September 26, 2007

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester joined officials from the Saginaw Bay region today in celebrating the success of the first year of the Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative and outlining the goals for the coming year. The SBCI was launched in August, 2006 to coordinate regional efforts to support innovative approaches for expanding local tourism and economic development, while enhancing resource protection and improving the quality of the environment within the Saginaw Bay area.

"The Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative is a demonstration of our belief that a healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand-in-hand," said Director Chester. "Through this partnership we are striving to make Saginaw Bay a destination for those who want to experience the beauty of the Great Lakes."

The initial meeting of the SBCI identified a number of issues that needed to be addressed during the first year including evaluating the potential human health implications of algae along the shoreline, expanding Saginaw Bay tourism, controlling Phragmites, identifying and protecting high quality wetlands, and developing a speaker series on environmental issues of specific importance to Saginaw Bay. These issues were all acted upon and Director Chester noted the progress that has already been made.

"Through this effort we have gained a better understanding of the causes of the algae, or muck, along the coastline which will ultimately help us determine how we can best address it," said Chester. "We have collaborated on a Phragmites guide for landowners that will assist in controlling this invasive plant, and have made real progress in our overall efforts to restore the health of Saginaw Bay."

The efforts of the SBCI will be focused on expanding on these successes during its second year. The DEQ will undertake increased efforts to control phosphorus and E. coli in the Saginaw Bay coastal area by conducting sanitary surveys to identify sources of raw sewage and illicit connections in the area, evaluating permitted facilities to ensure they are in full compliance with permit requirements, working with the local health departments to implement beach sanitary surveys, conducting sanitary surveys focusing on animal feedlot operations, and identifying other sources of E. coli.

Additionally, there will be an emphasis on controlling pollutants in the Kawkawlin River, looking at ways to increase access to Saginaw Bay, and continuing to work towards addressing the beach muck. The DEQ will continue to assist the Partnership for the Saginaw Bay Watershed in hosting the speaker series on environmental issues of importance to the area.

"I am pleased to be a part of this collaborative effort in this region," concluded Chester. "I appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in this initiative and look forward to that work continuing to lead us towards a renewed and vibrant Saginaw Bay."

 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 September 26, 2007 by Pat Watson