In June of 2015, Michigan’s Governor, Rick Snyder, Ontario’s Premier, Kathleen Wynn, and Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor, Mary Taylor, signed the Western Basin of Lake Erie Collaborative Agreement. What is the agreement, and how might it affect those in the Western Basin of Lake Erie?
This agreement is focused on the recent water-quality problems associated with Lake Erie; in particular, the phosphorus loading and the subsequent algal blooms. The goal of the agreement is to achieve an eventual 40% reduction in total and dissolved reactive phosphorus (from the base year of 2008) that is entering into the Lake Erie Basin.
This effort should come as no surprise to anyone that has been following the problems in Lake Erie. In fact, we have routinely discussed the focus on agriculture, nutrients, and water quality.
Michigan’s Focus on Lake Erie Water Quality
Beginning in 2012, and in recognition of the role phosphorous-based fertilizers may have on water quality in the Great Lakes, Michigan restricted fertilizer with phosphorus for application on turf. Note that one of the instances in which phosphorus is allowed is “For new turf establishment using seed or sod…” So homeowners can still purchase “starter fertilizer” with phosphorus. For example, a 12-12-12 fertilizer is still available at your local hardware store (12% Nitrogen, 12% Phosphate, 12% Potash). Whether there will be further restrictions on fertilizers remains to be seen.
Much of the focus in Michigan is, and will continue to be, on the largest point source (i.e., direct discharge) – the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD). According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), “The reductions in this discharge were the main reason the Lake Erie ecosystem rebounded the first time, and why Michigan continues to strategically focus on this discharge.”
The previous efforts in Michigan have already resulted in about 95% of the (40% reduction) goal being met and with additional controls being implemented. Michigan anticipates the state will have achieved 98% of their phosphorus reduction goal very soon.
Maumee River Watershed
If Michigan has already focused on the largest point source (DWSD) and has restricted the use of phosphorus fertilizers for turfs, what is left to do? The focus for Michigan will be the Maumee River Basin. This basin largely lies in Ohio and has been the focus of several studies.
For Michigan, the evaluation of the Maumee River Watershed will be a two-phase approach.
Michigan will focus on the Maumee River Watershed. Source: NRCS Ohio.
Phase I (March – July 2016): monitoring total phosphorus, flow, turbidity, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. The objective of Phase I is to characterize the total phosphorus concentrations in the St. Joseph and Bean Creek watersheds.
Phase II (To be determined, perhaps late 2016 or 2017): the data in Phase I will be used to look more closely at the “subwatersheds” with the highest relative phosphorus concentrations.
As an aside, if nutrient runoff is a something you may be concerned about, you might want to view a webinar that my colleague, Dr. Michael Sklash, did for National Milk Producers Federation. Here is a link to the webinar, “Investigating Nitrates in Groundwater: Whose Problem Is It Anyway?”
When choosing the sample locations, the MDEQ looked at a number of factors, including the location of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). If you happen to be in the study areas in Michigan, you may have already seen some efforts underway to collect samples.
If you are a CAFO owner/operator in the study area, you will want to make sure you are clearly documenting your activity, weather conditions, etc… especially during this study time. You may also want to consult with your environmental advisors about any other steps to consider.
The good news for Michigan is we have already made tremendous progress in reducing phosphorus. With that said, Lake Erie’s issues are not well understood, and there will likely be more studies, more scrutiny, and more restrictions for those who may be contributing nutrients to this and other fragile watersheds.
If you have questions or concerns as it relates to point or non-point source issues, please feel free to contact me (ahahn@dragun.com), and I can put you in contact with one of our environmental specialists.