PAHs (Polycyclic units of government and water environmental community for the aromatic hydrocarbons). hisutilities fall, HRWC to help secured them designfederal andgrant next four years. The effort was led by fundsimplement allocated water from affordability the Clean W aterplans the Michigan Environmental Council • Bring Michigan’s wetlands Actwith to sliding-scaleprotect our highest (flexible) rates (MEC) and the Michigan League of protection program (under Section Enjoythat the consider spring anda customer’s getting outdoors! income Conservation Voters (MLCV). 404 of the Clean Water Act) in line and ability to pay, with the goal of with federal minimum standards. ending water shutoffs. – Laura Rubin Governor Whitmer’s transition team sought HRWC’s guidance • Establish a state drinking water •ForHelp Portage local governmentsCreek Fact Sheets address and and direction on energy, water, standard for PFAS using a health- thecombined Management sewer P lanoverflows go to www. hrwc.org/portage. and environmental protection. We based standard (maximum and stormwater management provided strategies and policies on contaminant level) with by increasing the adoption of climate adaptation, water monitoring, consideration of low-dose toxicity nature-based infrastructure, land- infrastructure, environmental justice, and ensuring adequate protection use planning, and low-impact emerging contaminants such as PFAS, for populations most vulnerable to development; adopt enabling and 1,4 dioxane clean-ups. PFAS effects. legislation for local stormwater utilities and other innovative local Finally, I took part in a Michigan • Provide funding for cleaning funding mechanisms. Drinking Water Workshop. The up contaminated sites, monitoring goal was to convene experts and water quality and recycling by While Michigan’s government has impacted communities to develop replacing the Clean Michigan been marred by the Flint crisis and a policy agenda for the state on Initiative bond funding through the more recently, PFAS, it can take this the variety of challenges and increase of state fees, including opportunity to be a leader on clean opportunities surrounding drinking tipping fees on landfill and other water and environmental protection water. The concept was modeled on waste materials, or by reissuing the by partnering with the environmental the President’s Council of Advisors 1998 bond. community, legislators, and affected on Science and Technology (PCAST) communities to pass legislation that 2016 drinking water workshop. The • Prevent pollution from failing septic protects the environment, builds outcome will be a concise, common systems by adopting a statewide strong communities and economies, action agenda that is a roadmap for septic code requiring regular septic and is based on sound science. HRWC the new governor, Michigan, and local system inspections, coupled with looks forward to working with our communities to ensure access to a the creation of new funding that NGO partners, state legislators, state 21st century drinking water system helps local government and low- staff, and the Governor’s office to that provides clean, safe, affordable, income families fix failing septic realize this vision. and sustainable water. systems. — Laura Rubin HRWC Executive Director @LauraRubin4 Climate Change Vulnerability What is it and what are we doing about it Climate change is no longer an critical shade and uncertainty of the future. It is an cool groundwater uncertainty of the present. Each year to the river when it weather patterns look less and less needs it most. familiar. Extreme events of all types HRWC is also (rainstorms, heat waves, droughts, involved in the wildfires, etc.) are occurring at record development of a breaking frequencies, intensities, set of vulnerability timing, size, and damage caused. assessment As a result, people, wildlife, and resources that landscapes are becoming more allows cities to vulnerable to impacts from climate assess climate change. vulnerabilities, All kinds of people and ecosystems determine which are feeling the effects of and are people are most vulnerable to all kinds of climate likely to be change impacts. This includes negatively affected, farmers losing crops to drought or and develop new pests, urban families evacuated strategies to Forests along the river reduce from flooded homes, towns losing reduce vulnerabilities. This regional the impacts of flooding and keep roads and water services due to effort has HRWC supporting cities stream temperatures cool when air extreme storms, or an asthmatic child throughout the Great Lakes as they temperatures are high. credit: HRWC struggling through hot, humid air conduct these assessments and during heat waves or forest fires. Each incorporate climate change into local person and system has a different and city-level decision making. vulnerability based on exposure, Examples of what individuals can vulnerable such as the elderly, sensitivity, and ability to adapt. do to reduce their vulnerabilities and those without air conditioning, or HRWC works with communities those of their community include: those with health issues. and people to reduce vulnerabilities to climate change. In the Huron River • Review the drainage outside your • Advocate for funding to support watershed, rainfall is the climate home and divert rain away from actions that increase your factor that is changing the most the foundation and into natural community’s ability to withstand quickly. One way that HRWC reduces areas such as a swale or rain impacts and recover quickly from vulnerabilities to the impacts of garden. extreme events. larger and more intense rain events is by working with stormwater • Sign up for your city or county As the global society continues managers throughout the watershed emergency notification systems to design stormwater systems that to mobilize around slowing and to get important updates about ultimately stopping climate change, can handle more water through extreme weather events. both traditional pipes and natural it also needs to prepare for the ecosystems. HRWC also reduces inevitable changes resulting from • Elevate furnaces, water heaters, vulnerabilities associated with past and current greenhouse gas and other valuables located in dams by providing dam operators emissions. HRWC will continue to basements or flood-prone first with better real-time flow data and work to reduce the vulnerabilities levels. connecting operators with each of people and natural systems in other so they are better prepared the Huron and regionally. Individual to respond to extreme events and • Carry flood insurance if you are in actions help as well. protect people and infrastructure. or near the floodplain. Another anticipated impact in the —Rebecca Esselman watershed is more high heat days. • Visit the Red Cross website When this is coupled with the drier and assemble an emergency weather of July and August, the river preparedness kit and disaster plan. ecosystem itself is vulnerable. Many species cannot withstand high water • If an extreme event should temperatures and low water levels. To occur, check on family members decrease these vulnerabilities, HRWC or neighbors that are more works to maintain as much riparian forest habitat as possible, providing

