The following are brief summaries of documents related to the Flint River and its tributaries, provided by several committee members. The documents themselves are not currently available online and can be reviewed by contacting these individuals.
Another excellent source of general information is the USEPA Surf Your Watershed website. Information concerning the Flint R. watershed can be accessed by indicating HUC 04080204. Based on the "Index of Watershed Indicators", designed by the EPA, the Flint R. watershed has an overall index rating of 4, "Less serious problems - high vunerability". This designation indicates a watershed with significant pollution and other stressors, resulting in a high vulnerability to declines in aquatic health. A description of the specific categories evaluated are given, but site-specific data are not. For many of the categories, there was insufficient data available.
Website addresses:
www.epa.gov/surf2/hucs/04080204
www.epa.gov/surf2/hucs/04080204/score.html
From Genesee County office of the Natural Resource Conservation Service(810) 230-8766 x 3, USDA
Water Quality Indicators Guide: Surface Waters by Terrel, C.R. and Perfetti, P.B.; USDA Soil Conservation Service, Pub. No. SCS-TP-161, 1989, 129 pp.
A general guide to water quality as related to agricultural practices. Gives general background and guidelines for qualitative assessment of water quality.
The Upper Flint River Watershed, Vols. 1-4, Student Water Publications, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 1970.
Prepared by students in the MSU Dept. of Resource Development. Covers the portion of the Flint R. watershed east of the City of Flint, in eastern Genesee and Lapeer counties. A copy of the cover page, showing the general topics covered, is attached. Some decent background information, but limited in scope and time. Many of the papers are general in nature. Referenced works are primarily from the 1960’s.
Upper Flint River Watershed Recreation and Open Space Study, Lapeer and Genesee Counties, Michigan, Student Water Publications, Michigan State University
Kearsley Creek Watershed Recreation and Open Space Study, Genesee County, Student Water Publications, Michigan State University
Studies prepared by MSU students as term projects in Water Resources Management. They are well done steam-road crossing and aireal photo surveys of the area east of Flint, and include numerous photos and suggestions for recreational use. The documents appears to coincide with the period of the development of the Genesee Recreation Area and the construction of Mott Lake, but the studies consider a much larger area.
Watershed Work Plan: Misteguay Creek Watershed
A 1959 USDA document addressing flood and erosion control
A Study of the Flint River, Michigan, as it Relates to Low-flow Augmentation, G. Hulbert, USGS Water Resources Division, 1972
A good description of streamflow characteristics for the Flint R. and selected tributaries in Genesee County.
1982 Resource Inventory: Genesee County, MI USDA Soil Conservation Service, Mt. Morris, MI
Resource data was collected on 297 sample units of 160 acres each throughout Genesee county. The report includes data on land use, cropland use, erosion, use of water bodies and steams, and conservation needs.
Flint River Basin Management Study, Genesee-Lapeer-Shiawassee Region V Planning and Development Commission, 1982/1983.
Executive Summaries - a separate document describing the major points of each phase of the study.
Phase I - Upriver Reaches - a copy of this report was not included in the information supplied by Jay Blair. This report accessed nonpoint source pollution problems, primarily from agricultural practices. Water quality and flow problems of Holloway Reservoir were emphasized. It was found that the reservoir receives extremely high levels of nutrients for its size, although the water quality of the reservoir did not appear to be significantly degraded, perhaps due to a relatively short water retention period. It appears that the reservoir may serve as a nutrient trap, reducing the impact of nutrients on downstream waters. Most of the nutrient inputs (>70%) appeared to originate from the South Branch of the Flint.
Phase II - Downriver Reaches; R.J. Karwowski
Areal coverage is the lower Flint Basin, from Holloway Reservoir to the confluence of the Flint and Shiawassee Rivers. Addresses the possible development of a river management system to augment river flows during low-flow conditions, presents a limited survey of water quality and pollutant impacts during high-flow conditions, and attempts to identify urban nonpoint source problems. Nonpoint sources appeared to have a much higher impact on water quality than point sources, particularly during high-flow conditions. The study indicated that commercial land use produces a major portion of the urban nonpoint source loads.
