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

Notice of Public Comment Period for Proposed BUI Removal

in the St. Clair River Area of Concern

June 14, 2017 is the deadline for Public Comment regarding the proposed removal of the Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Beneficial Use Impairment from the St. Clair River Area of Concern (AOC). 

The St. Clair River was designated as an AOC under the 1987 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement for a variety of reasons including pollutants such as toxic organics and heavy metals; fish consumption advisories; and the loss of habitat due to industrial, agricultural and urban development.

Since 2010, twelve habitat restoration projects have been implemented on the Michigan side of the St. Clair River providing habitat for a variety of native fish and wildlife species. With the completion of these habitat restoration projects, the Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) is being recommended for removal. 

The Removal Recommendation Report detailing the habitat projects implemented as well as the post-construction ecological monitoring results is now available for public comment. The public comment period will remain open until midnight on June 14, 2017.

A link to the Removal Recommendation report can be found above and on the St. Clair River AOC page. 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 June 14, 2017, 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.

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