PAGE 3 Hellgrammites continued from cover page has a series of long filaments that massive pincers that look like they give the creature a centipede-like can do the same. The males are rather Hellgrammite Fun Fact appearance. These filaments are not harmless at this stage though, and the legs and have no obvious function, pincers are used for mating purposes Did you know that Superman though have been reported to deter and not for attacking! fought a villain named predators. Hellgrammites are one of the Hellgrammite in a 1968 DC Hellgrammites are considered “sensitive” insects that HRWC likes to comic? The evil doer had a great for bait, in particular for see in River Roundup samples, as they powerful exoskeleton, some smallmouth bass. They live a long are indicators of unpolluted waters. really nasty mandibles, and time on a hook, keep up a natural Unfortunately, HRWC sampling has continued the trend of Superman vigorous motion while hooked, and as shown that they have significantly fighting some of the most poorly aquatic creatures with gills, survive decreased over time. In the early conceived villains imaginable. when thrown into the water. However, 2000s, volunteers were finding in wild settings they are rarely found multiple specimens per sample in the stomachs of fish, probably in parts of Davis Creek and in the because they spend most of their Huron River from US-23 in Livingston time well-hidden beneath rocks. County through Dexter and into Ann Hellgrammites live in the water Arbor. Since that time, volunteers as larvae from somewhere between more regularly come back with none two to five years, which gives plenty or maybe one specimen from these of time for them to grow to such locations. This is quite concerning a large size. When they are ready, as this section of the Huron River they pupate in a moist location near has long been the healthiest and the stream and emerge as adult most biodiverse of anywhere in the dobsonflies about two weeks later. watershed. The reason for the decline The male dobsonfly has wicked Just like mayflies, life as an adult is not clear, but HRWC will continue pincers, but these are only used for is very short (three days for males, efforts to find out, as well as always grabbing onto a mate! credit: Flickr CC-BY-2. 0, Geoff Gallice eight to ten for females) and consists promoting river friendly practices so entirely of mating. Like their larval that water quality can stay as high as counterparts, the adults are large possible. register by visiting our website: and rather scary looking. Females Interested in finding a www.hrwc.org/volunteer/roundup/ still have the ability to bite and can hellgrammite? The next River even draw blood, and the males have Roundup is April 27, and you can —Paul Steen