Phase III - Agricultural Nonpoint Sources; V.L. McColley and R.J. Karwowski
Addresses the severe problem areas identified in the Phase I report. Specific sites are documented and best management practices are suggested. The most critical watersheds indicated by the Phase I data were Plum Creek (central Lapeer County), Butternut Creek (northeastern Genesee County), and Webb Drain (southwestern Genesee County). A map showing the locations of the three watersheds is attached. Plum Creek watershed was the least severely impacted. Plum Creek had very good water quality except for the high sediment and nutrient levels in the lower two miles of the creek. Butternut Creek watershed, which drains into Mott Lake, exhibited high nutrient loadings in the Thetford Twp. area, originating primarily from several large dairy operations. This portion of the watershed was found to be intensely cultivated, while the northeastern part of the watershed was primarily forested lands. Water quality in the northeastern section was found to be very good. The Webb Drain area was at the time of the study intensely cultivated and exhibited the most severe erosion problems.
Phase III - Urban Nonpoint Sources; R.J. Karwowski
This report addresses the need for stormwater management for the purpose of flood control. Part I of the report consists of a general description of stormwater problems and potential solutions. It includes guidelines for the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP’s) in the planning and design of future development. Part II describes in detail three areas in Genesee county which have stormwater problems, the City of Burton, Grand Blanc City and Township, and the City of Lapeer. The Grand Blanc area impacts Thread Creek. Burton impacts upon Gilkey Creek, and is in turn impacted by Thread Creek downstream of Grand Blanc. The Lapeer area was selected as a case study for the implementation of BMP’s in future development.
Saginaw Bay Area Cooperative River Basin Study:
Lapeer County: Natural Resources and Opportunities for Action
Genesee County: Natural Resources and Opportunities for Action
USDA reports; April 1987
The focus of the reports is soil and water conservation with relation to agricultural practices. The reports include descriptions of the natural resources in each county and discuss problems related to erosion, flooding, drainage, sedimentation, water quality, and cropland and forest management. Resource management systems and conservation practices are discussed. Maps are included which show land use, erosion and water quality problem areas and flood prone areas in each county.
Gilkey Creek Watershed Water Quality Plan, Genesee County Soil Conservation District, 1991
A copy of a grant proposal submitted to MDNR. A number of cosponsors were involved, including UM-Flint, Genesee Cooperative Extension Service, Genesee Environmental Health Division, and others. Includes descriptions of the watershed and of identified watershed problems. The major types of pollutants are nutrients, sewage, fecal coliform and sediments from soil erosion, resulting in high turbidity, suspended solids and sedimentation, nuisance algae growth, low dissolved oxygen levels, loss of aquatic habitat and oil contaminated sediments. Biological surveys show that sampling stations along Gilkey Creek are contaminated with sanitary waste from unsewered residential areas and storm drain inputs. Upstream erosion results in high turbidity and sedimentation. Significant flooding occurs due to the reduction of infiltration by paving of surrounding land.
A series of staff reports issued by the MDNR Surface Water Quality Division describing biological surveys of the Flint R. and selected tributaries. Findings are summarized below:
Gilkey Creek, Genesee County, 8/3/1989: (MI/DNR/SWQ-89/134)
Overall stream quality: poor to fair based on habitat and macroinvertebrate abundance; macroinvertebrates improved relative to 1972.
Appeared nutrient-enriched based on profuse growths of green algae Cladophora.
Sediments contained detectable levels of chromium, copper, nickel, lead, mercury and zinc.
Thread Creek, Genesee County, 8/3/1989: (MI/DNR/SWQ-89/140)
Overall stream quality: poor to fair; macroinvertebrates improved relative to 1972.
Elevated levels of phosphorus and nitrogen.
Detectable sediment levels of chromium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc. Levels typical of industrialized areas.
