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Consultants tell Coldwater council North Chain lakes are eutrophic; present stormwater solutions
Summary
Consultants presented water-quality findings that classify the North Chain lakes as eutrophic and recommended nature-based stormwater management measures to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff.
Consultants told the Coldwater City Council on Jan. 27 that water-quality data collected on the North Chain lakes show significant plant and algae growth and recommended a range of stormwater-management measures.
Luke Aaron, an environmental scientist with Progressive Companies, summarized water-quality monitoring from 2019–2021 and said, "based on water quality data that we collected on the North Chain between 2019 and 2021, all the lakes in that system are what we would consider eutrophic. They have significant plant and algae growth." He said many lake impairments start at the watershed level and can be improved through stormwater management.
Carrie Ravette, who identified herself as having spent 12 years managing stormwater in Grand Rapids, said stormwater is a primary source of impairments. "Eighty-five percent of the impairments come from stormwater these days," Ravette said. She listed common contributors — phosphorus, sediment, pet and avian waste, and chlorides from road salt — and warned chlorides are especially persistent in waterways.
Both presenters recommended nature-based approaches: rain gardens and bioswales to increase infiltration and capture nutrients, native shoreline plantings to filter runoff and deter geese, and permeable pavement or underground infiltration systems for concentrated flows. Ravette illustrated mechanical options as well, such as swirl separators that remove solids and hydrocarbons near outfalls.
Local context discussed in the presentation included the city's ongoing shoreline restoration at Water Works Park, planned native plantings at Parkers Park this spring, work with the Branch County Soil Conservation Service along Sauk River Drive, and an upcoming renovation of the Rotary Park public boat launch. City staff noted the boat-launch project requires an eagle permit and includes buffer setbacks from the waterline.
No formal council action was taken on stormwater at the meeting. Presenters offered to help the city identify project sites and grant opportunities.
Ending
Presenters encouraged small, incremental projects and volunteer or grant-supported pilots, saying local demonstrations often help communities accept larger-scale measures.
