There is a lot of local action this edition of News to Us. Read about a potential new wastewater treatment facility in Superior Township and lakeside residential development on Woodland Lake in Brighton. Hamburg Township has come to resolution on conflict around boater behavior on Base Line Lake. Learn more about the work of HRWC and many partners to enhance the role the river plays in many of our communities. And finally, a recent article provides a good summary of the current status of fracking in the State of Michigan.
SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP: Board updated on developers’ DEQ permit application Negotiations continue around a proposed 1,200 unit mobile home development and new wastewater treatment plant that would discharge into the Huron River in Superior Township. Rock Riverine has submitted an application to DEQ for a wastewater discharge permit which would add phosphorus to the Huron in stretch of river that already exceeds the TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) for phosphorus. TMDL’s are part of the Clean Water Act and set the maximum amount of a pollutant that a body of water can receive while still meeting water quality standards.
Development worries residents A proposed project would bring nearly 50 new homes to Woodland Lake in Brighton Township on what may be the last undeveloped parcel on the lake. The 43 acre parcel is currently forested with wetlands and is hilly. Local residents are voicing their concerns over the development of this parcel and the impacts it would have on the lake. There is a public hearing tentatively scheduled for Feb. 10, 2014.
Hamburg won’t seek watercraft ordinance from state Last month we highlighted an article citing growing concerns about noise and the inappropriate behavior of boaters on Base Line Lake. In lieu of a watercraft ordinance, the Township has decided to provide additional patrolling as a first step to manage the issue.
Guest Blogger: Tom Woiwode Friend of HRWC and champion for greenways in Southeast Michigan, Tom Woiwode blogs about RiverUp!, the water trail and other efforts to invest in the river for community vitality, economic development, and recreational and cultural activity.
Tighter regulations coming for hydraulic fracking in Michigan For those following the fracking issue in Michigan, this article provides a nice summary of recent changes to regulations. Read more about the natural gas extraction process, the rules regulating it and the public’s concern about the growing number of wells drilled using high volume hydraulic fracturing in the State.