How to do an UrbanStreambank Cleanup:

The Plaster Creek Cleanup Binder

Published and Compiled by The West Michigan Michigan Environmental Action Council

1

WMEAC IS ... West Michigan Environmental Action Council is a not-for-profit, private citizen'smembership organization which protects and enhances Michigan's environment by educating andinvolving citizens and advocating environmentally sound public policies. Please address comments,or questions to: WMEAC, 1432 Wealthy SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, (616) 451-3051.

BINDER PURPOSE ... The purpose of this binder is to document the Plaster Creek Cleanup andprovide a cookbook for organizing an urban streambank cleanup. Informational materials includedin this binder are primarily from the Plaster Creek Cleanup and with additional information on theClinton River Cleanup, the Rouge Rescue, and other cleanups. Additions can be made to this binderby contacting WMEAC.

DISCLAIMER ... The type of debris, litter, and hazardous materials along a streambank can varywidely. Also the site characteristic of streambanks will vary. Thus, this binder can only serve as aguide. WMEAC realizes that our cleanup will be unique from other cleanups. Therefore, the recom­mendations in this binder may not be appropriate for other cleanups.

REQUESTS FOR COPIES ... A limited number of copies are available at WMEAC's office and atthe District Offices of the Department of Natural Resources.

Marquette: 906-228-6561Roscommon: 517-275-5151Northville: 313·344-9460

Cadillac: 616-775-9728Saginaw: 517-771-1731Grand Rapids: 616-456-5071

Lansing: 517-322-1687Jackson: 517-788-9598Plainwell: 616-685-9886

FUNDING FOR THIS BINDER ... Funding for this binder was provided by the Kent County DrainCommissioner from a Michigan Department of Natural Resources admininistered grant as part ofthe State Legislature's Great Lakes Initiatives package. The Drain Commissioner was awarded thisgrant to implement portions of the Plaster Creek Nonpoint Watershed Plan. The Plaster CreekCleanup and this binder is one part ofWMEAC's contribution to the project.

PREPARED BY ... Serena E. Willey and Shari Schaftlein , 1989

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section

1. INTRODUCTION2. ACCESS TO PRIVATE PROPERTY3. INSURANCE AND SAFETY4. VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND MEDIA5. WORK STATIONS6. EVENT ORGANIZATION7. CLEANUP OUTCOME8. COST AND LABOR9. CONCLUSION

10. CLEANUP CONTACTS11. ROUGE RIVER RESCUE12. CLINTON RIVER CLEANUP13. OTHER CLEANUPS

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356789

11131415161718

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup

The following materials have been compiled by the West Michigan Environmental Action Council(WMEAC) from the Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup held on Saturday, June 24, 1989 in GrandRapids, MI. These items were collected to document the event and provide a cookbook for organizingan urban streambank cleanup. Also included are a few materials from the Clinton River Cleanup,Rouge River Rescue and miscellaneous cleanups. WMEAC hopes this cleanup binder will generateother successful cleanups throughout the state.

The WMEAC and the Garfield Park Neighborhoods Association (GPNA) coordinated the PlasterCreek Streambank Cleanup and several community organizations provided volunteers. Litter waspicked up from the mouth of Plaster Creek near the Grand Rapids Waste Water Treatment Plant toKalamazoo Avenue near Ken-O-Sha Park (see map). Volunteers removed litter and the easily acces­sible debris from the streambanks of the creek, cleaning approximately five miles of the creekcorridor and collecting 2,200 lbs. of trash (see Cleanup Outcome, page 11).

The Endangered Urban Stream

Urban watersheds become degraded because there is no tradition of planning or management at thewatershed level. Management is difficult because of the historically segmented pattern of propertyownership where numerous individual decision makers, modify their lands without considering thefull impact of such modifications.

The natural environments in an urban creek corridor provide unique habitats for plants and wildlife,and an opportunity for city dwellers to experience the out-of-doors in their own back yard. Oftenthese streams are not fully appreciated and receive severe abuse from polluters. The lower portion ofPlaster Creek is a perfect example of a degraded urban stream because of its significant amount ofillicit and accidental dumping of toxic pollutants, contaminated stormwater run-off, accumulation oftrash, and severe bank erosion.

A creek cleanup is as excellent opportunity to get the community involved in an environmentalproject especially in an urban area. Cleanup volunteers feel a real sense of accomplishment whendoing something tangible to restore the aesthetic value of a creek corridor. A cleanup may heightenthe awareness about the significance of an urban stream. Participants can learn about the waterquality problems in any urban watershed and water protection measures available to the concernedcitizen.

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Where to Begin

Once the watershed has been selected and planning for the cleanup has begun, several things mustbe considered. What specific goals do you have for the project? How much of the creek corridorshould be cleaned? How many volunteers will be necessary for the cleanup?

In order to make the cleanup a success, it is especially helpful to establish committees to handlespecific work tasks. This binder is arranged into work items which may be seperately addressed bydelegated committees. The more committees established the easier it is on the individual plannersand the more extensive a cleanup may become. This is especially apparent when reviewing materialsfrom the Clinton River Cleanup or the Houge Uescue. The number of people involved in thesecleanups is truly exceptional.

For the Plaster Creek Cleanup, WMEAC learned that summer is not an ideal time for a cleanup.WMEAC was unable to have the cleanup during the spring so it was postponed till June. WMEACrecommends having a cleanup in the spring, probably May is the best month when the wintermonths have passed. It is, however, possible to have a successful cleanup in the summer.

One of the reasons for not having a cleanup during the summer is the lack of volunteer commitment.Numerous volunteer groups were not in session for the summer or organized enough to participate.Often groups would communicate an interest in participating some other time ofyear, namely spring­or fall. Individuals that were contacted were unable to participate because of vacations or priorcommitments. Other reasons for not having a cleanup are simply due to the conditions of the season:the vegetation is very thick; mosquitoes may be prevalent; and of course, the heat.

It is best if the cleanup is On a weekend so more people can participate. Forthe Plaster CreekCleanup, it was appropriate to hold the cleanup on a weekend because working adults were involved.Another WMEAC cleanup, The Earthday Hiverbank Cleanup on the Grand Hiver is held during theweek, because school children participated in the cleanup during their regularly scheduled classes.

The time available for planning the event will certainly affect the extent of the cleanup. For thePlaster Creek Cleanup, plans for enhancing trails with wood chips or planting flowers had to becancelled because of the lack of time for planning of the cleanup. Ideally, this could happen infuture years if a volunteer or group can be delegated to handle this specific task such as a gardenclub. This project is especially gratifying for volunteers because it is positive involvement ratherthan the negative aspect of picking up garbage.

4

SECTION 2: ACCESS TO PRIVATE PROPERTY

Because Plaster Creek is located in an urban area, much of the property in the creek corridor isprivate. In order to clean the majority of streambanks in the cleanup area, it may be desireable togain access to private property. There are several ways to solve this problem and obtain permissionfrom property owners:

1. Do not clean areas of creek located on private property.2. Clean areas on private property and do not obtain permission from property owners (not recom­mended).3. Obtain permission from property owners by mailing a letter which notifies them of the event andrequests permission to access their property.4. Obtain permission by asking property owners individual1y (door-to-door).

For the Plaster Creek Cleanup, WMEAC decided to obtain permission by mailing a letter to propertyowners. First, a mailing list of property owners was obtained from the accessor's office. The City ofWyoming was able to give a list free ofcharge because of the special circumstances ofa cleanup.However, the addresses for Grand Rapids residents had to be ascertained from the platt books. Thiswas not a difficult or lengthy process (2-3 hours) and the accessor assisted us with the maps.

The letter which was mailed informed the property owners of the event and politely requested theysend a card back indicating whether Or not they would allow access to their property. WithWMEAC's computer desktop publishing system the cards were copied four times on a page and cutout to save paper and postage. The postage was included on the cards to make it more convenientfor people to respond. If this mailing method is selected, it is important to use the property ad­dresses rather than the mailing addresses unless it is obvious no one is at the address (e.g. railroadproperty).

The response from this mailing was good. Although only sixteen responded out of approximatelyforty people, only yes responses were received. Some individuals called asking how they couldcontribute to the event. One business offered to provide a dumpster while another business took theinitiative to pickup the trash on their own property. This method was sucessful because it encour­aged the property owner to get involved with water quality protection to the best of their abilitystarting in their own back yard.

Materials:

1. Letter to Plaster Creek property owners.2. Response cards

5

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1'1geon RIver CountryState Forest 011 DrillingProtecUons 1980

Surlace ('lnd UndergroundMine Ikdamat!orl Act1982

Clfl,;.'\t Lakes 011Drilling Ban 1982

Peat MIning Act 1984

Chlordane Ban 1987

StateWide CombinedSewer Ovcr1low Policy19f18

rllchlgan NOli PointSource Water PollutlonManagement Strategy1988

Hecycled Paper

Dear Plaster Creek Streambank Property Owner,

Efforts. are underway to implement a watershed management plan for Plaster Creek inKent County.

This letter is to inform property owners along Plaster Creek about an upcoming projectto cleanup litter along the streambanks. The West Michigan Environmental ActionCouncil (WMEAC) and Garfield Park Neighborhoods Association (GPNA) arecoordinating a Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup on Saturday, June 24 from 9:00 AMto 12:00 PM.

Several community organizations are providing volunteers for the event. Litter will bepicked up along streambanks from the mouth of Plaster Creek near the Grand RapidSWaste Water Treatment Plant to Kalamazoo Avenue near Ken-O-Sha Park.

We (WMEAC and GPNA) are asking you, as a streambank property owner, to give usaccess to your streambank. Volunteers will be crossing your property to pick up Jitterwithin approximately 10 yards ofthe creek. We will take full responsibility for ourvolunteers along with Kent County, who will be co-sponsoring the event.

A response to our access request is appreciated. For your convenience, we have encloseda reply card. Please return it to WMEAC as soon as possible. If you have anyreservations about allowing access to your streambank, or need more informationabout the cleanup, don't hesitate to call.

If you can suggest groups that could assist with the cleanup or if you have ideas formaking the cleanup a success, please contact me,

Plaster Creek is the most degraded creek in Kent County. Please do your part bymaintaining your property to prevent runoff of oil, grease, sediment, fertilizers,pesticides, and toxic materials.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

L~u~Serena E. WilleyPlaster Creek Cleanup Coordinator

SA

D Yes, Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup volunteers have mypermission to access my streambank property for pickingup litter if necessary, on Saturday, June 24 from 9:00 AM to12:00 PM.

D No, Plaster Creek Streamhank Cleanup volunteers do not havehave my permission to have access to my streambank property.

Name or Contect Person _

Company (if applicable)' _

Address ---------------

Phone

D Yes, Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup volunteers have mypermission to access my streambank property for pickingup litter ifnecessary, on Saturday, June 24 from 9:00 AM to12:00 PM.

D No, Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup volunteers do not havehave my permission to have access to my streambank property.

Name or Contact Person _

Company (if applicable)' _

Address- _

Phone

DYes, Piaster Creek Streambank Cleanup volunteers have mypermission to access my streambank property for pickingup litter ifnecessary, on Saturday, June 24 from 9:00 AM to12:00 PM.

D No, Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup volunteers do not havehave my permission to have access to my streambank property.

Name or Contact Person _

Company (ifapplicable)' _

Address _

Phone

DYes, Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup volunteers have mypermission to access my streambank property for pickingup litter ifnecessary, on Saturday, June 24 from 9:00 AM to12:00 PM.

D No, Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup volunteers do not havehave my permission to have access to my streambank property.

Name or Contact Person _

Company (if applicable), _

Address _

Phone

SECTION 3: INSURANCE AND SAFETY

Insurance

Insurance is an important issue which must be dealt with and may add a significant cost to thecleanup. The following list are options for insurance coverage for a one-day event:

1. Do not obtain insurance for the event and try to ensure safety of cleanup volunteers.2. Obtain an insurance policy for a one-day event (may be expensive depending on liability).3. Find a co-sponsor with adequate coverage and do not obtain your own coverage.4. Find a co-sponsor with adequate coverage and get endorsed on their coverage for one day.