Swartz Creek and West Branch Swartz Creek, Genesee County, 8/9/1989: (MI/DNR/SWQ-89/139)
Overall stream quality: poor to fair.
Reasonably diverse fish communities; abundance and diversity improved relative to 1973.
Nutrient concentrations decreased 95% relative to 1969 and 1974.
Detectable sediment levels of chromium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc. Levels typical of industrialized areas.
Swartz Creek in vicinity of Grand Blanc Landfill, Genesee County, 8/21/1990: (MI/DNR/SWQ-91/048)
Overall stream quality: poor to fair; conditions somewhat worse downstream of landfill relative to upstream.
Water chemistry indicated somewhat increased levels for most parameters at the downstream station. Sediments displayed significantly higher levels of metals downstream.
Upper South Branch - Flint River, Lapeer County, 9/9/1990: (MI/DNR/SWQ-93/004)
Physical habitat conditions: fair to good
Macroinvertebrate community: good
Fish community: good to excellent
Water chemistry: nutrient levels, TOC and COD all at background levels.
Flint R and Selected Tribs., Genesee, Lapeer, and Saginaw Counties, 7/12-15/1993: (MI/DNR/SWQ-97/028)
Eight stations were occupied east of Columbiaville, on the NB and SB of the Flint and selected tributaries to each. Remaining stations were on Butternut Creek, on the Flint downstream of Holloway Reservoir, and at three sites downstream of the City of Flint.
Fish communities: moderate to severe impairment. Little change compared to 1983.
Macroinvertebrate communities: moderate to slight impairment. Little change compared to 1983. An overall lack of quality habitat, combined with the common occurrence of high turbidity and "flashy" flows, resulted in reduced macroinvertebrate diversity at most stations. A general reduction in numbers, but increase in species diversity, relative to 1974.
Physical habitat conditions varied from severely to slightly impaired, with lower ratings due to higher sediment loads, related to upstream land use practices and/or urban runoff.
Sediment samples at four Flint R. stations (one on the NB and three downstream of Flint) showed significantly elevated levels of arsenic, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc relative to mean reference site data for the "Southern Michigan Northern Indiana Till Plain Ecoregion. In all cases, however, values were below the Ontario severe effect level.
From City of Flint Wastewater Treatment Plant (810) 766-7210
Sections from the City of Flint NPDES Municipal Storm Water Permit Application
Brief summaries of several local and regional studies (1959 to 1986) producing quantitative water quality data for the Flint River and tributaries within and adjacent to the City of Flint. Focus of the summaries is urban stormwater pollution. Data for agricultural runoff studies are not included. A copy of the summary is attached.
Also included in this document is the STORET inventory for stations and parmeters measured within and around the City of Flint, with data ranging from 1959 to 1992. The data includes toxic substances as well as standard water quality parameters.
Michigan DNR Remedial Action Plan for Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay Area of Concern, MDNR Surface Water Quality Division, 1988.
The Flint River data presented in this document includes summary descriptions for BOD, suspended and total solids, nutrients, chloride, metals, PCBs and PBB, and phenols. Data spans the period from 1972 to 1986. Both water and sediment data are included. An excerpt of the report, provided by Brad Hill, is attached. Note that the report does not indicate where the data were collected.
Data indicates that, for the period 1972 to 1986, BOD, suspended solids, and total and orthophosphorus declined significantly after 1977 and remained low through the remainder of the period. Nitrate+nitrite levels showed the opposite trend, increasing by a factor of 2 to 3 from 1978 to 1984, but declining again in 1985 and 1986.
Metals:
Water data is summarized for the period 1976 to 1986. In general, the highest values reported were for the Flint River. In most instances, levels are reported to have declined over this period. It is likely that this reflects improvements in analytical methods rather than actual declining values. With the exception of lead, reported values for metals did not exceed the Michigan water quality standards (Rule 57(2)) for metals implemented in 1985. The higher lead values may have been due to sample contamination problems.
