Pollution Prevention

Michigan is home to a wealth of freshwater resources, including the Great Lakes, rivers, and streams, but these water resources face several key pollution threats. Some of the main water pollution threats in Michigan are:

1. Agricultural runoff: Fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture can contaminate water resources through runoff into nearby streams and rivers. This runoff can lead to excessive algae growth, which can deplete oxygen levels in the water and harm aquatic life.
2. Industrial pollution: Industrial processes can produce pollutants that can contaminate water resources. Industrial wastewater discharges, spills, and leaks can introduce chemicals and heavy metals into waterways.
3. Sewage overflows: Combined sewer overflows, where stormwater and raw sewage mix and overflow into waterways during heavy rain events, can result in the release of harmful bacteria and viruses into the water.
4. Oil and gas development: Oil and gas exploration and production can lead to the release of pollutants such as heavy metals and chemicals into water resources.
5. Urban runoff: Stormwater runoff from urban areas can contain pollutants such as sediment, oils, and chemicals that can contaminate waterways.
6. Invasive species: Invasive species such as zebra mussels and Asian carp can harm water quality and aquatic ecosystems by outcompeting native species and altering food webs.
7. Harmful algal blooms: Nutrient pollution, often caused by agricultural runoff and sewage overflows, can lead to the growth of harmful algal blooms, which can release toxins that can harm aquatic life and pose a risk to human health.

To address these water pollution threats, Michigan has established regulations and programs to protect and restore water resources. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is responsible for implementing and enforcing these regulations, and citizens can also take actions to reduce their impact on water resources, such as reducing their use of fertilizers and properly disposing of hazardous materials.

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Point source pollution

Point source pollution is pollution that comes from a single, identifiable source, such as a factory or wastewater treatment plant. Point source pollution is regulated under the federal Clean Water Act and the Michigan Water Resources Act. Some current effects of point source pollution in Michigan include:

- Chemical contamination: Point source pollution can release chemicals into waterways, which can harm aquatic life and pose a risk to human health. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services releases a guide to consuming safe fish in Michigan (MDHHS, 2016) through the Eat Safe Fish Program.
- Reduced water quality: Point source pollution can also reduce water quality by introducing pollutants into waterways. The Kalamazoo River was contaminated with at least 800,000 gallons of tar sand crude-oil during a spill in 2010, resulting in a 30-mile stretch of river being contaminated (MDCH, 2014).
- Impact on aquatic life: Point source pollution can have significant impacts on aquatic life, particularly in cases of accidental releases or spills.

Overall, non-point source pollution remains the primary cause of water pollution in Michigan, but point source pollution can also have significant impacts on water quality and aquatic life. Addressing both types of pollution is necessary to protect Michigan’s freshwater resources and ensure they remain healthy for future generations.

Non-point source pollution

Non-point source pollution is pollution that comes from diffuse sources, such as agricultural runoff, urban runoff, and atmospheric deposition. According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), non-point source pollution is the leading cause of water pollution in the state. Some current effects of non-point source pollution in Michigan include:

- Excessive nutrients: Non-point source pollution contributes to excessive nutrient levels in waterways, which can lead to harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion. A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that non-point source pollution was a significant contributor to nutrient pollution in Michigan’s rivers and streams (David et al., 2018).
- Bacterial contamination: Non-point source pollution can also contribute to bacterial contamination of waterways. A study conducted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) found that bacterial contamination was a significant issue in several of the state’s rivers and streams, with non-point source pollution being a major contributor (Michigan DNR, 2022).
- Habitat degradation: Non-point source pollution can also degrade aquatic habitat by altering water quality, sedimentation, and reducing the availability of food for aquatic life.

References

David, M.B., Robertson, D.M., Zhang, H., Seelbach, P.W., & Richards, R.P. (2018). Nonpoint source nitrogen and phosphorus loads to Michigan rivers and streams. Journal of Environmental Quality, 47(2), 206-215.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources. (2022). Bacterial monitoring program: Results summary. Retrieved from https://www.michigan.gov/egle/-/media/Project/Websites/egle/Documents/Programs/WRD/SWAS/2022-Integrated-Report.pdf?rev=0a6b006c0cc44bcd936c75d5608659ed&hash=03A5B2B0F3379B07D369F289BA32C483

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). Fish consumption advisories. Retrieved from https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Folder1/Folder19/MFCAP_Guidance_Document.pdf?rev=12920be7b3564359a7ff683a0064df05&hash=A632AA6F55DFFF6CB63D360B1B71FAB0

Michigan Department of Community Health. (2014). Kalamazoo River/Enbridge Spill: Evaluation of Kalamazoo River surface water and fish after a crude oil release. Retrieved from https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/DEH/Health-Assessments/Documents/Enbridge_SW_fish____PHA_final_458015_7.pdf?rev=e74b83da15854de48d04d8cd51c64bba&hash=26D6BF17608E2AEB6A7F66AE6CAC9A86