For the Plaster Creek Cleanup, WMEAC decided not to obtain coverage because other co-sponsors ofthe event had their own coverage. Initially, the City of Grand Rapids and Wyoming were pursued tobecome co-sponsors. However, Grand Rapids indicated they had met their quota for co-sponsoringevents and Wyoming would not cover us under their insurance policy.

WMEAC made several phone calls to determine the cost of one-day coverage. Later WMEAC discov­ered that Kent County was sponsoring the event and insuring it as well since the cleanup wasfunded as part of a grant to the Kent County Drain Commissioner. Because GPNA and Kent Countywere insuring their part in the event, WMEAC decided not to be concerned about its own coverageand focus on ensuring the safety of the cleanup volunteers.

Safety

Planners must determine early on just how much work should the cleanup volunteers be responsiblefor. For example, should they wade in the creek to retrieve tires, etc. To decide this planners mustexamine the depth and the rate of flow of creek, the age group of volunteers, the insurance coverage,and time available for planning. Also the creek may be so polluted that bodily contact is too danger­ous for cleanup volunteers.

This consideration is extremely important. Ifit is decided to allow volunteers in the creek, theymust be aware of this prior to the cleanup day. WMEAC decided not to do this with the PlasterCreek Cleanup because of the high water level and lack oftime for careful planning. Some sectionsof Plaster Creek were totally omitted from the cleanup because of safety reasons. One area inparticular where there were no walking trails, had buildings located directly on the streambank witha sharp incline to the creek.

Safety of the volunteers is only possible if the volunteers themselves exercise caution and commonsense. On the day of the event, cleanup volunteers were asked to sign a release form indicating theyhad read the instructions and were aware of the risks involved. This was done at a lawyer's sugges­tion to unofficially hold us harmless if an injury occurred and also to have a list of all volunteers par­ticipating in the event.

When advertising the cleanup, instruct volunteers to bring any equipment nescessary (see Supplies,page 9) and to wear protective clothing. It is important to have a certified nurse and first aid kitreadily accessible at the cleanup. If an injury were to occur, volunteers must know where to report.

Materials:

1. Release Form

6

PLASTER CREEK STREAMBANK CLEANUP VOLUNTEERS

I have read the instructions for volunteers for the Plaster Creek Streambank Clean­up and agree to abide by those instructions. I am aware that this Project may prescntcertain hazards if I do not pay careful attention to my personal safety and herebyrelease the co-sponsors of this project, West Michigan Environmental Action Council,Garfield Park Neighborhoods Association, and Kent County, from any claim fordamages or injuries incurred in the course of my participation in this project.

NAME ADDRESS

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GROUP(if applicable)

NUMBERIN GROUP

SECTION 4: VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND MEDIA

volunteer Recruitment

Recruiting volunteer was the most time-intensive task involved with the Plaster Creek Cleanup.Numerous phone calls were made to organizations which were either not interested or not in sessionfor the summer. Volunteer groups recruited for the cleanup included Boy Scouts of America, Michi­gan Youth Club, Girl Scout Council ofMI Trails, GPNA and WMEAC totalling 106 participants.GPNA contacted most of the volunteers with their connections in the community including someneighbors living near Plaster Creek. WMEAC assigned a volunteer to make calls to the WMEACmembership. About 15-20 WMEAC v.olunteers attended.

A flyer was made with WMEAC's computer desktop publishing sysytem and posted at all the volun­teer headquarters involved and also at businesses along Plaster Creek. This flyer was mailed to areachurches as well and WMEAC asked them to post it or announce the event in their Sunday bulletin.

Initially, planners must brainstorm about community groups, neighborhood associations, civicgroups and churches which may be interested in volunteering for the cleanup. It would very helpfulto assign several volunteers to this grueling task of making phone calls, obtaining mailing lists andwriting letters.

When recruiting volunteers, consider the number needed for each work station (see Work Stations,page 8). Ifit is an organization be sure to establish one contact who will serve as a group leader. Ifit is an individual ask some of them if they can be group leaders. The number of group leaders willdepend on the number of work stations. One week prior to the Plaster Creek Cleanup all groupleaders received a letter describing the event and safety instructions for cleanup volunteers.

Media

For the Plaster Creek Cleanup a press release was sent to about 40 media people in the GrandRapids area. An announcement appeared in a small suburban newspapaer and a few communitynewsletters. Two major radio stations requested interviews about the cleanup including one fifteenminute program. Also a community radio station made several brief announcements two days priorto the event.

WMEAC recommends that the key media reporters are contacted two or threee days before the eventas a reminder for them to attend the cleanup. Two TV stations and a Grand Rapids Press reporterwere present on the cleanup day.

When speaking to media, emphasize the co-sponsors and volunteer groups involved. Be sure todescribe the significance ofthe cleanup beyond picking up trash and the need to get the communityinvolved and aware of their watershed.

Materials;

1. First planning meeting with GPNA2. Press release3. Report prepared for press and public about Plaster Creek Nonpoint Watershed Plan4. Articles announcing Plaster Creek Cleanup5. Letters mailed to recruit volunteers6. Plaster Creek flyer7. Signup Sheet posted at WMEAC office8. Letter and instruction mailed to WMEAC volunteers

7

~ark "Jeighborhoods ~ssociation

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tV AN K ~arfieldMII ..... UHI AUotlAtUIlif 334 Burton S.E.

Phone 241-2443

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49507

PLASTER CREEK CLEAN-UP

Minutes of Planning Committee Meeting

April 19, 1989

Present I Mary Kennedy, I,orien and Linda Wallace, Carol Rosa(Salvation Army), Krista Dykstra (Climbing Tree School),Ryan Smith, Mary Jane Reed, John Wynbeek (AlternativeDirections), Shari Schaftlein (WMEAC), Sonya Hughes(Girl Scouts), Steve Redmond and Carol Townsend,

In addition to the groups represented above, Bob Saenz withthe Boy Scouts and Dave Dyk with Seymour Christian Reformed Churchare interested in participating.

The clean-up is being co-sponsored by GPNA and West MichiganEnvironmental Action Council. Shari Schaftlein reported that ~~EAC

will be undertaking an extensive effort to up-grade the quality ofthe water in Plaster Creek over the ncxt year a:J well as a campaignto educate all of us in helping to prevent pollution of the creek.This clean-up is the first step in this total effort.

GPNA is responsible for cleaning up that portion of the creeklocated within its boundaries: 28th Street to U.S. 131. WMEACwill clean up other parts of the creek.

The clean-up will occur on Saturday, June 24, from~ a.m.to noon, rain or 'shine. Anyone from 7 years old on up is encour­aged to participate. (We recommend that younger children come withadult supervision.)

To Do: The following things must be done before the clean-up takesplace.

1. Everyone recruits volunteers.

2. Identify a central meeting spot for all volunteer workers.(Brookside School).

3. Find volunteers to staff a First Aid Station.

4. Obtain needed equipment: bags, gloves, rakes, etc.

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5.

6.

7.

- 2 -

Research any planting that we could do on the banks andobtain the seed/bulbs.

Obtain food donations for the workers. coffee/juice/donuts, for the morning and hot dogs/chipsjpop, whenfinished working. .

Map out work crew areas along creek with entry and exitpoints, including trash pick up sites.

Please aSsess what you or your group might be able to helpwith and let Steve or Carol at GPNA know (241-2443). We will senQout periodic up-dates to you.

Thank you for your interest!

7 B

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Inland 1..<lkes <lnd StreamsAd 1972

Sand Dune rrotcellanand Management Act1976

Michigan Bottle mil 1976

Solid WilsIe Managem('ntAct 1978

Wdland ProtectionAe119"19

Mlchlg<lJ1 U~d Motor 011Ik,o:-yt:.lingProgram 1979

Hazardous Waste' ..nagcmenl ACI 1979

Plg\~()n RJvcr CoUlltryStah' Forest Oil DrillingProtections 1980

Surfa<;c and UndergroundMine Reclamation Act!982

(Jrcal Lakes 011Drilling Ban 1982

Pelll ~1il\in9 IIet 1964

Chlordane Ban 1987

St.1k",l,k CombinedS("W<'T O\Trflow I'olley19111l

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PRESS RELEASE - June 2, 1989

COmACTS: Serena Willey, WMEAC 451-3051Carol Townsend, Garfield Park Neighborhoods Assoc. 241-2443

Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup -Volunteers Needed

The West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) and the Garfield ParkNeighborhoods Association are coordinating a litter cleanup and debris removal alongPlaster Creek Saturday, June 24 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Several communityorganizations are providing volunteers for the event.

Interested volunteers should call WMEAC at 451-3051 wfind out the meeting site andcleanup assignments. Refreshments will be served and an opportunity will be provided toreview watershed displays and to learn what an individual can do wprotect water quality.

Litter will be picked up along streambanks from the mouth of Plaster Creek near tile GrandRapids Waste Water Treatment Plant to Kalamazoo Avenue near Ken-O-Sha Park. In a1.3 mile stretch of this lower section of the Creek the following debris was found: 28 tires;30 shopping carts, a car hood, a freezer, and 20 milk crates. Upstream of Kalamazoo Ave,in Kentwood, volunteers will clean up near creek road crossings where trash accumulates.Volunteers will remove litter and the easily accessible and manageable debris. Later inthe summer, Public Works employees from Grand Rapids and Wyoming will remove thelarge debris.

According to Serena Willey, Plaster Creek Cleanup coordinator, "the goal of the project isto make the corridor more aesthetically pleasing and to heighten environmentalawareness of the most degraded creek in Kent County."

The cleanup is funded by the City of Grand Rapids, Wyoming, and the MichiganDepartment of Natural Resources, and is part of the Plaster Creek Nonpoint WatershedImplementation Activities.

As follow-up to the cleanup, WMEAC will prepare a Binder of material on how to do a bankcleanup. The Binder will be promoted through community newlettters and project pressreleases so that school and civic groups throughout the state can organize their owncleanup.

Also, WMEAC will seek commitments from watershed communities to maintain theCreek by removing large debris and log jams on an annual basis if needed.

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~nd Dune Pro\ecUonlind HlHl3gcmcnt Act1976

Michigan t.'>otH~ !'lill 1976

SOlid WaSle ManagementAct J978

\.\c!I,md ProtectionA<-11979

Mlclllg:H\ Used Molor onI{ecyding Program 1979

'iaZMdo"s Wllslelrl/lgcmcnt Act 1979

Pigeon Rh'v CountryStiliI' rOle!>l Oil DrillingProlections 1980

Surface and UndergroundMine Reclamation Act1982

Grelll Lakes OilDrilling Ban 1982

i'e<ll Mining Act 1984

Chlordane Ban 1987

Stalcl.'idc COmbinedSe\,-cr Ovcrilo,,- I'olley1988

Michigan Non PointSource Waler PollulionManagement Strategy19SIJ

Ikcycl('(l Paper

June 1989

Plaster Creek Nonpoint Watershed Project PlanDevelopment and Implementation

In 1987, the Kent County Drain Commissioner and the West Michigan Environ­mental Action Council received a $48,000 planning grant to preparean urban nonpoint source watershed plan for Plaster Creek, the most degradedstream in Kent County. The Plan was prepared according to recommended guide­lines provided by the DNR-Nonpoint .Unit.

The 58-square-mile watershed includes portions of the Cities of Grand Rapids,Kentwood, Wyoming, and the Townships of Gaines, Caledonia, and Cascad~. Plan­ning Commissions, Engineering and Public Works Departments and elected repre­sentatives in these units ofgovemment can influence nonpoint sources. The follow­ing county level entities have opportunities to influence nonpoint sources in thewatershed: Soil Conservation District, Cooperative Extension Service, Drain Com­missioner, and Road Commission. The West Michigan Environmental Action Coun­cil is a non-profit environmental group which advocates water quality improve­ments in the local areas. The DNR Gr.and Rapids District office has regulatory andenforcement authority for state laws that impact the watershed.

