What Is a Watershed Management Plan?
What Is the Watershed Management Planning Process?
What Are the Recommendations of a Watershed Management Plan?
What is a Watershed Implementation Plan?
What Is the Information and Education Strategy of a Watershed Management Plan?
Information and Education Recommendations The general recommendations and target audiences are listed in the WMP in priority order by general pollutant source or cause.
Failing and Illicitly Connected Septic Systems:
Other Pollutants
Work Tasks to Complete WMP
How are Pollutants, Sources and Causes Identified?
- Identifies pollutants, sources and causes
- Outlines steps and actions needed to improve water quality in a watershed.
- Provides a plan for educating the public
- Opens doors to new funding opportunities
What Is the Watershed Management Planning Process?
- Mapping, analysis
- Pollution, source, cause evaluation
- Pollutant loading estimates
- Information & Education- including stakeholder input
- Recommendations, including prioritization and “action items”
- Partnerships!
What Are the Recommendations of a Watershed Management Plan?
- A prioritized list of the most important objectives for that watershed
- A list of things that should be tackled right away and into the future
- It might be compared to a list that you keep to maintain your home, which includes items that must be done right away (such as a leak in the roof), and items that can wait a little longer to address (new paint in the living room).
What is a Watershed Implementation Plan?
- Adds a cost estimate of fixing the problems
- List of possible funding sources and project partners.
- Most useful part of a WMP for those who want to take action steps to improve water quality.
What Is the Information and Education Strategy of a Watershed Management Plan?
- Provides guidance on how to teach the people of the community how they can help improve the water and the environment.
- One of the biggest obstacles to fixing pollution problems is that people are unaware there is a problem until it affects them.
- Educating people about the problems and teaching them how to fix the problems is the goal.
Information and Education Recommendations The general recommendations and target audiences are listed in the WMP in priority order by general pollutant source or cause.
Failing and Illicitly Connected Septic Systems:
- Homeowners
- Health Departments and Municipalities
- Septic installation, inspection, and pumping companies
- School Children
- Bio-solids/septage haulers and users
- Producers with livestock
- Farmers who utilize manifested manure
- Producers with crop acreage
- Amish Farmers
- Family, hobby and smaller farms with livestock
- Horse Owners
Other Pollutants
Work Tasks to Complete WMP
- Compile existing watershed data
- Water quality analysis and field data collection
- Source identification
- Pollutant loading and reduction estimates
- Information & Education Strategy
- Policy Analysis
- BMPs and recommendations
- Partnerships
How are Pollutants, Sources and Causes Identified?
- Driving and walking around to see what is on the ground (Windshield Surveys).
- Examining Aerial Photos
- Computer models
- Collecting water samples to learn more about E. coli.
The good, bad, and the ugly of the pine river
By Julie L. Spencer, Gratiot Conservation District Administrator
Existing Data Tells Us Some Things Are Good!
Existing Data Tells Us Some Things Are Good!
- Some of the streams in the upper watershed are designated trout streams
- Most sites assessed have been rated as having “good” to “excellent” habitat
- Many important wetland areas are present
- Best Management Practices (riparian buffer, reduced tillage, etc.) are being used in areas
Existing Data Tells Us Some Things Are Not So Good
- E. coli contamination is widespread (2017 DEQ monitoring results)
- Sedimentation is excessive in many areas (EGLE and DNR assessments, Observations by residents)
- Surface waters are rich in nutrients (Alma College monitoring results, many observations by EGLE, DNR, and residents of excessive growth of aquatic plants and algae)
- Some streams are critically low in Dissolved Oxygen (2017 DEQ monitoring results)
What Are the Most Significant Pollutants in a Watershed?
The WMP contains descriptions of each of these pollutants, and how they affect the environment.
Some Pollutant Sources Are Not Easily Identified During Surveys
- Sediment
- Nutrients
- Pathogens and bacteria
- High temperature
- Pesticides
The WMP contains descriptions of each of these pollutants, and how they affect the environment.
Some Pollutant Sources Are Not Easily Identified During Surveys
- Locations not easily spotted from roadway
- Failing/leaking septic systems
- Direct sanitary connections to ditch or field tiles
- Lawn care practices
- Manure spreading practices
Pollutants and Impairments
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) is identified as a primary pollutant of concern in the UPRW.
- Based upon data collected from EGLE and as part of this watershed planning process, almost the entire UPRW meets the criteria for impairment due to exceedance of the Water Quality Standards (WQS) for excessive concentrations of E. coli.
