OGL Notice: Public Comment Period for Proposed BUI Removal in St. Clair River AOC

Notice of Public Comment Period for Proposed BUI Removal

in St. Clair River Area of Concern

 

September 7, 2016 is the deadline for Public Comment regarding the proposed removal of the Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems Beneficial Use Impairment from the St. Clair River Area of Concern. 

 

The St. Clair River was designated as an AOC under the 1987 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement due to challenges including contamination from pollutants like heavy metals and toxic organics as well as contaminated sediments that caused a variety of Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) including the Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems BUI. The AOC program in the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes has coordinated efforts in the St. Clair River AOC, overseeing projects, tracking progress, and providing a portion of funding.

 

Recent studies conducted in the St. Clair River AOC on several species include mink, bald eagles, tree swallows and fish show that contaminant levels in these species are not elevated and that the reproduction and development of wildlife in the AOC would not be adversely impacted by present contaminant levels. The report summarizing the studies within the AOC is now available for public comment and the public comment period will remain open until midnight on September 7, 2016.

 

A link to the Removal Recommendation document can be found here. Other information about Michigan Areas of Concern can be viewed at www.michigan.gov/deqaocprogram. 

 

Submit written comments to foosem@michigan.gov or mail to:

 

 Melanie Foose

 Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

 Office of the Great Lakes

 27700 Donald Court

 Warren, Michigan, 48092

 

If requested in writing, a public hearing may be scheduled. All comments received by September 7, 2016, will be considered prior to final action. Additional details on the proposed action may be obtained from Melanie Foose, Office of the Great Lakes at 517-897-3244 or foosem@michigan.gov.