The lower third of the watershed is nearly level to gently rolling and is heavilyurbanized. The middle and upper portion ofthe watershed is nearly level to rolling.The middle portion is suburbanized while the upper portion is rural v.':ith suburbanencroachment occurring at a rapid rate.

The current water quality problems (both surface and ground) were assessed byreviewing the following: DNR water quality files; Grand Rapids Wastewater Treat­ment Facility Monthly River Monitoring data; results of a dry and wet weathersampling program; sediment sampling results; a re\':iew of past reports; and physi­cal changes to the Creek as described in the files ofDNR's Land and Water Manage­ment Division. Further, a walking tour of the watershed was made and two publicmeetings were held.

Intermittent water quality problems in the Creek are numerous. A variety of toxicand conventional pollutants enter the Creek from storrnwater runoff and from illicitand accidental dumping of waste and wastewater. Physical problems in the water­shed include trash and debris in the Creek and along the banks, and moderate tosevere bank erosion throughout the length of the main stream. Numerous tree andbrush obstructions exist.

7 E

All of these water quality problems negatively influence the use and enjoyment ofthe Creek by watershed residents. The natural resource value of the Creek is verylimited. Property loss and other threats to existing structures are caused by erodedbanks. Flooding limits use and enjoyment of private land during heavy or extendedrain events. Both erosion and flooding are caused by excessive runoffin the urbanarea.

Urban watersheds become degraded because there is no tradition ofplanning ormanagement at the watershed level. Management is difficult because of the histori­cally segmented pattern of property ownership where numerous individual decision­makers, each pursuing different objectives, modify their lands without consideringthe full impact of such modifications. In addition, there is a lack of effective controlby any single level ofgovernment over the directions taken by land use changes inwatersheds, as these changes affect water and adjacent land resources.

As part of the State Legislature's Great Lakes initiatives package, a $100,000 DNR­administered grant was awarded to the Kent County Drain Commissioner to imple- ­ment portions of the Plaster Creek Nonpoint Watershed Plan. Approximately$62,000 oflocal matching funds are also being provided.

The grant presents a unique opportunity to promote water quality improvements inthe community. Plan objectives and implementation activities are as follows.

1. Reduce priority pollutants (toxics) flowing into the creek from suspectdrains. Initial efforts will focus on Silver Creek Drain, which receives more com­plaints than any site in the County. The DNR and City of Grand Rapids Wastewa­ter Treatment Plant staffwill walk through and visually inspect the Drain, to deter­mine the number and types of pipes entering the Drain. Four Isco discrete sam­plers will be installed for a six-month period, to help determine areas of concern.Parameters to be sampled include: Metals (4 elements), Free Cyanide, Grease andOils, Biological Oxygen Demand, Suspended Solids, Fecal Coliform, and pH. Busi­nesses will be targeted by using sewer maps to locate the drainage areas, and com­munity directories to locate addresses. Locations with the potential to dischargehazardous chemicals will be the highest priority.

Suspect businesses will be dye tested to determine if there are illegal drain connec­tions. A long-term sampling program has been designed to monitor progress. Thestate is providing 60% of the project costs.

Educational activities to complement this effort are a press release, distribution of10,000 flyers on urban drain best management practices to property owners, andpreparation of a graphic display highlighting project activities. The state pro­vides100% cost share for education activities.

7 F

2. Remove debris, litter, and obstructions from the creek. Public Worksemployees from Grand Rapids and Wyoming, over a two-week period oftime, willremove the large man-made material and log jams from the creek. WMEAC willorganize a debris cleanup on the banks of the creek, using civic groups, volunteers,and neighborhood organizations. WMEAC will prepare a Stream Clean Up Binder,which will serve as a "cookbook" for doing a bank cleanup. The Binder will be pro­moted through community newsletters and project press releases so that school andcivic groups throughout the state can organize their own clean up. Commitmentswill be sought from local units ofgovernment to maintain the stream by removinglarge debris and log jams on an annual basis.

3. Encourage erosion control and proper stormwater management in de·veloping areas, and retrofit developed areas where feasible to obtain wa·ter quality benefits.

The Drain Comissioner will be overseeing a consultants evaluation and design forretrofitting an existing stormwater detention basin which serves an industrial area.­The DNR is providing 100% cost share for this planning effort, which will serve as amodel for the state.

Educational activities will promote the water quality and water quantity benefits ofstormwater management practices. Information on stormwater management prac­tices in urbanized areas will be collated by WMEAC and placed in a Binder. It willbe publicized that the Stor.mwater Management Binder is available for review atthe local unit of government's offices. Several education activities will focus onwetlands and the beneficial stormwater management functions they serve. Anexisting wetland slide show, map, and guidebook will be promoted for use through­out the watershed. Wetland permits and loss trends in the watershed will betracked.

4. Promote greenbelt management and use of natural streambank restora­tion methods to stabilize eroding banks. Educational efforts will focus onencouraging owners of Creek frontage to enhance and maintain their frontage.Erosion control methods on upland areas adjacent to the Creek will also be pro­moted. A Greenbelt Binder will be prepared. Property owners will receive a letterwhich describes the benefits ofa greenbelt and the availability of the Binder. TheBinder will include information on: appropriate vegetative and structural practicesfor stabilizing streambanks; litter and natural debris and obstruction removal;examples of proper greenbelt maintenance; cost estimates for improvements; and aresource list for obtaining materials and contractors.

A Review of erosion control activities in the watershed will be performed byWMEAC. A written summary of the Review findings will be submitted to the DNRSoil Erosion Control Staffperson, local enforcement agencies, and the elected offi­cials from local units of government.

7 G

5. Increase the awareness of citizens and local decisionmakers on thesources and impacts of nonpoint pollution. Educational efforts are designed todevelop community support for project activities and promote watershed manage­ment concepts. WMEAC's Urban Nonpoint Best Management Practice Booklets willbe revised for statewide distribution. The existing watershed displays will be up­dated and enhanced, and promoted. Press releases will be sent out regularly, and a20-mmute videotape will be produced. Progressive watershed management activi­ties throughout the state will be highlighted in the videotape.

6. Encourage use of best management practices at active farms where pooranimal management or tillage practices have led to water pollutionproblems. WMEAC will encourage landowners to take advantage of the availablesupport networks that exist for rural land management. Persons requesting de­tailed information on management practices will be referred to the Kent CountySoil Conservation District Office or the Cooperative Extension Office.

7 H

-: .... ':..~ • w • • .• _ _ "•.N ~'_ , __ ,__•••~••_.. .~__ ,,"':"

With state help, effort to cleanurj"PlasterCte-ek~b~'gins

p@

By TOM BLOSSFELOWith a $100,000 boost from

the state,' and an a'dditional$62,000 in local matchingfunds, the West MichiganEnvironmental Action Coune!!(WMEAC) along with the KentCounty Drain Commissi0l11ast .

C'assiiieds Page 20,commtiliiyviem .\l'agB"4..' -~;. I': <." ".,' -,,;~~p' '. '~>:u'~~,~·lJIvo,s ons ;,., age".".•>Events Calendar" i,:. ;'Page27 'Lifestyle ,. ,;Page,11;;'.6n Your CNln ,' :", page;'i4 ~

'Rec1pe ,.\:\;': } Page '12"'Sports.::., .. ::,:".. , page ,16"

VideoPh'ile , Paye1 DC

. week kicked off a program to tunity to promote water quali; , ." ,clean up PlasterCreek..' ty improvements in our com~i)'

The creek" which runs munity." ,through parts of Wyoming, Funding is part of the State ,

'Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Legislature's Great Lakes rni·.~:,:.:·,

East, Grand Rapids, and tiativepackage.' . '.'Gaines, Caledonia, Cascade, The funding is.important in:,·/':and Grand Rapids townships". that this is the first time that J,.is "one of the most com· the state DNR has helped.·,.plained·about streams in the finance an urban nonpoint· ',"city," said Shari Shamein, a .' , watershed plan. , ",','" •water quality, sp€Cialist with The program' is aimed" at ~. j'WMEAC. reducing pollutants from the" ,

"The Michigan Department 'creek; removing denris,litter; ,."'ot Natural Resources (DNR) and obstructions; and en·....~2.,·'·.'. will ,provide $100,000 over the couraging proPer stormwater·,"·

next year and a half to im· and erosion control manage-:.o".plement portions of the Plaster '. ment in developing areas.,. ~"'" Representatives allhe cities 01 Grand RapIds, Wyoming, Kantwood,Creek Nonpoint Watershed ". '. The program' would, ·also.· .. '~ ..' and'East Grand Rapids, alongwRh Games.. CaledGnia. Cascade, and

,Plan, which was developed by" promote greenbelt manage-. .. ,".,' Grand Rapids townships, visit Plaster Creek In Wyoming as parl of aWMEAC and the county Drain 'ment and use of, nat,!ral West Michigan EnVironmental. Action Council tour designed, to'',''Commission," she said. "This '. streambank restoralion ,'. promote ihe urban watershed, , .grant presents a unique oppor-,, PI"''''' CLEANUP. Page 6. . ' . ' "

.~.-

torically niuddy," shenoted. "But there arethings we can do tominimize erosion.' Theproblem is exacerbatedby not keeping sedimenton land during construc­tion. "

To slow erosion duringconstruction, Shaftieinsuggested keeping a buf­fer on both sides of thecreek, maintaining ero­sion-control methods,and implementating anerosion-control plan.

A second part of theprogram is the PlasterCreek, StreambankCleanup, scheduled for 9a.m. to noon on Saturday,June 24. Several commu­nity' organizations areproviding volunteers lor'the event, but more vol,unteers are still needed,said Serena Willey,WMEAC cleanup coordi­nator.

Litter will be picked upalong the streambanksfrom the mouth of Plas­ter Creek near the GrandRapids Waste WaterTreatment Plant to Kal­amazoo Avenue near

jKen-O-Sha' Park. In apast cleanup effort, on aL3-mile 'stretch' of thislower section, volunteersfount! 28 tires, 30 shop­ping carts, a car llOOd, afreezer, 20 mill< crates,and more trash. .

On the June, 24 cleanupday, volunteers will ~e­move litter and eaSilyaccessible and manage­able debris. Later in thesummer, Public Works'employees from GrandRapids and Wyoming willremove larger debriswith chain saws andheavy equipment.

As a follow-up to thecleanup, WMEAC willprepare a binder of ma­terial on how to do a bankcleanup. The' binder willbe promoted throughcommunity newslettersand project press re­leases so that schools andcivic groups throughoutthe state can orgal11ze,their own cleanups. '

'said. "There were 24. grouhdwater contamina­'lion sites along PlasterCreek in 1988."

In the areas of Kent­wood, Byron, and Gaines,there is a lot of newdevelopment, and Shaft­lein said the communitiesmust have a storm, waterretention basin programto catch runoff from con­struction areas andparking lots. The reasonsare twofold: to preventflash floods and massive,

, erosion; and filter runoff'for cleaner water down­stream.

"Plaster Creek is his-

.;//' ,

,·r/ ........_C.....LE.....A.....NU_PContinued from Page t

methods to stabilize tour open to city officialseroding banks; increase and mem bers of thethe awareness of citizens media, which included 10and local decisionmakers stops at road crossingson the sources and int- and access sites to thepacts of nonpoint pollu- creek to highlight typicaltion; and encourage the watershed problems.use of best management Implementation activi­practices at active farms ties were also discussed.where poor animal man- "There are a lot ofagement or tillage prac- physical problems withtices have led to water the creek, such as era­pollution problems. sion, fallen trees, sedi-

Implementation aclivi-' ments, illegal dumpingsties were kicked off last of concrete and wastes,Friday with a watershed and more," Shafllein

I _

ADDENDA TO JUNE NEWSLETTER

£<:;S1z,Nh /i;ocl C:d-(Y)e'~n~

Ctr~~'a,,- 3,000

CORRECTION OF RECYCLE ARTICLEby thea Quit tel ier-diMat t i a

Tri-County Recycling has changed their policy since the article was written.They will now accept: Newspaper, corrugated cardboard, slick, junk mail and circu­lars, cores of paper towels and toilet tissue, brown bags, cereal and kleenex boxeswith the liners removed.

