Change Your World Week Winter 2022 (Archived)

In 1987, the Environmental Protection Agency along with the state of Michigan designated the Saginaw River and Bay as an area of concern for environmental disaster. At that time there were 12 beneficial use impairments placed on the area. A beneficial use impairment is a change in the chemical, physical or biological integrity of an area. Restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, eutrophication or undesirable algae, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, beach closings, degradation of aesthetics, bird or animal deformities or reproduction problems, degradation of benthos, degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations, and restrictions on dredging activities are the beneficial use impairments that continue to be a problem.

As of today, only 3 of the 12 Beneficial Use Impairments have been removed. The remaining use impairments are listed below.

Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption

Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae

Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations

Beach Closings

Degradation of Aesthetics

Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproduction Problems

Degradation of Benthos

Degradation of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Populations

Restrictions on Dredging Activities

Additional information can be found at Saginaw River and Bay AOC | US EPA

 With all the large-scale farming around the bay region an excess of nutrients continues to find its way into the bay. The dark smelly muck that can be seen floating in the shallows by the shore is the result of this as well. With the runoff from agriculture fields, lawns, golf courses and the increased exposure to sunlight this toxic algae is able to grow unchecked. Limiting the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus that enters the watershed can help to prevent this from occurring.

The findings of a multiyear study completed in 2012 stated after 1978 when rules were put in place to limit the amount of phosphorus, a decline in the overgrowth of the undesirable algae could be seen.  Over the last few decades algae has been allowed to climb because of increase in contaminated run off. The recommendation is to limit the amounts of nutrients that are able to enter the Saginaw Bay.

This can be accomplished following recommendations put out by Michigan Department of Environment and Great Lakes Energy. 

Informing People that these issues still plague our watershed is an important step for preventing further damage.  Some other things we can do to help:

Using phosphate-free detergents

  disposing of pet waste properly

applying fertilizers only when necessary and at the recommended amount

Fortunately, Government and private agency's work to restore Saginaw Bay watershed. Here is a link to a video documenting the last project completed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Coreyon (Short Film) - YouTube

The Saginaw Bay watershed initiative is a community-based volunteer program that connects people, resources, organizations and programs. They accept ideas for new projects to restore the environment. There is also an application for grants to complete projects, and information on previous grants for prior projects that have been completed.

Here is a link to their website if you are interested more information. Saginaw Bay WIN

Not everyone has time or ability to volunteer, that is ok. But everyone can help to inform others. People need to know that 9 of the original 12 Beneficial use Impairments placed on the Saginaw Bay watershed 35 years ago still remain. 

References 

Dyble J, Fahnenstiel GL, Litaker RW, Millie DF, Tester PA. Microcystin concentrations and genetic diversity of Microcystis in the lower Great Lakes. Environ Toxicol. 2008 Aug;23(4):507-16. doi: 10.1002/tox.20370. PMID: 18247416.

 Fahnenstiel GL, Millie DF, Dyble J, et al. Microcystin concentrations and cell quotas in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management. 2008;11(2):190-195. doi:10.1080/14634980802092757

Stow, C. (Ed.). 2014. The Continuing Effects of Multiple Stressors in Saginaw Bay. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 40(S1):1-204.

Ebener, M.P. [ED.]. 2005. The state of Lake Huron in 1999. Great Lakes Fish. Comm. Spec. Pub. 05-02. 

Kohlhepp, G. (n.d.). You are hereegle water lakes & streams water quality monitoring. EGLE - Harmful Algal Blooms. Retrieved February 25, 2022, from https://www.michigan.gov/egle/0,9429,7-135-3313_3681_3686_3728-383630--,00.html