Locally and nationally, the major source of pollution of our waterways is now storm water runoff, primarily from urban areas. As rain water flows over land, it picks up eroded soil, trash, fertilizers, pesticides and more. Gasoline, antifreeze, litter, and animal waste all wind up in our water.
In 1972, with major public support, Congress passed the Clean Water Act to begin a massive cleanup of our waterways, ponds, and lakes. Phase I restricted the discharges by sewage treatment plants, industrial outlets and other point sources of pollution. Today some 40% of our rivers now meet federal clean water standards.
In 2003 we entered Phase II, which mandates the cleanup of nonpoint source pollution—everyday pollution that all of us can prevent. Phase II is enforced by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, through the issuance of Storm Water Discharge Permits.
To obtain a permit, local governments with population densities over 1,000 persons per square mile must develop, submit, and, within five years, implement plans that will prevent pollution and educate the public. These plans must especially address known local pollution problems that have been identified by the Michigan DEQ. Pittsfield has paid a permit fee and submitted a Storm Water Program Plan which was approved by the MDEQ in 2004.
Both the middle Huron River and the River Raisin have been measured by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and found to have levels of E. coli bacteria in excess of federal standards. This dangerous pathogen comes from both human and animal sources, such as dogs, raccoons, and leaking septic systems. The regulations that enforce a TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) require that all local governments within these watersheds implement a plan to reduce E.coli pollution.
The Middle Huron River and its tributaries, including Mallett’s Creek in Pittsfield, have been measured to also have excessive phosphorus, a nutrient which causes algae growth and oxygen starvation of fish. Phosphorus has many sources, including sedimentation and erosion, lawn fertilizer, decayed vegetation, and some brands of dishwasher soap.
Many of our neighborhoods were built long before anyone well understood how storm water pollution happens. Streams were channelized, damaged or left unprotected. Many storm water ponds were built without any regard for the need for future maintenance, or for how these ponds might be better designed and planted. Much of traditional landscaping is recognized as part of the problem. So we are facing a big challenge in how to convert these old systems into more effective ones. The good news is that everyone can contribute a Pittsfield solution to water pollution!