We Support Nature • A cure for what ails you pressure, anxiety, aggression, and As I look out my office windows ADHD symptoms, improves pain I see people running, biking, and control and increases happiness. walking with dogs or friends along In Scotland, doctors are now the river. Every day these individuals authorized to prescribe nature for choose the intrinsic value of the river their patients. Doctors nationwide in and the trails that surround it over the U.S. have already begun giving their own neighborhood streets. their patients “park prescriptions,” HRWC volunteers and donors instructions to improve their health do the same. Their investment J. Lloyd by spending more time outdoors. in HRWC has many benefits: the Prescription suggestions include such improved chemistry and flow of our activities as “appreciate the speed water, beautiful places for outdoor The notion that nature is good for of the wind,” “make a bug hotel,” recreation, safe habitat for wildlife, people is very intuitive, but scientific “dip your feet in a river,” or “pick two and people’s health and emotional evidence for this notion keeps different trees and study them.” Local well-being. We are grateful to HRWC growing. The benefits of nature for governments in the Pacific Northwest, supporters who contribute to river human health and well-being are and elsewhere are seeking guidance protection and restoration efforts, and numerous. Spending 90 minutes a day in designing green infrastructure that acknowledge that their contributions outside in a wooded area decreases can protect both water quality and immeasurably improve the quality of activity in the part of the brain human health. They are looking to our lives. typically associated with depression. direct their investments to address I wrote myself a prescription to Contact with nature reduces blood both. reduce my stress, and I hope to see you outside soon. —Margaret Smith PAGE 4 PFAS in the Huron continued from cover page participated. of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) PFAS (which stands for per- and and the Michigan Department poly- flouroalykl substances) have of Agricultural and Rural been used widely in manufacturing Development (MDARD). since the 1940s. They are in In late summer 2018, things everything from Teflon to dental started moving more rapidly. PFAS floss to fire-fighting foam to water- were found at extraordinarily high resistant coating on clothing. They levels in the Upper Huron. Fish were designed to stand up to the were tested from multiple sites, harshest elements. Dubbed “forever and their meat contained PFAS at chemicals,” they live up to their levels above the threshold deemed name. They take a very long time to safe for human consumption. A “Do break down in the environment, and Not Eat Fish” Advisory was issued they accumulate in tissues and organs and extended to include all of over time. the Huron River. Because fish are PFAS are linked to numerous highly mobile, HRWC recommends health risks including cancer, not eating fish from any connected decreased fertility, low birth weights, stream or lake as well. In August 2018, a “Do Not Eat Fish” organ and immune dysfunction, MDEQ identified a major source Advisory was issued by the Michigan increased cholesterol levels, and of PFAS in the Huron River as Tribar Department of Health and Human behavioral disorders in children. As Manufacturing in Wixom. Tribar Services for most of the Huron River. PFAS threats have increased, new once used PFAS in chrome plating of credit: D. Brown research emerges with increasing automotive parts, but stopped using frequency, and additional health risks the chemicals in 2015. The PFAS they have been discovered. were discharging were making their For two of the most common way through the Wixom wastewater As Ann Arbor and Tribar have both PFAS chemicals, the EPA issued treatment plant and into Norton shown, there are some effective a health advisory level in 2016: Creek, which drains to the Huron. treatment solutions for some of the Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) That discharge of wastewater to a most widespread PFAS chemicals. and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), drinking water source violated rules It is also known that eliminating individually or in combination, should set by MDEQ, prompting MDEQ and sources of PFAS or keeping them out not exceed 70 parts per trillion the City of Wixom to issue an order of the environment entirely is far (ppt). That is only an advisory level, for Tribar to take action and reduce more efficient and cost-effective than not an enforceable level, and other PFAS in its effluent. removing them from drinking water institutions including the Centers In early October, Tribar installed sources and from the river. for Disease Control and Prevention Granular Activated Carbon filters PFAS contamination in the Huron (CDC) and the Michigan PFAS Action (GACs) to remove PFOS and PFOA River has exposed critical gaps in Response Team (MPART) recommend from their wastewater. The good news drinking water protection. Curiously, setting much lower levels to avoid is the filters seem to be working. PFOS there are no rules against using PFAS- health risks. levels have dropped from 28,000 ppt laden surface water for drinking Even before there were any health to nearly zero. The levels from the water. There are only rules against advisories for PFOS and PFOA, the Wixom wastewater treatment plant using water from wells or against City of Ann Arbor was testing for have declined as well, though not polluting drinking water sources. That them in their intake and finished as fast, probably due to residue in means there is no law forcing Ann drinking water. The amount in treated treatment systems and sewer pipes. Arbor to treat its drinking water for drinking water in Ann Arbor has never Unfortunately, even as PFAS levels PFAS. The city is, thankfully, taking exceeded the EPA health advisory from Tribar fell, PFAS levels measured the initiative to lead on an emerging level of 70 ppt since testing began. near the Ann Arbor drinking water crisis and protect people that drink The most recent tests put it at 22 ppt, intake spiked in October. No one the water. which is the highest level since 43 knows why. It could also mean that HRWC will continue to bring local, ppt was found in the very first round particularly wet periods flushed state, federal, and private partners of tests in March 2014. PFAS from parts of the river that together to inform watershed Back in 2014, there was little tend to remain drier or from Norton residents about the risks of PFAS. context for what was a harmful Creek itself. It could mean there are HRWC will continue to advocate for amount of PFAS. After PFAS were additional undetected sources of stronger protections that provide found at high levels in other parts PFAS to the Huron River. So little is clarity for businesses, community of Michigan, the state took action known about how PFAS behave in a leaders, and residents. in 2018 to find other contaminated river that more monitoring data is sites. The Ann Arbor data triggered needed to understand when, where, —Daniel A. Brown additional testing of the Huron and how PFAS concentrations present River by the Michigan Department the greatest risk.

