During a recent government meeting, officials received an update on the ongoing study of Lake St. Clair, focusing on a troubling phenomenon referred to as \"muck\" by local representatives. Candace, a key speaker from the Public Works office, detailed the collaborative effort with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which involves a $400,000 contract split evenly between Macomb County and the Corps.

The study aims to identify the nature and causes of this organic material, known scientifically as \"lingbiah,\" which has been increasingly problematic in stagnant areas of the lake over the past 10 to 15 years. Candace emphasized the urgency of understanding this issue, as it has significant implications for local property owners and the ecosystem.

Sampling efforts are currently underway, with recent collections taken near the Mount Clemens water treatment plant. The samples will be analyzed at the Army Corps' research facility in Mississippi. Candace described the material as peculiar, likening it to \"cat hair balls\" and noting its thick, pellet-like structure that accumulates in various locations along the shoreline.

The presentation included a video showcasing the sampling process and the extent of the muck's spread, which has been encroaching on property and affecting recreational use of the lake. As the study progresses, officials hope to determine effective mitigation strategies to address this growing concern for the community surrounding Lake St. Clair.