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I am a relative new comer to MiCorp and test the Lake I live on through
Micorps partnership with the DEQ and Michigan Lakes and Streams in the
Cooperative Lakes and Streams Project. We monitor water clarity,
Phosphorus, and Chlorophyll a. Next year we hope to add dissolved oxygen. I wish
we could test for other lake indicators such as, temperature, nitrate-N,
Alkalinity, pH and conductivity (salts).
Since 2004 the lake has been inundated with sedimentation
from construction sites with failing soil and erosion controls. Most
recently, in the redevelopment of an old gas station site (a category 1
L.U.S.T. site with know contaminated on site soils and ground water)
contractors were caught de-watering to a drain that
travels unmetered, undetained, and untreated directly to the
lake's contiguous wetlands. This sent a sedimentation plume that moved
across and permeated the lake. It took days for the suspended sediments to
settle to the lake bottom. I wish I had the expertise to determine if there
are any health implications for who recreate and whose drinking wells and
interconnected to the lakes.
Since stormwater is now considered the biggest source of pollution and
impact to inland Lakes and streams. I think it would be valuable for
volunteers to be able to monitor inlets and drains that convey stormwater
to lakes for hazardous contaminants that can travels with stormwater
to identify trends, early warning signs that may raise health concerns for
wildlife, ecosystems and human beings.
Katie Schlueter Access 350+ FREE radio stations anytime from anywhere on the web. Get the Radio Toolbar! |