PAGE 5 Mission The Huron River Watershed Council protects The Huron River Watershed and restores the river for healthy and vibrant communities. Vision We envision a future of clean and plentiful water for people and nature where citizens and government are effective and courageous champions for the Huron River and its watershed. Core Values We work with a collaborative and inclusive spirit to give all partners the opportunity to become stewards. We generate science-based, trustworthy information for decision makers to ensure reliable supplies of clean water and resilient natural systems. We passionately advocate for the health of the river and the lands around it.

HRWC Board of Directors Executive Committee Mary Bajcz Chris Benedict (Vice Chair) Janis Bobrin Paul Cousins Matthew LaFleur (Treasurer) Dick Norton (Chair) Diane O’Connell Evan Pratt Steven Wright Board of Directors Norm Andresen Scott Barb Sue Bejin Anne Brown Marlene Chockley Cheryl Darnton Bob Demyanovich Individuals, local businesses and more than 40 communities Larry Dishaw support HRWC’s work through voluntary membership. Belinda Friis David Glaab Mandy Grewal Fred Hanert Mark Irish Gerry Kangas Michelle LaRose Molly Maciejewski Visit www.hrwc.org for detailed maps, monitoring data and creekshed status updates. Cheryl Mackrell Doug McClure Kate MeHuron Peter Schappach Matt Stuk huronriver hrwc Curt Wolf Lisa Wozniak huronriver huronriverwc

© 2019 Huron River Watershed Council The Huron River Watershed

(Back, left to right) Paul, Daniel, Jennifer, Jason, Ric, and Pam (Front, left to right) Anita, Rebecca F., Rebecca E., Kris, Laura, Margaret, and Andrea credit: L. Banks

HRWC Staff Daniel A. Brown x 608 Watershed Planner [email protected] Anita Daley x 603 Marketing Specialist [email protected] Rebecca Esselman x 611 Watershed Planner [email protected] Rebecca Foster x 610 Development Associate [email protected] Jason Frenzel x 600 Stewardship Coordinator [email protected] Jennifer Kangas x 604 Operations Director [email protected] Pam Labadie x 602 Marketing Director [email protected] Ric Lawson x 609 Watershed Planner [email protected] Kris Olsson x 607 Watershed Ecologist [email protected] Andrea Paine x 613 Watershed Planning Associate [email protected] Laura Rubin x 606 Visit www.hrwc.org for detailed maps, monitoring data and creekshed status updates. Executive Director Lake Erie [email protected] Margaret M. Smith x 605 Director of Development 1100 North Main Street, Suite 210 [email protected] Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 Paul Steen x 601 (734) 769-5123 Watershed Ecologist www.hrwc.org [email protected]

Design by SJ Design Studio. Quarterly layout and illustrations © 2019 by J. Wolf, Laughing Goat Arts. The Huron River Report is published three times per year. Its content is prepared by staff and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of board members. calendar of events HRWC Events and Workshops March • april • may • 2019