Surficial sediment samples were collected from the Flint River in 1974 by MI-DNR. Four stations downstream of the City of Flint are reported, beginning at Elms Road. Sediments were reported to be heavily contaminated with lead, nickel, chromium and copper. Highest concentrations were found at Elms Road, and attributed to industrial sources as well as inputs from the Flint WWTP.
From Brent Lewis, Kettering University (810-762-7918)
Copies of two "Fixed Station Monitoring" annual reports from MDNR for 1990 and 1991 (MI/DNR/SWQ-92/252 and 263).
These are brief summaries of a variety of parameters for major watersheds in Michigan, including the Flint River. The Flint has been included in both the "Core River" and "Urban River" components of the Fixed Station Monitoring program. Three stations have been monitored extensively, and the data are available through the STORET system:
Core River Station STORET # 730088: Mouth of Flint R. at M-13
August, 1969
Periodically 1974 to 1980
Monthly 1987 to 1994
Urban River Stations:
250033 Downstream of City of Flint, Elms Road bridge
August, 1969
Monthly since 1971
250098 Upstream of City of Flint, Carpenter Road
July 1959
August, 1969
Monthly since 1973
Summary of 1991 report:
Of all Core River stations sampled, the Flint exhibited among the highest annual median concentrations for total phosphorus and nitrite-nitrate. Highly variable values were seen for ammonia and suspended solids. The Urban River stations upstream and downstream of the City of Flint clearly demonstrated the influence of urban inputs, with significant increases in nutrient levels at the Elms Road station relative to upsteam at Carpenter Road. Nitrite-nitrate levels, for example, were 416% higher downstream. The city had only modest effects (<100% increases) upon ammonia, chloride and suspended solids. A copy of upstream-downstream comparisons for ten major urban areas in 1991 is attached.
STORET Data
I have downloaded much of the STORET data for surface water stations in HUC 04080204. The main agencies which have supplied data are:
EPA Grosse Ile Lab (Storet Agency Code: 115LHRES): 81/82, includes Cd, Cu, Zn
EPA Lake Eutrophication Study (11EPALES): 1972,1973
Michigan DNR (21MICH): By far the most extensive data base.
USGS (112WRD): 1953-1974, 1984
Data can be requested directly from the STORET system. See their Website at www.epa.gov/OWOW/STORET/index.html.
From City of Flint Water Plant(810) 787-6537
#1 Monthly Analysis Composite 1958-1967
A sample site was not designated. Also no methodology was given for sampling.
Parameters:
#2 Monthly Analysis Composite 1953-1957
A sample site was not designated. Also no methodology was given for sampling.
Parameters:
#3 Limnological Characterization of the Kearsley Reservoir
Written by Nathan Amboy and James Emmerling (Matt Wurtz).
Prepared for Biology 343 Summer term 1995, Dr. Gary Pace. Samples were taken from three areas; at the dam, golf course, and near the dam.
Parameters:
By Timothy W. Moon
Spring 1988 (Water Quality Index Tests). Samples were taken
from two locations. The report was written unprofessionally.
#5 WQI (Water Quality Index) Enhancing Appreciation of Quality Improvement
Presented at the American Chemical Society in New York, NY
Written by Nina I. McClelland and Robert M. Brown, National
Sanitation Foundation and Rolf A. Deininger, The University of Michigan .
#6 Michigan Department Of Natural Resources
Water samples were collected at river sites in Midland, Bay City, Flint, Pontiac, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Jackson, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Mt. Pleasant.
Pages 36-41.
Parameters (no units were given):
#7 Laboratory Instructions for the Treatment of Water for Taste and Odor Control with Chlorine Dioxide
1/11/46 author is anonymous
#8 Condense from AWWA Journal Vol. 44 No. 47 July 1952
Procedures for collecting, examining, and recording plankton in the water.
Parameters:
#9 Personal Notes
Circa: 1952
Parameters:
#10 Paper on Versenate Method
Gives detailed description about the laboratory procedure
for testing hardness in water.
