Untitled Page

Home > Protect > Policy & Advocacy > Local Issues > Bay Harbor Update > Past Updates > Winter 2006

Bay Harbor Update - Winter 2006

BAY HARBOR PROPERTIES

Shoreline monitoring surveys to evaluate the interim response measures implemented within the last year are concurrent with previous surveys along the shoreline of Little Traverse Bay. The approximately 2,800 feet of collection lines that have been installed along the shoreline in front of Bay Harbor properties are preventing the majority of leachate from entering Bay as intended. As a result of the testing, the Northwest Michigan Community Health Agency has lifted one of the health advisories for the area. Because pH readings in the area are now below 9.0 and are compliant with Michigan water quality standards, the health advisory has been removed for Coastal Ridge Drive and Costal Ridge Court, west of Bay Harbor Lake.

Despite the progress made due to installation of collection lines, there are still a few isolated areas experiencing high pH from leachate reaching the water. To address the performance of the collection lines, CMS will be trying a pilot project which will inject carbon dioxide into the lines to lower the pH. As this pilot project has just begun, no official results on its effectiveness are currently available, although early indications are that it is working to neutralize the areas experiencing high pH. In the mean time, the other health advisories remain in effect until it can be demonstrated that the leachate is effectively managed in those other areas.

VILLAGE HARBOR LAKE

In April, the EPA discovered a 400-foot stretch of leachate accumulation along the bottom of the boat channel of Village Harbor Lake. Since the discovery, ongoing surveys and testing have been conducted to determine the extent of contamination and source(s). The yellow in the image below indicates areas where elevated pH was found. CMS suspects the leachate found within the lake is due to residual cement kiln dust but this needs to be confirmed with the additional testing. A work plan is to be provided by CMS to the regulators on August 10 indicating what the data collected has shown, what additional data is needed, and how they plan on addressing the contamination.

Bay Harbor elevated Ph levels in old sump area

EAST PARK

Preparation for implementation of the interim response is currently underway in East Park, including road construction and runoff and erosion controls. The interim solution includes relocation of the eastern most portion of CKD and installation of a collection line along the shore. Completion of the interim response project is expected in November 2006. Regulators are still evaluating the long-term solutions proposed by CMS for East Park and, to date, a final remedy has not been approved.

Additionally, the Watershed Council acknowledged that ongoing work to implement the interim response in East Park provided an ideal opportunity to enhance protection of our water resources. Polluted stormwater runoff is one of the leading threats to clean water. When runoff flows over roads, sidewalks, lawns, and gardens, it picks up substances like dirt, fertilizers, oil, salt, and bacteria which wash into Little Traverse Bay threatening the health of our waters. Upon our suggestion, CMS will be taking measures to reduce the impact from stormwater runoff in East Park by installing a stormwater management feature, a sand filter. A sand filter removes soil particles and pollutants adhering to them, thus treating gallons of stormwater from parking lots. By utilizing a sand filter, CMS will be creating a net benefit to the ecosystem and protecting the water quality in Little Traverse Bay from runoff.

BAY HARBOR LAKE

Bay Harbor Lake was recently tested in a coordinated effort by federal, state, local, and tribal agencies and organizations to determine if CKD or leachate is present within the Lake. A shoreline water quality survey and diver visual survey were conducted and showed no evidence of contamination within Bay Harbor Lake. Because various climatic conditions can impact contamination, more testing is planned for later in the year.

DATA COLLECTION

CMS continues to collect data that will be used to design a long-term solution. This includes wells throughout the impacted areas to evaluate chemical and physical properties of the cement kiln dust and groundwater flow which produces the leachate. Additionally, the first phase of an ecological investigation is underway to determine the impacts to aquatic resources. The eco-study will include a comparison of numbers and biodiversity of aquatic vegetation and other organisms such as zebra mussels in impacted sites versus non-impacted sites.

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council will continue to monitor the situation closely, working with the involved parties to ensure that the cleanup is done properly and thoroughly to protect public health and environmental quality. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Watershed Council at 231-347-1181 ext. 114.

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council • 426 Bay Street, Petoskey, MI 49770

PH: (231) 347-1181 • Fax: (231) 347-5928 • www.watershedcouncil.org