- Indigenous aquatic life and wildlife designated use is Threatened by E. coli, excessive sediment and nutrients in many locations.
- The coldwater and/ or warmwater fisheries designated use appears to be Threatened in many locations due to dissolved oxygen concentrations not meeting WQS.
- UPRW is considered impaired due to mercury and/or PCBs in the water column and/or fish tissue, which affects fish consumption.
- Excess nutrients are known pollutants, as evidenced by visual observations of excessive aquatic plant growth (Schrouder, 2015, UPRW Stakeholders) and by historic analysis included in the MDEQ Biological Assessments
E. coli in the upper pine river watershed
By Julie L. Spencer, Gratiot Conservation District Administrator
Escherichia coli. (E. Coli.)
Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped, coliform bacterium of the genus Escherichia that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms.
Escherichia coli. (E. Coli.)
Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped, coliform bacterium of the genus Escherichia that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms.
E. Coli Monitoring
E. Coli Water Quality Standard
130 E. coli per 100 mL as a 30-day geometric mean
Translation:
Above 300 = close the beaches
Above 1,000 = don’t even go fishing!
E. coli Concentration Survey Methods
2 dry weather
- E. coli - in the digestive system and feces of mammals and birds.
- Michigan has a water quality standard designed to protect human health during recreation.
E. Coli Water Quality Standard
- Partial body contact- year-round
- Total body contact (May 1-October 31)
130 E. coli per 100 mL as a 30-day geometric mean
Translation:
Above 300 = close the beaches
Above 1,000 = don’t even go fishing!
E. coli Concentration Survey Methods
- E. coli
2 dry weather
- Collected three samples at each site (Left, Center and Right)
- Packed samples in cooler of ice
- Delivered to lab within six hours
Summary of E. Coli Dry Weather Data
Reminder:
Above 300 = close the beaches
Above 1,000 = don’t even go fishing!
- Lowest was 182 E. coli per 100 mL
- Highest was 1,111 E. coli per 100 mL
- Majority were between 300-1,000 E. coli per 100 mL
- A few were less than 300 E. coli per 100 mL
Reminder:
Above 300 = close the beaches
Above 1,000 = don’t even go fishing!
Summary of E. Coli Wet Weather Data
Reminder:
Above 300 = close the beaches
Above 1,000 = don’t even go fishing!
E. Coli Pollution Well-Documented – Where is it Coming From?!
- E. coli much higher following wet-weather events vs. dry-weather events
- Range: 1,635 to 127,650 E. coli per 100 mL
- All daily geomeans were greater than 1,000 E. coli per 100 mL
Reminder:
Above 300 = close the beaches
Above 1,000 = don’t even go fishing!
E. Coli Pollution Well-Documented – Where is it Coming From?!
- Results of Windshield Survey to help determine possible sources
- Microbial Source Tracking to test/confirm observed sources
Microbial Source Tracking
Summary of E. coli and MST Results
Human, Bovine, and Porcine host source bacteria present at all sites, Equine at 5/10 sites
Summary of Results
- Human (H)
- Cattle (B)
- Swine (P)
- Horse (E)
Summary of E. coli and MST Results
- Human, bovine, and porcine host source bacteria present at all sites
- Horse host source bacteria was present at five out of the ten sites
- Human: most frequently most prevalent following wet and dry events
Human, Bovine, and Porcine host source bacteria present at all sites, Equine at 5/10 sites
Summary of Results
- Excessive vegetative growth is a problem throughout the Upper Pine River Watershed, particularly in the shallow waters near the confluence of the Pine River and Honeyoye Creek.
- Other challenges include livestock access to the streams and ditches, failing septic systems and a general lack of education about the problems, causes and solutions.
DEQ Approves Funding for the Upper Pine River Watershed management Plan
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has approved a request for funding to complete the Upper Pine River Watershed Management Plan.
The Gratiot Conservation District has applied twice for a planning grant to finish writing a watershed management plan for the Upper Pine River Watershed (upstream of the dam in Alma). Although the proposal was recommended for funding during the summer of 2016, government funding was not available at that time.
According to Cheri Meyer of the MDEQ, “We received approval to fund the Pine River WMP planning proposal that was submitted last year… therefore, you do not need to submit a new proposal next month for development of the WMP plan.”
The amount requested last year was $141,670, and Meyer says that if costs are still roughly the same, that is the amount that should be expected.