They do not accept: plastics, anything with wax on it, glass or plastic bottles,aluminum foil, cans, glass.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *PLASTER CREEK STREAMBANK CLEANUP-VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

The West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) and the Garfield PerkNeighborhood Association are coordinating a litter cleanup and debris removal alongPlaster Creek on Saturday, June 24, from 9 am to 12 noon. A meeting site will bedetermined where refreshments will be served and volunteers can learn more aboutthe most degraded creek in Kent County.

Interested volunteers should call Serena at WMEAC, 451-3051

Garfield Park Neighborhoods Association334 Burton Street, S.E. Grand Rapids, MI Phone 241-2443

PLASTER CREEK CLEAN·UPSaturday, June 24, 1969 is the scheduled date of PlasterCreek Clean·up. The clean-up is being co-sponsored byGPNA and West Michigan Environmental Action Council(WMEAC). The Plaster Creek clean-up is one in a series ofactivities that WMEAC has planned to improve the waterquality in Plaster Creek. We will concentrate on cleaningup the banks and the shallow parts of the creek locatedwithin our boundaries: 28th Street to U.S. 131.

GPNA is co-sponsoring this event as an opportunity tohelp improve the Garfield Park area, and we need yourhelp!! The clean-up will take place from 9:30 a.m. toNoon, June 24th, rain or shine. We will meet at 9:30 a.m.at Brookside School to hand out clean-up assignments andinstructions. We need volunteers for the clean-up, and tohelp prepare for the event. If you are interested in helpingout or want more information on the clean-up, contactSteve at the GPNA office.

NewsletterJUNE 1989

GPNA

7 N

111 "...... • ... ".~,'

KEN.O.SHA PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL1353 Van Auken S.E.

Grand Rapids. MI 49508(616) 246·5180

Grand Rapids Public Schools

Pat Sandro, SuperintendentAction Line #456-6767

JUNE 1989BULLETIN

Principal

. ' " ..,............... ~.~...-' '.........._............. ......... •.:t"",~," 'J~lIVUI; l.OuynL oy verry uutcner,Ottawa's Gymnastics coach. The cost for residents is $47.00. Pre-registrationis required. To register send your name, address and phone number, and a checkor money order plus choice of days (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday) andlevel (Beginners - l:OOp.m., or Advanced - 3:00p.m.) to: Grand Rapids RecreationDepartment, 201 Market Avenue S.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 'Need more information?Call 456-3696.

*BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER SUMMER PROGRAM--1989--Blandford is offering a summerprogram with 8 different classes including Pioneer Living, Rocks and Minerals,Indian Lore, Outdoor Survival, Nature Photography, etc. These classes are for7 and 8 year olds with a cost of $25,00. For more info\~ation, please callBLANDFORD NATURE CENTER 453-6192.

*SIXTH GRADE GRADUATION--Note on the calendar on the back of this sheet, thatour annual Awards Assembly/Graduation is scheduled for Friday, June 9, 1989.Our sixth graders have' been given invitations to take home to their parents,inviting them to this graduation. Other parents, of course, are invited tothe awards assembly. It begins at 1:OOp.m.

*FESTIVAL--Mr. Kadau's POHI classroom will be performing at Festival on Friday,June 2 at 12:00 p.m. on the Main Come and visit if you can!

Sally Hale, PrincipalColleen Pulte, AssistantSchoo1 #246-.55~18:::0~__--:--;--;::~~CZ;nN~iiTIWNT----1

~ OUR I1ISSION STATEMENT

"The staff of Ken-O-Sha Elementary is ~o~mitted toproviding quality educational opportunltles for a~lstudents. Through a cooperativ~.effort, we accepthe responsibility to promote hlgher l~v~ls of. thacademic performance.and t%ster posltlve growin behaviors and attltudes .

Itk&t'tt"QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL"

*PLASTER CREEK CLEAN-UP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The West Michigan Environmental ActionCouncil and Garfield Park Neighbol'hood Association, along with other volunteerorganizations, are coordinating their efforts to clean up litter and debris alongPlaster Creek stream banks. The clean up is scheduled for Saturday, June 24th from9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Community 9roups and interested citizens are encouraged tocome and help do some environmental good for the community. The clean up will runfrom the mouth of Plaster Creek where it enters into the Grand River, near the G.R.\'!aste Treatment Plant in Wyoming, to "Ihere it crosses Kalamazoo Ave. near Ken-O-ShePark. A free snack will be provided after the clean up. Plaster Creek is currEntlyconsidered the most degraded creek in Kent County--your support is appreciated!To volunteer, please call the West Michigan Environmental Action Council at 451-3051.

*FORM MUSEUM OBSERVES FLAG DAY--The Gerald R. Ford Museum will observe Flag Day,June 14th, with an outdoor display of flags from the 50 states. The flags willbe flown at the north end of the Museum's fountain from 10:00-4:30, weatherpermitting. In addition to the state flags, the Museum will be flying its20' x 30' United States flag in front of the building.

WMEA.iCCeleNaUng

20 ye&r/ll.f

'fransllOtlng concernmoo Action

1l7W· 1986

FIrst u.s. wwsult to BanDDT 1969

f1lchlgan I'.n\llron~ntal

Protection A<;l 1970

ltllamll..akes and streamsAct 1972

Sand Dune Protectionand Management Act1976

Mlchlg3i1 Bottle Bill 1976

SOlid Waste ManagementAct 1978

Wetland ProtectlonAc11979

MIChIgan U~d Motor onfkcycllng Program 1979

11Mardous WasteManagement Act 1979

PIgeon River CountryState Fore~ 011 DrUllngProtections 1980

Surlacc and UndergroundMine Reclamllllon Act1982

Oreal Lakes 011Drilling Ban 1982

I'cat Hlnlng Act 1984

Chlordane Ban 1987

Statewide CombinedSewer Overflow Policy1988

Michigan Non PolnlSource Water f'ol1ullonr'la.nagcmenl Strategy1968

June 15. 1989

Dear Kentwood Neighborhood Association:

This letter is to inform neighborhoods in Kentwood about a project tocleanup litter along Plaster Creek.

The West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) and theGarfield Park Neighborhoods Association are coordinating a PlasterCreek Streambank Cleanup on Saturday. June 24 from 9:00 AM to12:00 PM (See enclosed flyer).

We would like to extend the cleanup beyond Grand Rapids and Wyoming­into Kentwood. especially at major intersections where trashaccumulates. If possible. we would like to recruit 2-3 volunteers to pickup Jitter and safely accessible debris at each of the following roadcrossings in Kentwood along the creek:

1 Breton Ave.2-4 Shaffer (crosses 3 times)5 Broadmoor6 44th7 52nd8-9 60th (crosses 2 times)

Please call WMEAC if you know of anyone who may be interested inattending the cleanup. Realizing this is short notice. any assistance isgreatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

~~~ill~' cJftt;)Plaster Creek Coordinator

7 P

June 2,1989

Erma McmillenGirl Scouts Council of Michigan Trails3275 Walker NWGrand Rapids, Mi 49504

Dear Ms. McMillen,

Please put an announcement in your newsletter about the Plaster Creek ­Cleanup so I can recruit more volunteers. I have enclosed a pressrelease with a map on the back.

If you have any other ideas or suggestions of potential volunteers pleasegive me a call.

Sincerely,

Serena E. WilleyWater Program Assistant

7 Q

ay 25,1989

following informationup to your Boy Scout

you for offering to distribute thethe Plaster Creek's Streambank CleanLeaders.

hankboutroop

ear Mr. Kinney,

im KinneyNest Michigan Shores Counciloy Scouts of America

1935 Monroe NWrand Rapids, MI 49505

ecently, WMEAC received a grant from the state to up-grade theohe quality of the water in Plaster Creek and to educate theommunity about the most degraded creek in Kent County. To startp this project WMEAC, with the Garfield Park Neighborhoodsssociation, will sponsor a clean up of the stream bank.

he clean up will occur on Saturday, June 24, from 9:30 a.m. tooon, rain or shine. The clean up area will stretch about 5iles from where the creek enters the Grand near the Waste

Nater Treatment Plant to where it crosses Kalamazoo Ave. Anyonerom 7 years old on up is encouraged to participate (we recommend

ohat younger children come with adult supervision). Aoentative meeting site at Brookside Schools has been selected.Ne are hoping for a lunch for all volunteers afterwards, but ateast beverages and snacks will be provided.

PC.!l1 Mining Act 1964

CHeal Lakes OllDrilling Ban 1982

Pigeon River CountryStale Forcst 011 DrlllingProtections 1960

\IIMEACCelebr¥ltJng

20 )'eanlof

Tn~m~llltJngeo"Ctt'DInto AcUl;ltl

Chlordane Ban 1987

Wetland ProtectionAct J979

Halilfdous WasteManagement Ad 1979

sand Dunt: Protec.tlonlind MlInsgcmelll Ad1976

1'1ithlgan used Holor 011Retycl!nB Program 1979

Inland Lakes and SttC'llmsAct 1972

Michigan EnvironmentalPrOlecl!on Ad 1970

SOlid Wasle Matl~mentAct 1976

Michigan BoWe BllI 1976

Fj~t U.S. Ulw$ulllo nanDDT 1969

1%8· t9SS

Surface and UndernroundHine Reclamation Ad1932

StatCldde CombinedS<:,,-er Overflow Polley1988

Hi(h~an NOn PointY>UICC Waler PollutionHalll>gemCfll Strategy19136

ob Saenz's troup has already offered to help. We need about 100ore volunteers, however, any assistance will be greatlyppreciated. Suggestions of other potential volunteers are alsoelcome. This is an excellent opportunity to do some environ­ental good, so please call me if you are interested.

inCerelY'~ tJ,!~

erena E. Wi 11ey

Recycled Paper

7 R

June 13.1989

To Whom It May Coneern:

If interested in this project, please post flyer andlor announce in this Sunday'sbulletin. Thank you.

Sincerely,

~iU~Scrcna E. Willey, WMEAC

June 13.1989

To Whom It May Concern:

If interested in this project, please post flyer andlor announce in this Sunday'sbulletin. Thank you.

Sincerely,

LfU~Serena E. Willey, WMEAC

June 13.1989

To Whom It May Concern:

If interested in this project, please post flyer andlor announce in this Sunday'sbulletin. Thank you.

Sincerely.

~(!J4Serena E. Willey, WMEAC

June 13.1989

To Whom It May Concern:

If interested in this project, please post flyer andlor announce in this Sunday'sbulletin. Thank you.

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Saturday, June 249:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Volunteers will meet at Brookside School, 2505 Madison SE by 9:00 AM.Refreshments will be served and everyone will have an opportunity to learn

what an individual can do to protect water quality.More Volunteers are needed!

Can the West Michigan EnvironmentalAction Council, 451m 3051

Sponsored by:

The West Michigan Environmental Action CounCi'--rrfield Park Neighborhoods Association, and Kent County

7 T I .

SIGN UP

EVENT: PUlSTER CRHK ClERNUP, June 24, 1989, rain or shine.

TIME/pLACE: 9:00am till 12:00noon - meeting place to be arranged.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! /Vftt+ At '8(flOk~iJE'~chot>I,2S0~Volunteers are needed to help pick up litter and safely accessible debris Mt'td 1$,4:lnalong Plaster Creek Streambanks. Refreshments will be" provided as well as SEan opportunity to learn what an individual can do to help water quality.If interested, volunteers can be group leaders or help with preliminarydetails. Contact Serena, WMEAC 451-3051.

NAME ADDRESS

~0 fi< r!u' .s C8?-b ~e..N-j~""- $'l..3(N:.~ ((( i Ivett D, $ C6Y gS'ha Ir' voe f'L.

7 lJ

PHONE

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1I!I'MEACCelebrlltll1g

20 yearaof

l'nmll1lJ1tJ"B COrKerninto AcUo13

1968 - 1988

t"irsl U.S. lawsuit to BanDDT 1969

MIchIgan EnvllOnmentalProtection Act 1970

Inliwd Lakes and StreamsAct 1972

$and Dun(' Prot>;:cllonand Managcr--'CIll Act1976

Michigan Bottle Bill 1976

SOlid Wasle ManagementAct 1978

Wdlllrld f'rotft lionAcll979

Michigan Us.ed Molor allRccycllng Program J 979

H<lurdous WasteM11l1agement Act 1979

PIgeon RIver COuntrySt.ate fOlest all DrilllngProtectlons 1980

Surface and UndergroundMine Reclamallon Ael1982

Great Lakes 011Drliling Ban 1982

Peal Hlnlng Act 1984

Chlordane Ban 1987

statewide Combinedsewer Overt1ow Policy1963

Michigan Non POintSOurce Waler rollutlonManagement Strategy1988

Kn:yclcd Pil~f

June 19,1989

Dear Plaster Creek Volunteer,

Thank you for contributing your morning of Saturday, June 24 to the PlasterCreek Streambank Cleanup. This letter will help familiarize you with whats instore on Saturday. Also enclosed are instructions for the day of the cleanup. Pleasereview this. Copies will be available on Saturday as well.

Please meet with your group (if applicable) at 9:00 AM at Brookside School, 2505Madison SE, just South of Alger. Since there is no rain date for this event, we will bethere rain or shine.

We strongly recommend you and your group wear the following for protection againstpoison iVy and insect bites: long pants; long·sleeved shirt; long socks; suitable shoesor boots; and work gloves if you have them. items useful to bring: pool skimmers ornets, and bug spray.

At the school, volunteers should first sign in and receive list of instructions. Adultvolunteers will be asked to then sign a release form, indicating they have read theinstructions and are aware of any risks involved In the cleanup.

Refreshments will be provided While WMEAC's water quality scientist, ShariSchaftlein will discuss what an individual can do to protect water quality. Rest roomswill be available as well.

After the presentation, groups will be divided up and work stations will be assigned.Groups will receive maps which will describe the cleanup station, where to park, andwhere to put trash piles. Gloves and bags will be distributed. Volunteers will lhencarpool to their section of the creek.

Volunteers will leave their cleanup area at 11 :45 to return to Brookside School.Someone will be there to take back gloves and leftover bags.

If you have any questions or are unable to attend, please call me at 451·3051.

Sincerely,

~ftJ~Serena E. WilleyPlaster Creek Cieanup Coordinator

7 "

Plaster Creek Streambank CleanupINSTRUCTIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS

Please read the list below to your group (if you are a group leader) prior tobeginning work at your assigned work station:

1. Insure everyone stays with their group. Try to stay out of road as much as possible andbe careful when crossing.

2. Instruct volunteers to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and shoes throughout cleanupto protect themselves from poison ivy and insect bites.

3. Pick up litter and safely accessible debris along creek. On Saturday, you will be assigneda work station and given a map which will describe your cleanup area, where to park, andwhere to put trash piles.

4. Be sure to lead the group. If an area is especially mUddy, be careful. If it seemsdangerous, do not cleanup that area.

5. Avoid contact with the water as much as possible. You are not responsible for picking up _trash in the creek itself, unless you have a net to get at floating material.

6. Make sure everyone wears gloves when picking up trash.

7. Please do not fill bags over 30 Ibs. Tie bags in a knot or use twist ties. Bring bags toroadside just off the road right-of-way when filled and try to have a number of bags at onelocation to make it easier on the sanitation truck workers.

8. You may pick up large ijems if your group can move it to the roadside safely.

9. Instruct children not to pick up broken glass. Adults can pick up glass if they feel theycan do so safely.

10. Instruct children not to pick up syringes. If any are found (this is not likely), adultscan pick them up by the base end only, place in a plastic container, and dispose of in plasticbags.

11. Instuct volunteers' to wash and dry clothing in hot cycle after cleanup. Instruct themalso to take a shower or bath using plenty of soap and water.

Please Note:

Report injuries at once to the first aid station at Brookside School where a nurse will beavailable. Life EMS will also be patrolling the area.

Leave cleanup station at 11 :45 to return to Brookside School. Someone will be there to takeback gloves and left over bags.

ENJOY THE DAY AND MANY THANKS !Il

7 W

SECTION 5: WORK STATIONS

It is extremely important that a cleanup planner becomes very familiar with the creek corridor to becleaned. WMEAC recommends walking the section of the creek at least twice to establish workstations for each group ofvolunteers. When walking the creek for the first time, planners can orientthemselves to the creek corridor. For the second time planners must consider parking, work stationsize, number of volunteers needed, and where to put trash piles.

Determining the number ofvolunteers needed to clean a section of the creek is not an easy task. Thequantity of trash determines the number ofvolunteers needed. For the Plaster Creek Cleanup, eachgroup had a section between intersections ofmain road crossings (see maps on the following pages).On the average about 5-10 volunteers covered a distance less than 0.5 mile. For the Earthday River­bank Cleanup on the Grand River, each station required about 30-40 kids per 0.5 mile because of thehigh concentration of trash. Keep in mind that each individual can fill 2-3 bags in a couple ofhours.

It is essential to have the work station assignments planned out prior to the event. For the PlasterCreek Cleanup, WMEAC had assignments posted at the meeting site so that as people registeredthey could find out their work assignment. It is always difficult to plan for volunteer no-shows andvolunteers who decide to come to the cleanup without calling ahead of time.

Assigning work stations on the day of the cleanup can be chaotic because of the large number ofpeople requiring instructions. WMEAC and GPNA were responsible for their own volunteers anddifferent sections of the creek. WMEAC distributed maps to group leaders which described theircleanup area, where to park and where to put trash piles. GPNA did the same for their groups. Twopeople assigned stations on the day of the cleanup. This was confusing for volunteers becauseWMEAC and GPNA each had their own methods for assigning work stations. Grand Rapids mapswere also available. This process took about 1/2 an hour and then people carpooled to their station.

Materials;

1. Example maps of work stations2. Grand Rapids map of Plaster Creek

8

1. MOUTH OF PLASTER CREEK CLEANUP SITEVolunteers: 3Park: at Grand Rapids Waste Water Treatment Plant on MarketTrash: put bags and trash on either side of Market.

Walk East on Market to bridge. Clean trash on North side of Marketboth side" of creek. Clean trash South side of Market both sides ofcreek. Careful this area may be muddy. On west side of creek you'Hill Bvent.ually reach sewage pond5~ (fence). On East side there is aripped out fence south of a lot to access creekbank. Again thistxaiJ. is only accessible a short distance. Bushwack at your ownrisk. Watch for trash in trees.

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volunteers: 3-5Park: at end of NagelTrash: put bags and trash at end of Nagel or on Freeman inRailroad Yard.