River Givers Gathering Sunday, March 3, 1 – 3pm, Ypsilanti Freighthouse A celebration of you, the volunteers and donors who work to protect the Huron River and all that we accomplish together. Join us for live music, food, science, door prizes and fun for all ages. Free for all River Givers who have volunteered or donated to HRWC in the last 12 months and friends and family. Contact: [email protected] Chemistry and Flow Monitoring Orientation Saturday, March 23, 1 – 2:30pm, NEW Center, Ann Arbor OR Saturday, March 30, 1 – 2:30pm, Riverview Veterans Memorial Library, Riverview Help measure the quality of local rivers and streams this spring and summer! Collect water samples, measure stream flow, and record water chemistry measurements. Stream sites are in Washtenaw, Livingston, and Wayne counties. Commitment is two or more hours per month, April through September, depending on availability and interest. We have a strong need for volunteers to work Downriver. Additional hands-on training will occur in the field during the first week of sampling. Details and registration: www.hrwc.org/chemflow River Roundup Saturday, April 27, 9am or 10:30am, NEW Center and throughout the watershed, lasts 4 hours Volunteer with us on EARTH DAY! Join a small team with your friends and family for our Huron River study. Collect a sample of the bugs and other creatures (benthic macroinvertebrates) that live in the Huron to help us monitor the health of our streams. Details and registration: www.hrwc.org/roundup.

Insect ID Day Sunday, May 11, Noon or 2pm, NEW Center, lasts 2 hours Discover what kinds of bugs volunteers found at the recent Roundup. Separate them into look-alike groups, and then an expert will identify them with you. You record the data and compare the results to past years. Details and registration: www.hrwc.org/id-day. Eastern Box Turtles Board Meeting are Michigan’s only Thursday, April 25, 5:30pm, NEW Center, Ann Arbor fully terrestrial turtle. Contact: [email protected] A species of concern, they can be found in the Water School watershed and prefer May 13 and 14, 9am – 4:30pm, NEW Center, Ann Arbor wooded habitats with HRWC and Michigan State University Extension team up to bring sandy soils. Mountain MSU Extension’s Water School (www.canr.msu.edu/water-school/) bikers and trail runners to the watershed. The Water School teaches local elected and appointed should keep an eye out officials (and staff!) about water resources and how local governments for this brightly-colored can protect drinking water and water quality. omnivore. credit: J. Wolf Contact: [email protected] Huron River Day Sunday, May 19, Noon – 4pm, Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor Discount canoe and kayak rentals, children’s activities, live animal programs, river exhibits, music, food, fishing, and much more. Ride your bike to the event and receive a coupon for a free boat rental. Sponsored by DTE Energy Foundation. Details: www.a2gov.org/hrd

More events at www.hrwc.org/events/events-calendar

PAGE 8 HRWC Events and Workshops Explore the Huron Safely and Courteously 104 miles of Huron River National Water Trail awaits you The Huron River National Water Trail someone more experienced. Be food, a flashlight, and a whistle. A winds through natural areas, traverses especially careful around dams and sponge, bilge pump, or bailor can help historic cities, and ends at Pointe obstacles that can trap you against you keep excessive water out of your Mouillee on Lake Erie. Paddlers of all the current. boat. A paddle tether can keep you skill levels can find a place to refresh from drifting uncontrollably if you themselves along its length, but Know the conditions accidentally drop your paddle. Always remember to prepare before you go Conditions on the Huron River can carry a map. A waterproof Paddler’s and be smart as you enjoy your trip. change rapidly. Pay attention to Companion will give you detailed all safety warnings and check the section maps of the entire water trail. weather before you go. River and You can purchase them on the Huron weather conditions are available on River Water Trail website or at your the Huron River Water Trail website, local livery. For more tips and info: and it’s best to call liveries on the huronriverwatertrail.org stretch of river you’ll be paddling. Be smart and courteous During fair weather weekends, stay Keep your craft under control. Give Get to know the river before visible and be prepared for high boat paddlers traveling upstream the you go traffic on impounded lakes. right of way, and always ask other Plan your trip in advance, tell others groups of paddlers before passing about your plan, and stick to the plan. Bring the proper gear them on the river. Remember that For longer trips, plan for restroom Always wear a lifejacket. The Huron anglers need plenty of space and that breaks and stay within your group’s River is shallow in sections but sound carries over water. Respect fitness limits. A safe estimate of people have been carried away by landowners along the river. Don’t travel speed on the Huron is walking less than a foot of moving water or trespass and use only designated speed—about 2-4 miles per hour. caught up in trees and vegetation. restrooms. Scout the river as best you can before Just as when hiking into the —Daniel A. Brown you go and consider paddling with wilderness, pack plenty of water,

