October 12, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality entered into an Administrative Consent Order on October 4, 2005, with the Ottawa County Road Commission to resolve violations of Part 31, Water Resources Protection; and Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The ACO includes a $40,000 payment to the State of Michigan for partial reimbursement of the costs of enforcement and a civil fine.

The violations, including failure to effectively implement adequate soil erosion and sedimentation control measures and allowing soil and sediment to be discharged to waters of the state occurred in July and August 2003 while the OCRC was replacing the Adams Street Bridge in Zeeland Township. The bridge spans the Black River near its confluence with the Macatawa River.

“Soil erosion and sediment deposition are significant threats to water quality throughout the state,” stated DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “Those working on construction projects must be aware of the risk and take adequate measures to prevent these types of discharges from occurring.

” Sediment deposition is, by volume, one of the most significant sources of water pollution in the State of Michigan. Sediment and soil particles carry excess nutrients, especially phosphorous, resulting in reduced oxygen levels and the alteration of underwater ecosystems.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised October 12, 2005, by Shirley Smith for Pat Watson