Clean trash north from Nagel on west side of creek. You will pass aRailroad bridge going over creek. Continue north of ~ridge on Westside of creek till there is a rock pile on your right. There is not !much access here so go back south to bridge and crosS to east side of 'creek. Continue north to Railroad yard, Put trash on Freeman whichis the road north of tracks. Do not clean north of Freeman, Do not I

attempt to go near creek in lower streambank below tracks.

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f n @' ! n u 7 !~, :G. »::l~~ ,:~.~ 0 ;:ti .

~ lATHBONEST ~)~ '. ~-,~-__ z J fI.,~~ , ~ &.&'_-_...

~~_~_~:;:_ UJW11!~~.~~-"C.~I~~.G9 ~RIIfi'"--...-._""'i_'"IE 3. KIMBLE PAR!< CLEANUP SITE I III~ Volunteers: 10-15~ park: at end of Nagel~ . Trash: put bags on Godfrey Ave~-~ Walk east to creek. Clean trash,along Kimble Park working south to~mm Godfrey Ave. Careful this area may be muddy. Clean south side of

creek only. There is a lot of illegal dumping near Godfrey.~~ Clean trash on both sides of Godfrey near creek where accessible.

I I~ ~ Go&cHr~;~Lle"~"L~~;dJ ~ IV~vI"- ., ""':'""'" )- . Senl I~~ I LJ· ...,'.....g::l Adm. Hieh.~ch.· ~ [WHEELE I Sr: B~i(:o ~ Olliell) - . . I ••:-:. •

. 3: ~ J V /'1 SENftE~A ST-, ~::::t~~!~.

hr-GRIGG

J 1800

I --GRIGGS ST-

Ij 1800 .

,Ie \~ErrSTMcKENDRICK S1

1900

6. MCKEE TO 1-31 CLEANUP SITEVolunteers: 10-20 with adultsPark: on McKeeTrash: put bags and trash at end of Kirtland.

EntGr tr?il on west side of Eastern, south .side of creek. Continueon trail to 28th Street (watch for eroded slippery banks). Do notstart picking up trash until you reach 28th Street (so you don 1 t haveto carry trash both ways). Begin picking up litter on south side of28th Street on both sidBS of creek where accessible. Return toEastern? back the same trail, on south side of creek only. Cleanlitter where accessible on st.re2\T'banks on both sides of Eastern.

~-.-'-,-

~ • " ~~l

lower parkingCollege Cent r,

,3HIO

EASTERN TO 28TH STREET CLEANUP SITEVolunteers: 3-5Park: park on Eastern at Davenportlot.Trash: put bags on Eastern.

7.

co

:Jt:6,;jOQl:O-Q9~_lI.mi!lll~

---C-_

Enter nature trail north of lot (sign of trail- Uwalk trail at yourown risk n

). Clean east on trail from the south side of creek toKalamazoo Ave. This area may be muddy. Clean litter whereaccessible on both sides of creek, both sides of Kalamazoo. Returnon North side of creek to bridge (see map). Cross bridge to southside of creek A Continue east back to trail entrance.

indlon lr~dh

G$U ($un~

KEN-O-SEA PARK CLEA}T0P SITE 1Volunteers: 2-3Park: park at end of Ken-O-Sha Park Drive at school in NE lot.Trash: put bags i~ parking lot of scheolo or West side ofKalamazoo~

,~i8.

1M

I

[HRC~uOocO-W,~~~~

·-' '. I' """".. , f'"" ~ "', ~ ~'''~;''Q'~ Wl&@Q~&~w~~~~te<~;~:~;Y~~::;::;• '\' ,,~. .,.(J>1;~1'll!"0$'· tl)eOG(l9~ -

~ ~~=~ l;, ~ a ~. S & $ ~ ~ 1,1- ~ 1 ?> ~ ~ l'I f; G 0 tt II ~

~A~~JI! <--""""""""'w REYNARD I 'I' ""'L' 'I < II ::»>:0:':':':':', (~m~~$Jff ,,:-:.»>:,:., ';"f'...",. ',R i LJI ;~,.".. ·'·"··"·""""'·'·'··'r~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~",0""'"s","'""e~,l.'cQ$e?<l&a~Il"""e","fl".ti:,,,~,,,.. 1Z","k,S",*",c,s ... *e

0Q 0 0 ~

"' 0'F,=o"'o-J 85- WAL'SH :iT 9. KEN-O-SHA PARK 2

11=- 31 r Volunteers: 2-3A[) [Jj V') 0R ~ Park.: park on Eastern at Davenport College Center, lower parking

"" .....J lot. "",W g 0 Trash: put bags on Eastern. .-

IrOO ~. Enter trail near lot, south side of creek East side of Eastern. Do ;j'~ not pick up trash yet (so you don't have to carry trash both ways).' •

Walk trail east to bridge (see map). Begin cleaning trash aroundbridge. Cross bridge and clean north side of creek west of bridge."!mm~

Continue west where it is accessible near creek. Unsure ofaccessibility here. Continue as far as possible. Return back sameway to bridge and cross. C~ean trash west returning on same path.

SECTION 6: EVENT ORGANIZATION

Meeting Site

Planners must answer the following questions before establishing a meeting site. Is the site acces­sible to creek? Is it in a central location within the cleanup section? Is their adequate parking forvolunteers? Is the size of site large enough? Are their rest areas on site or will they need to beprovided?

For the Plaster Creek Cleanup, volunteers metat Brookside School. The school was located directlynorth of creek and had a large playground for a gathering area. Through several phone calls, GPNAwas able to encourage the building manager to open the schools for a few hours on a Saturday sorestrooms were available. Unfortunately, this site was not confirmed until after the press releaseswere mailed. So many of the press peopIe had to be contacted again to inform the public about whereto meet. Obviously, it is most desireable to select a meeting site early on.

Tables on loan from GPNA were set up at the meeting site for different purposes. At one table,people signed the release form. Maps, work station assignments, gloves, and bags were distributedat another table. Also a literature table and refreshment table was provided.

Presentation and Displays

It may be desireable to make a short presentation about the watershed to help give volunteers the"big picture". Contact an environmental advocacy group or the Cooperative Extension Servicenearest the cleanup effort. They may be able to give a presentation or provide planners with appli.cable water quality materials or displays.

WMEAC provided water quality fact sheets and several displays including a large map of the PlasterCreek watershed. WMEAC's Water Quality Scientist, Shari Schaftlein, described the Plaster CreekNonpoint Pollution Watershed Plan and implementation activities. Volunteers learned wherePlaster Creek is located in their community and problems impacting the creek including erosion,industrial contaminants, and stormwater run-off. The presentation was kept brief to allow volun­teers to get to the real task at hand.

Refreshments

Refreshments can be a significant way to encourage people to help with a cleanup. Often the foodand drinks can be donated by area businesses without much more than a few phone calls.

For the Plaster Creek Cleanup, GPNA decided to provide a breakfast snack as opposed to a lunch.This was decided because of problems trying to gain permission to use the school after the cleanup.GPNA was able to obtain donuts, juice, milk, and coffee from area restaurants near the creekbecause much of these businesses' property was being cleaned free of charge.

Supplies

Some of the supplies nescessary for a cleanup include plastic bags, gloves, and a first aid kit. Op­tional materials include insect repellant, pool skimming or fishing nets, rakes, ete. Most of thesematerials can be obtained free. For example, WMEAC was able to borrow 500 pairs of gloves froman organizer of the Earthday Riverbank Cleanup. The plastic bags were obtained from the City ofGrand Rapids Sanitation Department. It is possible that a city or municipality will be willing taprovide these for a cleanup event. Ifnescessary, volunteers can bring much oftheir own miscellane­ous equipment from home.

9

When planners obtain these items, be sure to obtain extra materials. For example, WMEAC ob­tained 500 bags for the Plaster Creek Cleanup and returned the left-over bags after the cleanup.WMEAC recommends planners obtain three bags per person or no less than two bags per person(depending on the trash problem).

Trash Pickup

Hopefully, most cities or municipalities would be willing to provide the trash pickup service. How­ever, it may be easier to contact a private waste hauler to pick up trash in exchange for a little pub­licity. For the Plaster Creek Cleanup, Able Sanitation, a waste hauler, picked up the bags of trash inabout two hours free of charge and also weighed the trash.

Planners must be sure that volunteers know where to put trash. Instruct volunteers to limit thebags to 30 Ibs. and put piles along with debris to make it easier on sanitation workers. Trash shouldbe placed out of road right-of-way but visible for pickup.

With the Plaster Creek Cleanup, sanitation workers were unable to pick up trash till the the follow­ing Monday. This was unfortunate because we received a few complaints about the trash piles fromresidents in the area. Those complaining did not realize the trash had been collected by cleanupvolunteers.

1. Plaster Creek Cleanup schedule - lOgistics for cleanupday (rough draft)2. Work Assignments

10

PC SCHEDULE

8; 15 - pick up tables. chairs. trash bucket

8:30 Set-up

Table1 - Read instructions and sign Release Form - Eric SikkemaTable 2 - Refreshments - 2GPNA volunteersTable 3 - WMEAC brochures. GPNA NewslettersTable 4 . Work Stations . Serena. SteveGloves . Amy StonehouseBags - GPNA volunteer

9:15 - 9:30 . Shari - Water QualitySerena - Thank·yousAll Adult Volunteers Sign·inInstructions - Do not fill bags to fullWatch out for poison ivy, bugsPut lrash off road right·of·way but visible\V<l!ch for trash in unusual places, hanging in treesBe Careful, it is going to be muddy!Nurse Station will be here at school so report back if there is a problem.Leave site to return here at 12:00-ishKeep track of number of bags filled, and gross things you findAll people who have not received work stations. go to work station table.Get gloves and bags.

9;30 - 9:45 - Continue assigning work stations. Work out carpool and readinstructions.

1.2-;9D~D~~':~:~_~.....- -~-,.,.---- .

./ 12;00 - Q~estions( General Response -I Problems?\ Quantity of Trash? )

\

Where did you put trasb? .//Gross or unusual stuff? ~..---./

~-_._----------------------\"

~, LJCi ".

~-&

00.....--

'.\' '­":,\'

j ,(; ':i \, . l.:

\:.

10 A

Name

Cheryl Dykema, leaderDouglas HartNancy & Steve Mulder

Linda Rageh, leaderAmy StonehouseRay PenaShirley Baumgarter

Gary Brown, leaderHarold Voorhes

Eileen Heuvelhorst, leaderNancy PikartCarey Ellen DettmanWilliam & Susanne Edwards

Bultema Bros.

Bob Rozendal, leaderCarol Rosa, leaderMark & Marci Lewis

Jean JohnsonJerry J. & Patricia M. RodgersMark & Denise DeWys

Marilyn Cook

David Sibley, leaderThomas CanfieldLeesha FaganMary Willey

PLASTER CREEKWORK STATION ASSIGNMENTS

(proposed)

Group

MI Youth Corps (11)

3 Employees

Job Corps (7)Salvation Army ( 8)

family (6)

10 13

Work Station

111

2222

33

4444

5

666

777

8

9999

SECTION 7: CLEANUP OUTCOME

Descrintion of Work Stations and Trash Collected

Only one station at the mouth of the creek was omitted because oflack of volunteers. The followingwork stations were assigned and cleaned:

1. Freeman South to Nagel - both sides of creek. This station includes a railroad yard in which trashincludes heavy metal rails and piles of debris from property owners. Also a nearby produce company was not maintaining their dumpsters.

2. Kimble Park from Nagel east to Godfrey - south side! part of north side was cleaned by companyowner. This park is fairly clean except just south of Godfrey where dumping is prevalent.

3. Godfrey south to Chicago Drive - not cleaned. This area is heavily industrialized with large debrisin creek. This station was not cleaned because of steep banks.

4. Chicago Drive south to Clyde Park - part of west side. This area is a small park, trash is mostlysmall litter.

5. McKee to U.S. 131- west side. This area is industrialized with the majority of businesses notmaintaining their property.

6. U.S. 131 to Buchanan - part of east side! part of west side. This area is city property and issubject to extensive dumping because of a two- track leading to the creek corridor easily accessibleby any vehicle. West side near Buchanan is extremely abused by dumpers.

'I. Buchanan to Division - both sides. Industialized near intersections and some residential areas.Businesses not maintaining property.

8. Division to Madison - both sides. same area as above.9. Madison to 28th Street - both sides near 28th Street. City property, especially trashed near 28th

Street.10. Eastern to 28th Street - south side only. Wooded area, trashed near intersections.11. Ken-O-Sha Park, Eastern to Kalamazoo - part of both sides of creek. School park, trash includes

mostly small litter. Log jams are prevalent causing a build-up debris and severe erosion.

Volunteers collected 2,200 lbs. of trash filling about 250 bags. Approximately five miles of the creekcorridor was cleaned. Items of trash found include: water heaters, a refridgerator, couches, cementslabs, carpeting, plastic awnings, shingles, broken glass, gutters, a swingset, rusty barrels, shoppingcarts, grass clippings, styrofoam trash, gas tanks, disposable plastic diapers, linoleum, and an airconditioning unit.