Sharon and Dave Volunteer Spotlight • Brooks credit: G. Hieber credit:

thousands of miles to conduct express in words how that type of monitoring, and separated tens-of- volunteerism affects an organization. thousands of five-gallon buckets—no They are consistent, kind-hearted, and small task! generous. Twenty-five years ago, when the Dave, as a young retiree in the macroinvertebrate monitoring was late 1990s, was also able to take a just starting, and up to just very key role in many of HRWC’s shorter recently, Dave and Sharon were term technical projects such as pillars of that program. They were measuring flow and geomorphology key players in its improvement and on Millers and Mill Creek, figuring heavily contributed to its success and out our creek-walking process, and longevity. Helping with the setup, just recently, serving as an actor for leadership, and cleanup of the River a monitoring video! Dave especially Roundup is a big job. Their day was loved the hands-on work of figuring just as long as the staff being paid to out new processes and new tools and do it! equipment. Dave and Sharon did all of this It is our pleasure to induct Dave work without fail, event after event, and Sharon Brooks into HRWC’s Hall Sharon and Dave Brooks represent year after year. River Roundups of Fame, following other beloved the very best of our volunteers at are the event that introduces members: Herb Munzel, David Wilson, HRWC. Since 1998, they have carried many people in the community to Eunice Burns, and Janice Bobrin. hundreds of nets and waders, guided HRWC for the first time. It is hard to hundreds of new volunteers, driven —Paul Steen

PAGE 9 RiverUp! is a campaign to restore and revitalize the Huron River. It is the Huron’s signature place-making initiative that seeks to transform the river corridor into a premier destination in Michigan and the Great Lakes. HRWC leads this public- private partnership and executes projects that improve river health, recreation access, and water-based investments in local economies. www.hrwc.org/riverup

Huron River Designated as a State Water Trail The Huron River National Water Trail was designated as one of the first State Water Trails by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) in partnership with the Office of the Great Lakes at the end of 2018. The program is intended to recognize communities and partners that connect people to outdoor recreation. To be designated as a State Water Trail, HRWC demonstrated that the trail was well-maintained, had local support, and was accessible to paddlers of all skill levels. The water trail was previously designated the 18th National Water Trail, and it now carries both state and national recognition. The Huron River Water Trail flows 104 miles (167 km) through pristine natural environments, historic areas, and past some of the best places to grab a bite or a brew in Michigan. Kayakers, canoeists, and anglers of all skill levels can drift leisurely or paddle with purpose all the way from Proud Lake in Milford to Lake Erie. The MDNR has cultivated the State Water Trails designation program Paddlers on the Huron with the help of the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee, the River Water Trail at Gallup Michigan State Waterways Commission, the Michigan Trails Advisory Park. credit: L. Banks Council and the Nonmotorized Advisory Workgroup. The program aims to advance increasingly popular paddlesports and other non-motorized, water-based recreation by recognizing model water trails.

Peninsular Paper Dam Removal Feasibility Study Completed A study looking into the feasibility of removing the Peninsular Paper Dam in Ypsilanti was recently completed and presented to the Ypsilanti City Council and the Sustainability Commission. The study favors removal of the dam and did not identify any critical obstacles to taking it out. River health and safety would likely be greatly improved. The dam currently does not meet state safety standards, so the city is required to repair or remove it. To better understand their options, the city enlisted HRWC, with support from the Friends of Pen Park, to commission Princeton Hydro LLC to conduct the Peninsular Paper Dam feasibility study. credit: D. Coombe Repairing the dam was estimated to cost more than $800,000. Removing the dam and reinforcing nearby structures was estimated at $2.7 Million. There are funding opportunities available to support removal, which would substantially lower the one-time cost and relieve the city of any liability. There are no funding opportunities for repairing the dam, and the city would be liable for future repairs. In February, the city held a community forum to discuss the report and options with residents. The feasibility study identified three main challenges: shifting land ownership boundaries, managing contaminated sediment, and reinforcing aging bridges up river of the dam in the current impoundment. These challenges will require additional attention but do not preclude removal of the dam. —Daniel A. Brown