The funding will be used to pay an independent consulting firm, Streamside Ecological Services, to finish writing the watershed management plan, submit the completed plan to the MDEQ for final approval, and apply for implementation dollars.
This project is a long way from completion, and real changes to water quality using these implementation dollars are still years away, but this is a positive step in the right direction.
If you would like more information about the Upper Pine River Watershed Management Plan, please call Administrator, Julie Spencer at 989-875-3900 Ext. 3009
The Gratiot Conservation District has applied twice for a planning grant to finish writing a watershed management plan for the Upper Pine River Watershed (upstream of the dam in Alma). Although the proposal was recommended for funding during the summer of 2016, government funding was not available at that time.
According to Cheri Meyer of the MDEQ, “We received approval to fund the Pine River WMP planning proposal that was submitted last year… therefore, you do not need to submit a new proposal next month for development of the WMP plan.”
The amount requested last year was $141,670, and Meyer says that if costs are still roughly the same, that is the amount that should be expected.
The funding will be used to pay an independent consulting firm, Streamside Ecological Services, to finish writing the watershed management plan, submit the completed plan to the MDEQ for final approval, and apply for implementation dollars.
This project is a long way from completion, and real changes to water quality using these implementation dollars are still years away, but this is a positive step in the right direction.
If you would like more information about the Upper Pine River Watershed Management Plan, please call Administrator, Julie Spencer at 989-875-3900 Ext. 3009
Septic Systems: One Source of Pollution in Our Water
As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your septic system. If your septic system is not working correctly, it could be polluting the water. Be proactive! New technologies can trace pollution right to your door. Check your septic system now to avoid legal trouble later!
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Healthy Pine River Group Taking Action Working to Improve River Quality
The group is putting together a community workshop to inform people about the challenges the river faces, to offer some possibilities for short and long-term action, and to find out what residents see as the most important issues to address first.
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Pine River Septic Source Identification & Database Development Project
Gratiot Conservation District has teamed up with the Mid-Michigan District Health Department, the City of Alma, and Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) to update health department records of septic systems and begin the process of fixing failing systems.
The first step of this long-term project involves creating informational and educational materials that will be distributed to landowners in the Upper Pine River Watershed (mostly upstream of the City of Alma). The next step involves working with the health department to update records of septic systems using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and digitizing hard-copies of existing data. This will be used, along with other scientific data, to create a proposal that will be presented to potential partners, grantors & funders to gather support for Phase II of the project.
Phase II of this long-term project will involve a revolving loan system of replacing failing septic systems similar to the sustainable model developed in Bay County, a canine source tracking study similar to what has been used in Clinton & Shiawassee Counties as well as on the Chippewa Indian Reservation, and continued education & outreach.
The first step of this long-term project involves creating informational and educational materials that will be distributed to landowners in the Upper Pine River Watershed (mostly upstream of the City of Alma). The next step involves working with the health department to update records of septic systems using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and digitizing hard-copies of existing data. This will be used, along with other scientific data, to create a proposal that will be presented to potential partners, grantors & funders to gather support for Phase II of the project.
Phase II of this long-term project will involve a revolving loan system of replacing failing septic systems similar to the sustainable model developed in Bay County, a canine source tracking study similar to what has been used in Clinton & Shiawassee Counties as well as on the Chippewa Indian Reservation, and continued education & outreach.
The GCD was approved for funding from the DEQ to finish writing the UPRWM Plan through 2017 round of funding. The GCD will be contracting with Streamside Ecological Services to complete the plan and begin planning for implementation funding. The official project work is scheduled to begin on December 1st, 2017 and the grant is a one and a half year project. Community support for the project relates to extremely high levels of E. Coli in the waters of the Pine River. The DEQ conducted extensive water quality testing in the summer of 2017 including DNA source tracking. Although the DNA source tracking is still in the evaluation stage with Saginaw Valley State University, water quality testing resulted in high enough levels of several pollutants as to warrant the DEQ to establish Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) designations in the Pine River. These results will be included in the UPRWM Plan and submitted in requests for implementation funding.
Read up on blog posts about the Pine River Watershed, or see some highlights below!