It was learned that certain areas were more appropriate for trash dumping than others. A dumpingsite must be fairly remote so that dumpers can dump without being seen yet the site must be fairlyaccessible. For the most part, parks were cleaner than other areas with the exception of station #2,Kimble Park.

Heavily industrialized areas had a considerable amount of trash and large debris some of which waslocated within the creek. City property was subject to more dumping than residential property. Forexample, station # 5, beneath U.S. 131 is an area where dumping occurs regularly because it is cityproperty and there is a convenient two-track road to the creek corridor. Regardless of the location,there is always significantly more dumping at intersections crossing the creek. Log jams and debrisin the creek in some areas are causing serious erosion. This occurS frequently near railroad bridgesor street bridges where debris can accumulate.

11

ThankYous

It is obviously very important to thank cleanup participants personally for a job well done. Beforeleaving the cleanup. volunteers should write their comments on a comment sheet and plannersshould encourage them to write to any property owners who were littering their streambanks.

WMEAC and GPNA knew the cleanup was a success when volunteers returned with a smile on theirfaces. It was surprising that individuals could express enthusiam about doing another cleanup nextyear after they had just spent their Saturday morning fighting off mosquitoes in the summer heatpicking up other people's garbage.

Cleanup planners should be sure to obtain addresses of volunteers and any organizations thatdonated to the event. Thank you letters should be sent out to everyone involved. These lettersshould be written to maintain contact with volunteers and request their services for future clean·ups. Also. for the Plaster Creek Cleanup it was appropriate to inform them of the 2,200 Ibs. of trashcollected and ask for any of their input about the event. Some of the thank you letters were person·alized, other letters were put on post cards to save money on paper and postage.

Materials:

1. Grand Rapids Press article2. WMEAC newsletter article3. Examples of thank you letters

12

some sections of the stream.Although volunteers don't expect to solve all

its problems, they said they hoped Saturday'scleanup would focus attention on less taxingways to ease pollution - like not using thestream as a dump.

Volunteers were treated to doughnuts,lemon·ade and other refreshments donated by areabusinesses. They had to provide their Own mos­quito repellant, however.

"It's terrible, they're awful," said GarfieldPark Neighborhoods Association PresidentJane Heiss after coming up from the creek bankwith a load of trash. "Down by the creek it'scool. but the mosquitoes ..."

In addition to WMEAC and the neighborhoodgroup, several Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts pur~

ticipated in the cleanup, which ended at noon atBrookside School, 2505 Madison Ave. SE.

andmosquiioesBy John flogonThe Grand ~pU1s Press

,Cleanup c,~w fmds lots of trash -J' /" _ ;))", "6'1 shoes and a white hat, he was, in dem~nd be·

Id cause of the eight-ounce can of mosquito repel·, lant he kept tucked in his shirt pocket.

Stepping 'carefully along'tlle bank of Plaster "I was pretty popular today with that," he saidCreek -the brpwn-colored water surging from, with a Chuckle. 'Friday's rains -76-year,0Id John Sayler me," The clean·up effort; sponsored by the Westthodically stuffed aJ1 array ofJrash in his plastic Michigan Environmental Action Council, the

,garbage bag and marveled at the public's care· Garfield Park Neighborhoods ;,ssociation andlessness. . ..:;.. "'';' ....... " Kent County, targeted the creek running rough·

"Anyone who wants to know about picking up 'Iy from U.S. 131 east to Kalamazoo Avenue SE.titter, just ask me," said Sayler;olle of about 100 Volunteers filled about 300 garbage bags withvolunteers who braved tem!?eratur~sin the mid' , tfllSh, and made note of the, tleavier items ­

.. ,80s and combative mosqUitoes to' clean some such as a water heater and a shopping cart ­, 'four miles of the creek bank Saturday. which they'll ask Grand Rapida or Wyoming city" "j've picked up a lot of stuff that doesn't be~ " officials tei remove, , ,.. long there," he said, "We've found a lot of plas. The 2G-mile ,creek; which meanders through, ,tic." Sayler =e prepared for the morning several Kent CQlmty communities, is considered• cleanup, , ',', a major contributor to pollution of the Grand";, Pressed in khaki, P":"ts an,d shirt, '91d}~!W-~ .J<iver, \11 addition, erosion problems plague '

>. ._. '•. I ,,: .•' ":t,. ,ji..+.- .... ·

the overwhelming quantity of trashand the need lo make this anannual event.

As a follow·up lo the PlasterCreek Streambank Cleanup,WMEAC will prepare a StreamCleanup Binder which will bepromoted stetewide so in lerestedgroups can organize their owncleanup. To continue the cleanupefforts along Plaster Creek, over athree week period, Public Worksemployees from Grand Rapids andWyoming will remove large man·

II

Volunteers forPlaster CreekCleanup to beCommended

Over 100 volunteers partici·pated in the Plaster Creek Stream·bank Cleanup on Saturday, June24th, despite the heat and mosqui.toes. Volunteer groups includedBoy Scouts of America, MichiganYouth Club, Girl Scout Coundl ofMichigan Trails, AlternativeDirections, Garfield Park Neighbor·hoods Association, and WMEAC.

Volunteers met at BrooksideSchoollo hear 'WklEAC's WaterQuality Scientist, Shari Schafilein,describe the Plaster Creek Non­point Pollution Watershed Plan.Participants learned where thePlaster Creek watershed'is locatedin their community, and problemsimpacting the creek includingerosion, industrial contaminantsand stormwater run~off.

Through knee-deep poison-ivyand mosquito swarms, volunteerscleaned litter and accessible debrisalong muddy streambanks ofPlaster Creek, often astounded atwhat they found. Bags and debriswere left on street corners for AbleSanitation, who donated theirservices, lo pick up the trash.

Volunteers returned toBrookside School with stories ofatrocities found along the Creek,including water heaters, .a refrig~

crator, couches, cement slabs,carpeting, corrugated plasticroofing, broken glass, gutters, a~\\'ingset, carpeting, rusty barrels,shopping carls, grass clippings,

[I styrofoam trash, gas tanks, dispos­SI ~~ble diapers, linoleum, an AC unjt~­"1,. the list goes on and on. About five; I nliles of the creek corridor wereSI cleaned with approximakly 2200;llbS. of trash collected. Many people

4..1 expressed their frustrations about

"'.... ...,t " ...._.

N

tmade materials and log jams fromthe creek. WMEAC will seekcommitments from local units ofgovernments to maintain the creekby removing debris on an annualbasis.

Thank you, Plaster Creekvolunteers, for your help to enhancethe most degraded creek in KentCounty! A special tl'anks goes tothe Garfield Park NeighborhoodsAssociation, 8 co-sponsor of thecleanup, for their communityoutreach and neighborly assistance.

12 B

>-"N

o

Dear Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup Volunteer,

Thanks for all your work on June 24! \NMEAC greatly appreciates thevolunteer effort to help enhance the most degraded creek in Kent County,especially with the heat and mosquitoes.

Although cleaning up trash may be a frustrating and seemingly futileexperience, we did collect 2200 Ibs. of trash which would have otherwisebeen left on the creekbanks. Later this summer the cities of Wyomingand Grand Rapids will be pulling out the log jams and debris from the creek.WMEAC will be putting together a binder on how to do a creek cleanupwhich will be distributed to communities throughout the state.

Many of you expressed a desire to make this an annual event. If you haveany suggestions for next year please let us know. Thanks Again!

Sincerely,

~5.U~~Serena E. Willey

Dear Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup Volunteer,

Thanks for all your work on June 24! WMEAC greatly appreciates thevolunteer effort to help enhance the most degraded creek in Kent County,especially with the heat and mosquitoes.

Although cleaning up trash may be a frustrating and seemingly futileexperience, we did collect 2200 Ibs. of trash which would have otherwisebeen left on the creekbanks. Later this summer the cities of Wyomingand Grand Rapids will be pulling out the log jams and debris from the creek.WMEAC will be putting together a binder on how to do a creek cleanup whichwill be distributed to communities throughout the state.

Many of you expressed a desire to make this an annual event. If you haveany suggestions for next year please let us know. Thanks Again'

Sin~erely,

)?~)0~Serena E. Willey

Dear Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup Volunteer,

Thanks for all your work on June 24! WMEAC greatly appreciates thevolunteer effort to help enhance the most degraded creek in Kent County,especially with the heat and mosquitoes.

Although cleaning up trash may be a frustrating and seemingly futileexperience, we did collect 2200 lbs. of trash which would have otherwisebeen left on the creekbanks. Later this summer the cities of Wyomingand Grand Rapids will be pulling out the log jams and debris from thecreek. WMEAC will be putting together a binder on how to do a creekcleanup which will be distributed to communities throughout the state.

Many of you expressed a desire to make this an annual event. If you haveany suggestions for next year please let us know. Thanks Again!

~7U~Serena E. Willey

Dear Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup Volunteer,

Thanks for all your work on June 24! WMEAC greatly appreciates thevolunteer effort to help enhance the most degraded creek in Kent County,especially with the heat and mosquitoes.

Although cleaning up trash may be a frustrating and seemingly futileexperience, we did collect 2200 Ibs. of trash which would have otherwisebeen left on the creekbanks. Later this summer the cities of Wyomingand Grand Rapids will be pulling out the log jams and debris from thecreek. WMEAC will be putting together a binder on how to do a creekcleanup which will be distributed to communities throughout the state.

Many of you expressed a desire to make this an annual event. If you haveany suggestions for next year please let us know. Thanks Again!

S~~ 6J;Serena E. Willey ~

(

MlMEACCelcbrllliog

20 y=nlof

'trnru<latfD9 Con<:.eml£ito Actloll

HM8.1988

Vin;II).5. uh.'$ull to fumDDT 1969

tii('.hlgM\ l'.:nvlronmenlalProtection Ad 1970

Inland l..lI"e~ lind 5lfetlmsMl1972

5.<lnd Dune Proltctlonlind "llln:>gemenl Ad1976

1'1ichlWn Bottle Bill 1976

SOlid Wa5!e ManagementAct 1978

\.\'etla"d ProJectionAdIS?9

Michlgan US.(O Motor OllFoecycling Program 1979

~.z.ardOU5 Waster/lnllQtmtnl ....cl1979

PIgeon Rj"er Country&.lite fOIl:51 Oil DrillingProtections 1980

SuniOU lind UndergroundI-li"e F.<:c)amaUol' .... cl19IJ2

Grcal Lal,es OilDrillins; Ban 1962

fcat Hini"fj Act 198'"

Chlordllne C3n 1987

Slll\e,,',o(' Combinedxwcr O"Crf)O\< Policy1988

Michigan Non rolnts.oUfU Waler PollutionMllnllgtmenl5-11alcR'"1988

June 28,1989

John PluggerAble Sanitation2471 WilshereJenison, MI 49428

Dear John Plugger,

Thank you for picking up the trash for the Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup!

The cleanup was a success. We had over 100 volunteers and as you know, we collectedabout 2200 lbs. of trash which would have otherwise remained on the creekbanks.WMEAC greatly appreciates the donated time and energy to help enhance the mostdegraded creek in Kent County. Please Jet us know ifyou have any suggestions tomake the trash pick up easier for the sanitation workers.

Again, thanks for your contribution to the cause.

_SL\tJ~Serena E. WilleyPlaster Creek Cleanup Coordinator

12 D

WMEACCd<::bnttAr.g20y~

ofn».ntoJating Col>U::l"u'

into AcUotl

I'1,o.l U.S. L:3",'sult to BlinDOT 1969

Mlthlgan r.:nvlronmenLi!lProte:Won 1\(11970

Inland Lakes Bnd SlrtBm~

Act 1972

5:;lI\d Dun~ ProlectlonIHld Hanagtmenl ActI!J";6

!"iil;hlg"n BOltle 8111 1976

:'>olld Wll~e f'bnz;g.emtnlAcl )973

Wlt.lland Pr(>lectJonAdI9?£}

f1ldllgllll UM:O Molor 011~c(ycllng Program 1979

U<lrdOlJ5 Wasle.!In/<9tmcnl Act 1979