PAGE 10 Ford and Belleville TMDL Update MDEQ to redevelop lakes pollution policy A recent decision by a Washtenaw in runoff. Meanwhile, in 2003, the furthest downstream at Ypsilanti’s County Circuit Court judge in University of Michigan’s Dr. John Riverside Park shows steady favor of several municipal waste Lehman began studying the lakes’ concentrations of phosphorus slightly water treatment plants (WWTP) ecosystem to evaluate phosphorus above the TMDL target, though these requires the Michigan Department sources and movement and to levels are significantly lower than of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) determine if a lake management when the partnership began. At the to redevelop a policy established strategy could improve conditions. same time, a more rural upstream to limit nutrients discharged to the He concluded that, when lake oxygen site reveals much lower phosphorus Huron River. The policy, known as the levels fall to zero, in-lake processes concentrations, well below the TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), lead to phosphorus releases from target. The difference between these aims to reduce the total phosphorus existing lake sediment, which leads sites points to urban stormwater entering the Huron River upstream to massive algae (or cyanobacteria) runoff as a continued phosphorus of and ultimately settling in Ford growth. Current upstream source in the river. HRWC is currently and Belleville Lakes. Found natively phosphorus sources (including analyzing data for overall phosphorus in soil, animal waste, and fertilizers, WWTP discharges) continue to add loading conclusions. phosphorus is the key nutrient additional phosphorus load to the Tremendous progress has been controlling algae growth in most of lake sediments. made to reduce phosphorus loading southern Michigan’s inland waters. The WWTP authorities contested to Ford and Belleville Lakes. The WWTPs are required to remove MDEQ’s phosphorus limitations TMDL development process led to phosphorus, among other things, from through the courts. After extensive many successful initiatives. The new waste water before releasing it back negotiation, the WWTPs agreed TMDL reevaluation process offers an to the river. to honor MDEQ’s phosphorus opportunity to recognize successes, limitations to receive a permit to incorporate findings, and focus First of its Kind discharge while their legal challenge on effective strategies to control The TMDL for Ford and Belleville continued. In exchange, MDEQ agreed watershed source loads and manage Lakes responded to the frequent to redevelop the TMDL. The WWTPs in-lake phosphorus processes. HRWC algae blooms and fish kills that argue that MDEQ did not honor and local partners are eager to occurred into the 1990s. By 1995, their commitment. A 2018 Circuit explore all opportunities to promote data was collected to establish Court decision forced the MDEQ to healthy and bloom-free lakes in the phosphorus concentration limits for reevaluate relevant data and rewrite Huron River watershed. Ford Lake (50 µg/l) and Belleville the TMDL and, importantly, to study Lake (30 µg/l). The MDEQ translated lake processing in the revised version. —Ric Lawson and Andrea Paine these concentration limits into load allocations (i.e. pounds of Recent Data Shows phosphorus) for each phosphorus Improvement source upstream (i.e. WWTPs and for Since 2002, HRWC has conducted municipal runoff) in Michigan’s first annual monitoring of TMDL areas nutrient TMDL in 1996. The WWTPs, on behalf of the Middle Huron affected municipalities, HRWC, and Partnership. The An ideal, bloom-free Belleville Lake. MDEQ formed the Middle Huron data collected credit: Wikimedia Commons Partnership in 1999 to collectively at 11 long-term plan for the 50% reduction in sites uncovers phosphorus load needed to meet the impairments and TMDL. The partnership continues to improvements this day working on implementation in water quality strategies such as creek restoration in the Huron projects and annual water quality River’s middle monitoring. section. HRWC data through Why a Change is Needed 2018 indicates The TMDL limits were difficult to significant meet consistently and required reductions in expensive infrastructure upgrades phosphorus at the WWTPs. Municipalities also concentrations invested millions of dollars in since 2014 at stormwater and non-point source a handful of treatment projects to reduce erosion tributaries. The and limit phosphorus concentrations monitoring site

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