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MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY August 24, 2004 TO: Nugent Sand Company File FROM: Thomas P. Berdinski, Senior Environmental Analyst, DEQ-WD SUBJECT: February 25, 2004 Lake Michigan-Nugent Sampling Summary On February 25, 2004, staff of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Water Division, investigated reports of red colored deposits and a sheen under Lake Michigan ice along Nugent Sand property located at 2925 Lincoln, Muskegon, Michigan 49443. Surface water samples were collected for metals and to determine the presence of iron bacteria. Water chemistry results identified barium, chromium, copper, and manganese at concentrations considerably lower than surface water quality standards. These concentrations are not expected to impact aquatic life. Iron bacteria were determined to be present. These bacteria are not harmful and are often found in surface waters in the presence of iron. Iron was detected in two locations. The DEQ has not derived a surface water quality standard for iron. This is due in part to the fact that iron is not as toxic to mammals or aquatic life as many other metals. We are not aware of any instances where iron concentrations have warranted the derivation of standards to protect aquatic life. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not derived a drinking water standard for iron for protection of human health. They have derived a secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 300 ug/l based on the potential for iron to affect the taste of drinking water and to stain clothing. Given the significant distance and amount of dilution by Lake Michigan water, it is not expected that iron venting along Nugent's shoreline at the concentrations detected would reach the secondary maximum contaminant level at the City of Muskegon or Muskegon Heights water filtration plant intakes. Sample Location(s): "Middle" samples were taken where the ice had melted (right along the shoreline) west of the dip in the dune or "the saddle", which is Nugent property. This is where the orange colored iron bacteria were detected and sheens were the most evident visually. "North" and "South" samples were taken 300-500 yards north and south of the saddle, also in melted ice along the shoreline. No bacteria or sheens were visible at either of these locations, so staff thought these would be appropriate background locations. See chart below: Results (inug/l):
The following parameters were sampled, but not detected in the vent to Lake Michigan on 2/25/2004.
Sampling was conducted by Thomas Berdinski and Dale Ehinger, Grand Rapids
District Office, Water Division. Report by Thomas Berdinski, Diane Carlson,
Surface Water Permits Section, Water Division and Sarah Walsh, Surface
Water Quality Assessment Section, Water Division. |
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