Challenges in the Pine River Watershed
The Gratiot Conservation District has been awarded a grant by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to finish writing a watershed management plan for the Upper Pine River Watershed (upstream of the dam in Alma). How will this improve conditions in the Pine River? This project is a long way from completion, and real changes to water quality are still years away, but this is a positive step in the right direction. The approved watershed management plan will outline specific projects that, if implemented, will improve the water quality in the Pine River. What kinds of projects will be included? The short answer is: anything that will help improve water quality. The ultimate goal is clean water. There are a few basic categories of challenges to be addressed and they break down as follows: Sedimentation and Soil Erosion The largest source of pollution in Michigan streams is sediment. When soil washes off the land and into the water, it builds up and clogs the streams, ditches, drains, and lakes. The soil also carries with it any other pollutants that are attached, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste. Nutrients Anything that has been applied to the land has the potential to runoff into the streams. This includes lawn fertilizer, agricultural phosphorus and nitrogen, manure, waste from migratory birds such as geese and ducks, even salts and other chemicals that wash off the roads. Tile Drainage Systems Most of central Michigan was once very swampy. In order to farm and live on the land, drainage tiles are installed to pull water out of the soil and wash it downstream. Without proper tile drain management, any chemicals or nutrients in that water washes downstream as well. Failing Septic Systems A recent study conducted in cooperation with the Mid-Michigan District Health Department identified approximately 300 properties in the Upper Pine River Watershed where there were no records of a septic system having been installed ever, or after 1970. The life of a septic system is about 20-30 years if properly maintained. Even if a high-quality septic system was installed thirty years ago, and has been properly maintained by pumping the system every three to five years, it is likely failing and human waste is seeping into the groundwater and streams. Many other sources of pollutants will be specifically identified in the plan including crumbling infrastructure like roads and bridges, improvements to the dam system, and dredging in the impoundment. But identifying challenges is only the first step. Solutions must also be planned for each challenge and then those solutions must be implemented. That will require more funding and more work. The Gratiot Conservation District is committed to keep working to bring grant funding into the community to improve water quality, but this is a long-term project.
Finding Solutions in the Pine River Watershed
The Gratiot Conservation District has been awarded a grant by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to finish writing a watershed management plan for the Upper Pine River Watershed (upstream of the dam in Alma). The approved watershed management plan will outline specific projects that, if implemented, will improve the water quality in the Pine River. Identifying pollutants in the water is only the first step. Solutions must also be planned for each challenge and then those solutions must be implemented. That will require more funding and more work. One focus at the Gratiot Conservation District addresses several categories of pollutants in the watershed: conservation farming practices. The largest source of pollution in Michigan streams is sediment. When soil washes off the land and into the water, it builds up and clogs the streams, ditches, drains, and lakes. The soil also carries with it any other pollutants that are attached, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste. Planting filter strips, buffer strips and grassed waterways help create a barrier between farm fields and streams, preventing soil erosion and sedimentation. Anything that has been applied to the land has the potential to runoff into the streams. Preventing the soil from reaching the stream addresses multiple challenges. Making the transition from conventional tillage to no-till farming is another way to hold soil in place, especially if the change includes planting cover crops. Changing farming practices takes time and money. The Gratiot Conservation District is working with partners who may have funding available to help farmers make those changes. The Gratiot Conservation District is committed to keep working to bring grant funding into the community to improve water quality, but this is a long-term project.
Step Forward in the Pine River
The Gratiot Conservation District has been awarded a grant by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to finish writing a watershed management plan for the Upper Pine River Watershed (upstream of the dam in Alma). This is a huge step forward in the future health of the Pine River, which has been identified to contain high levels of several pollutants including E. coli bacteria, and sediment buildup. Why is this important? The funding will be used to pay an independent consulting firm, Streamside Ecological Services, to finish writing the watershed management plan, submit the completed plan to the MDEQ for final approval, and apply for implementation dollars. The Upper Pine River Watershed Management Plan was started by Julie Spencer in 2012, but the project didn’t really take off until the winter of 2013 when community members who lived along the river got involved, most notably Jane Keon and Gary Rayburn. Jane Keon took the framework for the plan, organized the notes and data that had been gathered, and attempted to finish writing the plan. It was close, but not yet the way DEQ wanted it submitted. That’s where the funding will make all the difference. Hiring the consulting firm to finalize the plan is essential. They know all the ins-and-outs of taking the project across the finish line. What’s the next step? Once the plan is written, it will be submitted to the MDEQ for final approval. The approved plan will lay out specific projects that, if implemented, will improve the water quality in the Pine River. The ultimate goal is clean water. This project is a long way from completion, and real changes to water quality using these implementation dollars are still years away, but this is a positive step in the right direction.
