1.5 MILLION GALLONS TRUCKED FROM ER SEWAGE PLANT Source: MDEQ Residuals Management Plan for the ER Wastewater Treatment Plant Sewage solids were trucked out of Antrim County for injection into suitable farmlands away from surface waters, groundwater and homes NOT land disposed in Torch Lake and Milton Townships as 5 years ago.
2010 Crisis - Sewage sludge land disposed in local townships ran-off. There was evidence that sludge from five sites ran off into ditches, streams and the Bay. A football field–sized bloom of slimy green algae that feeds on sewage (Cladophora) was observed by a TNN scientist at Mitchell Cr. November storms spread slime along miles of beach. TNN published aerial photos to document the practice – vowed never again!
2006 Crisis - Septic tank solids land disposed in Milton ran-off. Life threatening E.coli in local waters including the Bay were vetted by an eminent MSU scholar. TNN publicity of water testing and aerial photos gained public support to end the practice locally. DEQ executive leaders agreed to enact rigorous water testing and remediation. The disposal site was shut down and a human waste storage silo was blocked.
These crises committed TNN to the conviction that human waste not be land disposed in our narrow water-rich townships. Strategy was adopted to prevent future crises with testing and negotiation.
TNN - ER officials agreed on tighter specifications two years ago. ER leadership inspected a sludge degraded beach near local creeks. It was agreed the practice was not neighborly - change was essential to protect watersheds for Mitchell, Paradine-McGuire and Creswell Creeks. ER Village staff and engineers produced tighter specs and funding to protect local waters. TNN Pres. Termaat advocated to Village Council, which approved as part of Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade. Thumbs-upfor ER Village - Achievement in Improving Water Quality. The Village produced a sewage treatment plan that requires oversight by elected officials and diverts human waste land disposal away from local waters and homes
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Elk Rapids, MI 49629
