March 10, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality has received a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to develop a plan to address E. coli in the Rouge River. The plan, known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), will analyze data from the river to define sources and target areas for reductions with the goal of meeting state water quality standards.

The Rouge River has historically had levels of E. coli resulting from combined sewer overflows and nonpoint source pollution that make the water unsafe for body contact. The TMDL will focus on E. coli sources from the Rouge River Main, Upper, Middle, Lower, Bell, and Franklin Branches, and Evans Ditch.

The DEQ has partnered with local organizations to determine E. coli sample locations and share data that will help identify the sources of contamination. Once the sources have been identified, efforts will be focused on eliminating or reducing them.

The TMDL process, lead through a partnership between DEQ and Camp Dresser & McKee, will involve stakeholder input, public meetings, and a public comment period. The DEQ plans to have a draft document available for public comment in February 2007.

Information about TMDLs can be found on the Web at: http://www.michigan.gov/deqwb, under “TMDL Assessments,” or by contacting Christine Alexander of the DEQ at (517) 373-6794 or alexandc@michigan.gov.

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 March 10, 2006 by Pat Watson