Huron Creek is within an approximately 2.8 mi² area of watershed that has been intensively developed over the past century. It’s biological assessment for macro invertebrates states that the stream is of poor conditions. It has been canalized and impounded several times making space for commercial development. There are several concerning factors that affect the quality of this stream. From the past we have left over stamp sands from Michigan’s mining industry, which have been built over and are associated with mercury deposits on sediments in Lake Superior. There are problems with the limits of gallons that can come into the Portage Township water treatment plant which are almost met, and still a big part of the watershed area is on septic systems. The limit exists because the sewer pipe goes to a bridge area and then is pumped uphill to the water treatment plant, so it’s a costly operation. This watershed area however is mostly wetlands, so its soil is not of adequate permeability to handle onsite wastewater systems. A resident has reported having to pump their tank monthly.
A coinciding issue with this city is that one of the biggest stakeholders is rumored to be planning a new residential development, is already constructing a new hotel and also has various sand and gravel operations that have invaded wetland areas. Point sources of pollution at the present are excessive amounts of sediment and no soil erosion control coming from bad management practice from a new commercial development’s extension construction site. I’m working on developing custom maps for our area that highlight critical areas to the watershed like wetland for various years, land cover, stamp sand areas and septic vs. sewer. I’m also trying to develop a chemical database for testing performed on the creek.

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