Lake Charlevoix Watershed Project

Nonpoint Source Pollution Inventories Summary

Understanding which land use activities are contributing the most nutrient and sediment pollution to Lake Charlevoix and its tributaries is essential for determining how we can best protect our valuable Lake and rivers.

Nonpoint Source Pollution Inventories

• Stormwater
• Shoreline Pollution
• Lakeshore Erosion
• Streambank Erosion
• Road/Stream Crossing
• Recreational Impact Assessment
• Agriculture
• Sensitive Areas Assessment
• Forestry
• Land Use/Cover Type
• Zoning
• Build-out Analysis

Inventories completed and ongoing as part of the current Lake Charlevoix Watershed Project have surveyed a variety of land use activities contributing nonpoint source pollution to the lake and its tributaries. Preliminary results reveal sediment contributions form road/stream crossings, shoreline activities, and recreational uses on the rivers. Stormwater discharges in the urban areas, shoreline practices, and agricultural activities have been identified as sources of nutrient pollution.

Reducing the amount of nonpoint source pollution and preventing future contributions to Lake Charlevoix is essential to protecting the many high quality uses this resource provides including swimming, boating, and fishing. The proposal implementation activities for the Lake Charlevoix Watershed Project will work towards this goal.

Recommended Actions to use land use tools to reduce nonpoint source pollution

• Develop model zoning standards for the Watershed with basic definitions and standards to setbacks, greenbelts, conservation planning, redevelopment of shoreline properties, and other similar measures to reduce pollution.
• Implement ongoing education program for local governments on land use planning tools that can help protect water quality and encourage better coordination among neighboring townships
• Identify nonconforming lots on lakeshore and work with townships to discuss potential water quality impacts and solutions.
• Assess septic inspection programs and septic maintenance districts and consider adopting for the Watershed.
• Document the existing greenbelts on the lakeshore to encourage better enforcement of greenbelt regulations.
• Develop a yearly summary of variances of sanitary code/zoning to determine if there are water quality impacts.
• Educate Watershed residents, including students, about land use issues and foster citazen involvement in local land use decision making.
• Publish a handout/brochure that lists information on permits needed and who to contact when building
• Sponsor education program for lake/river realtors on special regulations and management for riparian properties.
• Disseminate results of land use survey and build-out analysis to local governments in the Watershed.
• Create incentives for developers to utilize conservation design plans developed for properties.
• Meet with local golf course managers and discuss management techniques to reduce nonpoint source pollution.

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