#11 Analytical procedure for the determination of unknown cations (Zn, Al, Fe)
Laboratory procedures from Semicro Qualitative Analysis
by Arthur & Smith
#12 River Survey Results
Received from the Flint WWTP 7-13-90
Water Quality Index results obtained from six locations on the Flint River from 1987-1989
#13 City of Flint DPW Pollution Survey Results from city storm drains and waterways
November 1974 & March 1971
Maps of Mott Lake, Flint River & tributaries along with the 33 locations marked. The samples were tested.
Parameters:
#14 Flint River Water Quality Index
July 1984-June 1985. Monthly analysis at six locations
Parameters:
#15 United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey: Drainage Areas of Streams in the Flint River Basin
A listing of all the streams in the Flint River Basin with parameters:
#16 Michigan Department of Quality Official Laboratory Report
Inffluent raw sample routine priority list for plant run.
#17 Interoffice Memorandum from McNamee, Porter, and Seely, Inc.
Flint Water Treatment Plant Improvements Progress Report, July 27, 1994
Engineering firm took water samples of Flint River in July of 1994, results are shown.
Also Flint River Raw Water Quality (March 1990 to May 1994).
Averages and maximums for:
#18 State Reports
June 1930 to 1936. A sample site was not designated. Also no methodology was given for sampling.
Parameters:
#19 Monthly Operational Report Sheets 1975
A sample site was not designated and no methodology was given for sampling.
Parameters:
#20 Monthly Operational Report Sheets 1977
A sample site was not designated and no methodology was given for sampling.
Parameters:
#21 Monthly Operational Report Sheets
December 1967 to December 1969
Parameters:
#22 Monthly Operation Reports
January 1981 to November 1982 (several months missing)
Parameters:
#23 Monthly Operation Report
April 1920
Parameters:
#24 Monthly Operation Report 1983
Parameters:
#25 State Reports MDPH 1936-1967
A sample site was not designated. Also no methodology was given for sampling.
Parameters:
#26 State Reports
January 1926 to January 1927
Parameters:
February 1927 to May 1930
Parameters:
#27 Monthly Operation Report Sheets
January 1972 to December 1973
Parameters:
#28 Interoffice Memorandum from McNamee, Porter, & Seely, Inc.
Flint Water Treatment Plant Improvements Raw Water Quality Survey.
Results of the water quality assessment performed on the
Flint River during two months of 1994.
#29 Monthly Operation Report Sheets 1974
Parameters:
#30 Monthly Operation Report Sheets 1978
Parameters
#31 Monthly Operation Report Sheets 1976
Parameters:
#32 Monthly Operation Report Sheets
January 1970 to December 1971
Parameters:
#33 State Report
Flint River Data November to December 1979
Parameters:
#34 Monthly Reports 1980 to 1986
Parameters:
#35 Monthly Operation Report of Water Treatment Plant
Plant runs from 1995-1998.
Parameters:
#36 State Report 1991
Parameters:
#37 State Report 1990
Parameters:
#38 State Report 1992
Parameters:
#39 MDPH Plant Run Analysis official lab report
May 1991
Official lab report of raw water with multiple parameters.
#40 Plant Run
October 1998
Parameters:
#41 Plant run
October 1984
Parameters:
#42 Plant run
November 1987
Parameters:
#43 Plant Run
March 1988
Parameters:
#44 Plant Run
December 1989
Parameters:
#45 Plant Run
May 1990
Parameters:
#46 Plant Run
September 1990
Parameters:
#47 Plant Run
October 1990 and November 1990
Parameters:
#48 Plant Run
May 1991
Parameters:
#49 Plant Run
February 1992
Parameters:
#50 Plant Run
May 1992
Parameters:
#51 Plant Run
September 1992
Parameters:
#52 Test Run
December 1992
Parameters:
Publications from the Genesee County
Health Department(810)
257-3603
*All of the following reports are available
for viewing at the Genesee County Health Department: