MICHIGAN
Michigan is focusing on demonstration watershed projects voluntarily
implemented in priority watersheds. Michigan also provides technical assistance
and information on nonpoint source issues and enforces various regulations. The
state is currently concentrating on agricultural, urban, and forestry nonpoint
source pollution.
Lake Erie Benefits from Phosphorus Reduction Strategy
The Great Lakes are suffering the effects of human activities--deteriorated
water quality. Excess phosphorus enters the waters and contributes to
accelerated eutrophication--aging of the waters from increased nutrients. Under
the 1978 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the United States and Canada
agreed to work together to reduce phosphorus loading and reverse or prevent
eutrophication. In 1990, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources received
a $111,000 section 319 grant. These funds were used to provide technical
assistance to three counties closest to Lake Erie--Monroe, Washtenaw, and
Wayne--to implement best management practices. Under the auspices of the local
SWCDs, these BMPs were designed to reduce erosion and phosphorus loading in
Lake Erie.
All lands within a half-mile of any surface water were considered critical
since they were most likely to contribute phosphorus loading to Lake Erie from
runoff, erosion, and sediment. Although all critical areas received technical
assistance, the state concentrated its efforts on the Lower Rouge River and
Raisin River watersheds because:
- Both urban and agricultural nonpoint source impacts were present, making
this watershed representative of other watersheds in the Tri-County area;
- The soils have high runoff potentials, and nutrient and pesticide loadings
to surface waters can be significant; and
- The watersheds are artificially drained with surface and subsurface drains
and are at high risk to affect water quality.
Areas subject to wind erosion were also considered as priority.
Wind-transported soil particles are highly enriched with phosphorus, can be
carried great distances, and contribute to phosphorus loading in Lake Erie.
Technical assistance focused on agricultural and urban land use,
encouraging nutrient management and erosion control of both wind and water. The
specific goal was to reduce phosphorus loading to Lake Erie by 11.1 tons by
September 30, 1992. SCS, which assisted the conservation districts with
computations and monitoring, calculated phosphorus and sediment reductions
using the Universal Soil Loss and wind erosion equations. Delivery ratios and
phosphorus enrichment factors specific to each of the 16 watersheds were used
to estimate sedimentation and phosphorus reductions.
BMPs used in the phosphorus reduction strategy were adopted from the Rural
Clean Water Program, where they were effective locally (Table 5-1). The BMPs
were implemented voluntarily. From October 1990 through September 1992,
phosphorus loading was reduced 12.6 tons, exceeding the original goal.
The technical reporting system is a model for section 319 and other
programs. Currently, 23 watershed projects are using the model to calculate
pollutant reductions and report accomplishments.
An information and education program was also a crucial part of the
technical assistance. The program, which targeted a diverse urban and rural
audience, included multi-media, workshops and tours, and pamphlets and
brochures about the project. This program created an awareness in the upstream
urban and agricultural communities that their nonpoint source inputs have an
impact on Lake Erie.
Finally, the project accelerated the implementation of structural,
management, and vegetative BMPs. ASCS targeted financial assistance by giving
priority to water quality practices. SCS received section 319 grant money to
provide additional technical assistance. The project provided the three field
offices an opportunity to target their efforts on nonpoint source problems and
assist the local communities with water quality improvements.
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