i'1{)~on Rlvcr COuntl)'5Ulte for\".s! 011 DrillingneIce-110M 1980

SUrlllC.t Bnd UndergroundN,ne Rt'tlllm"lion Act19b?

(", .,' 1..11;"<:5 Oil

D'I,"'"i e.an 198~

Chlordane &an 1987

S:.ale,,'ioe Combined~i<'.. er Overl'lol" Policy1988

I'1kh'van Non PointS<HJfC-C Waler PollutJonM<lIl"iJcmcnl Stralero'1986

June 28,1989

Ms. Ellie HarringtonPersonnel DepartmentGrand Rapids Press155 Michigan NWGrand Rapids, MI

Dear Ellie,

Thank you for providing our volunteers with gloves on June 24th for the Plaster CreekStreambank Cleanup!

The cleanup was a success. We had over 100 volunteers and co1Jected about 2200 lbs. oftrash which would have otherwise remained on the creekbanks. Garfield ParkNeighborhoods Association should be returning the clean gloves to you by the end of theweek.

Again, thanks for your contribution to the cause.

Sin(7'ely, I

L(!J~,Serena E. WilleyPlaster Creek Cleanup Coordinator

12. E

(

WMEACCelcbnzlUng

20 yearuof

'fn>.n..lutlngCo~into A<:don

1%$·19ea

rlrsl U.S. In"'Sult to eanDOT 1969

NicJ1lgilll f.nvlronmcnUllProlectJon Act 1970

Inland l.<'Ikc~ lind Slrellm:sAU 1972

. ~nd Dune ProtectIon",no Management Act1976

Michigan fX>t\le Bill 1976

s,olid '~'lIste MllnlOgemenlAd 1978

WctJ.and f'JoteetJonAd19?9

Michigan U~d NOlO' 011l\cC)"{,Jlng Program 1979

1111U1,dous WliIslc( ~n~cmenl Atl 1979

fl.geon RIver CovnlryStale: Forest Oll Drltlirlgf'roledions 1980

:"",rl<lCC Dnd Underground~Ijnc Redilm..lIon Act1962

GIUI L.al-cs onDrillln9 Ban 1982

fellt Mining Ad 1984

Chlordane 8an 1987

Slalc,,;dc Combined~\"CI Overllo,," Polley1986

MIchigan Non PQlnlSolJfCI: V'atel PollutlonMIlMfl'Cmcnl Slr.3I~lS88

Recycled rapcr

June 29,1989

Carol Townsend andSteve RedmondGarfield Park Neighborhoods Assoc.334 Burton SEGrand Rapids, MI 49507

Dear Steve and Carol,

Thank you for all of your efforts to make the Plaster Creek Cleanup successful.WMEAC could not have done it without you.

I thought you may be interested to hear we co1Jected over 2200 lbs. of trash which wouldhave otherwise remained on the creekbanks. WMEAC greatly appreciates the donatedtime and energy to help enhance the most degraded creek in Kent County. Especiallyturning out the volunteers and running the errands to get and return the neededsupplies.

I hope that all your goals for the community were met by the project. Certainly we couldnot have done much better with the limited time we had to work with. It seemed thatpeople really enjoyed the day, regardless of the heat and mosquitoes.

Please send me any notes, letters, etc. relating to the project or drop offyour file and Iwill copy it. It would also be helpful to know approximately how much time was spent forpreparation on your end. I will be sending you 8 summary of peoples' comments ontrash and "bad" companies in a week or so.

It has been pleasure working with you. Again, thanks for your contribution to the cause.

]:

i -erely, _ ''/1) '.7 ' ./ ij~, ' . ",i1t.-Serena E. Willey

12 F

SECTION 8: COST AND LABOR

The following tables illustrate the time commitment and the costs involved in the Plaster CreekCleanup. These figures simply reflect the size and extent ofWMEAC's cleanup effort. For futurecleanups with the right experience time and money may be used more effectively. Labor is for onestaff person at an entry-level rate of pay at $7.50 per hour.

In-kind donations incurred were trash pickup services, planning assistence from GPNA totallingabout 100 hours of work, literary materials passed out, and food supplies. Trash pickup services in­kind included two employees working about two hours each at a rate of $60!hour. The trash disposalcosted about $24 at about $24/ton. Food included 4 dozen inexpensive dounuts, 100 imitation juicedrinks drinks, and several gallons of coffee.

Materials fal!m: Postage

Press Releases (33) 1.65 8.25

Property owners mailing 2.58 18.00

Letters announcingevent (26) .80 7.25

PC Flyers (l05) 5.25

Instruction sheets (80) 4.00

Work station maps(9 sites x 4 copies =45) 2.25

Release form (4) .20

Work assignments posting (4) .20

$16.93 $33.50.- . --

Total Cost $50.43

13

Work Task

Private access

Insurance

Volunteer recruitment

Media

Work stations

Event organization

Thank you letters

Total

16.0

6.0

39.0

11.0

33.5

15.5

7.0

128.0

SECTION 9: CONCLUSION

No matter the extent of the cleanup someone is sure to ask: ''Why do a cleanup?" People are alsobound to express frustration about the never ending tesk of picking up litter and the futility of doingan annual cleanup, Cleanup planners should research the source of the problem and preventativeactions to reduce streambank litter so they can adequately respond to volunteer's concerns.

The source of trash in Plaster Creek is ignorant, inconsiderate trash dumpers. They could be a prop­erty owner or passer by of any age. Every year polluters will continue trashing a creek corridor ifitis a convenient place to put their trash and keep it out of sight. Determining these people's motivesis almost an impossible task. It may be economic or societal influences, however, their actions cer­tainly reflect their ignorance about the environment.

In the Plaster Creek situation, no citizen or group had ever requested that the city public works staffcleanup the creekbanks. Most municipalities don't perceive that they have responsibility for debrisin and along a stream. Your cleanup may bring pressure on community leaders to reevaluate theirresponsibilities.

Certainly, the goal for a streambank cleanup is aesthetically improving a stream so that a waterbodycan be better appreciated. However, there is a higher purpose than just removing unsightly trashand debris. Volunteer and community concern for one creek can translate into concern for all water­bodies and serve as a catalyst for more environmental protection.

If you or your organization have suggestions for changes or additions to this binder please contactWMEAC. We sincerely hope that this binder can be applied to future cleanups and that it will gen­erate other successful cleanups across the state to protect and enhance Michigan's watersheds.

14

SECTION 10: CLEANUP CONTACTS

The following people and organizations have organized cleanups and can be contacted for assistance:

1. Al Martin, President - Clinton River Cleanup Committee, Clinton River Cleanup12159 Fairview Drive, Sterling Heights, MI 48077 (313) 264-9051

2. James Murray, President - Friends of the Rouge, Rouge Rescue12763 Stark Road, Suite 103, Livonia, MI 48150 (313) 42-ROUGE

3. Gail Gruenwald - Tipp of the Mitt Watershed CouncilP. O. Box 432 - 3264 Powell Road, Conway, MI 49722 (616) 347-1181

4. Julie Stoneman - WMEAC, Earthday Riverbank CleanupShari Schaftlein - WMEAC, Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup1432 Wealthy SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (616) 451-3051

15

SECTION 11:

Rouge River RescueThe following materials are from the Rouge Rescue 89. For more information see contacts.

16

sponsored by

Waste Management, Inc.

SATUiU>AY, JUNE 3, '1989Call 42-ROUGE

I:,' _..:S~onsor -==.=------~·ll:J_rf-AMRe9Tst:ratToi1STIe---========l'y of Walled Lake Mercer Beach, E, of Pontiac Trail & $. on walled Lake

~ contaCT------··--pTl(;~

R,dph Smi th 624-4849

I ity of NeVI

421 8190PatriCk Kobylarz

Mi ke Kadrofske 471-7S15

Coco Siewert 644-1800

Steve t~arshal1 354-9540

Jean Barrett 473·9520

Lenora Jadun 347-0454

John Anjerson 349-0203

80b La ich 453-9843

Shuon Sabat 421-2000 x221

Karen Hicks 5]4-0(,05

Cora Wa 1b:~r 5]8- 1095

Wally Quade 533-6074

Joan DeCourcy 53S-SH3

Jim ~lontgomery 943-2180

l.arry Coogan 928-1200

James Penn 453-1234

lola Valley Park, SF corner of Kinloch & Lola Dr.

oec, Between Farmington & Orchard Lake Rd., $. of H)96

City metered parking lot, E. side of North Woodward, S. of Oak

Beech Woods Park. Sf corn<>r of Beech dnd Nine Hi Ie ROods

Farmington Nursing Home, SW corner of Folsom & Tuck Roads

Michigan Tractor & Machinery, 24800 Novi Road

Northville Community Recreation Bldg., 303 W. Main St.

Western Wayne County Cons. Assoc. Clubhouse, 6700 Napier Rd.

Corner of FoCh & Goff, W. of Inkster & S. of 7 Mile Road

Sl\iawassee N. of 7 MilE' (Detroit) ""MAY 13th ONLY'

Riverdall! Park, Sf of Tell<graph & 6 Mil"

N. Eliza Howl'li Park, Sf. of Telegraph & SMile {fenk,'ll)

Ford FIeld, On Monroe, 3 blocks N. of MIchigan Ave.

Melvindale lee Arena, NW of Allen & Dearborn Roads

"lions Park" at Burroughs and Harding StS.

PoTJm Rouge-Parkway (Hifles Drive)

Cowan ROild Entrilnc(', West of Wayne Roador Newburgh Road EntrcJnce, just N. of W<irren Road

(lty of PlymouthPlymouth Township

w-:-;vne--tl:i\JflT-P-iit='f(S-------... . .._ •. _.'.'1-. . .__ ..._

'1\'1 of N~·rthYille

l'.,p-t~1V111e Township

-j. of Bl r mingham

e. W(",lern Wayne Co. ConS. Assoc.Sillerll Towl'1~_hip

'? City of tlvonia

IS. (Ity Of Melvll1d,11eCity of Allen Pdrk

l~\. R\'<J(ord T0wn~hip Citi7ens

16.

17. lIol11d3y Natur{l PresE'rve Assoc.j./,:,tland An'd (2 sites)

1/. CIty Dr [l·>tfoit

14, {lty of Ik.lr!:wrn (3 sites)

* 11. Bi'r;) Lahser (ofMIunity Assoc.

Nankin Mill'" Arm Arhor Trilil & Hines Drive Dave SchneIder

1'!, (ltv of Dearuorn rh>~ght~ Hines Dr., just w. of T('legraph Road

~YI}j!i~Cg~0:L!ark s~-======:ilo~,~,i,jRO~"~9~':1p~ai,~k~,i.a'yi:===============III CiHltc:n hwnship Towr,ship Ad~linlstriltion Bldg., SW corner Canton Ctr. & Proctor Kim Scherschi il)t 397-1000

:'1. (I! Y of f/.Jyri\· Oyndmlte Puk. at f'nd of Jo~('phll\e St., N. of Michigan IIv(·. Frank Bonpr

(Ily (,f lnlet,'r In~.~~!:._.'.~!~ ATt'f).~, lnht~'.r_ ROdd _~ S. E~g!:...~?.~~_.Roa,j- S'fr'MJif)--01f OAt\Cr\I~- 1 flirT [tlr:ATro'NS.----·-----·---

. W.Ull,lfn .~~:~lJ,-,>k(',· 5Gj-9773

*f<lrly BIrd Silt· Mdy 13, l'JWl

Q::: !'I"IIC(J 0.1\ SfMCOG on recycle(l papCl

16 A

IJftlllllll~~IhUUVIl5RESCUE'89, ·t...-."""'"''''''''

8:30 AM RegIstration Sites

......-.l. City ()f Walled Lake 2. Oakland t:OUIIIl • College

()rrh,l nl II i d!,.(~ C;1l1l1111~; 3. Cily of nlrlllln~hilm

;; ,\~ t

J! ..~§ 1·,,'11,

~ • ~ Ook N~ ] ~~/ .. ~"!l- i & Maple

"'f Willlo! u.kc \ . 1

1 City of Southfield 5. City of Farmington HUls G. City of NoviSat. & Sun. I flam-4pm '02

QMlk

-----l'o/s",. II MIle

•~ .~] ~

6! 'l<J11 /(1l-er

8M\I~ 11 Mile 1

7. Clty of Northville 8. Salem Township 9. City of UvonlaKorthville Township

7 Hil<,>

W.M,.ln

f.'M-. \. Ulff- • ~

r-~

~ ~~7 mile- N. Tc:nil.orho.l

1O. Hcdford Township Citizens 11. Berg Lahscr Camm. Assoc. 12. CUy of DetroJt•V"r(lull ""Y 13th ONLY 13.

(, ~h It- 6 MIle

[ ~. . ... IIf(~ .~;,;f 1-<'110 ~<

~~

7 HIll' c • 5 Mile (Fenkclll

11 City of Dearborn 15. City of Melvindale 16. etty of Plymouth &

\Ctty of Allen Park Plymouth Township

..1:" III~~

rMadey l " i'

i ~

.--~~

11 ~ .~")1 • Ilurrou~lIs

,i 'I NI\\ /l.rhor 11,1.

M0>l2l"'/W~ \17. lblliday Nature Preserve Assn. lP City Management Corp. 19. City of Dearborn Heights

\Ve,,~t ·,-" , ~i11,",-, /lr,

~ . 1 -_~\ i Joy_ '\1 til . ~Warrell\~~.,:"'("I'n ~~~1)d ~ \,.

20. Canton TOWl)<;hip 21. Ctty of Wayne 22. CUy of Inkster

- _.1& s. t\tXr~Cherry Hill iI.l

g@I

1-1;, hll:'!!' A,,". .~~

....1.1,It~n",.f.-_1':',.( t ~r <0 '. -- .-....- -_.

-

16 B

Health AdvisoryFor Anyone Workingin the Rouge River

Issued by the Health Departmentsof Wayne & Oakland County· May 1986

reissued· May 1989

FRIENDS OF THE ROUGE t;l

Projects to clean logs and debris from the Rouge River can exposeyou to contaminated water or subject you to cuts and abrasions.While there is no documented evidence of people acquiringwaterborne illness from the Rouge, that possibility exists.Portions of the Rouge are contaminated by overflows from combinedsewer discharges, non-point source pollution, unintentionalmunicipal or industrial spills, etc. The risk of contractingdisease is likely greater during the two 'or three daysimmediately following major rainstorms.

The recommendations which follow are intended to reduce theexposure to contaminants and thus to reduce the potential forinjury or disease.

Personal Health

a) You should be in good health with no open wounds or cuts.

b) Immunizations should be up-to-date, especially those fortetanus and polio.

c) Immune globulin may be indicated following direct exposureto sewage contamination. These recommendations varydepending on the circumstances of the case and would beavailable to any individual contacting their local healthdepartment.

Wearing Apparel

a) Gloves and protective clothing should be worn to preventcuts and abrasions. We suggest wearing long pants and along-sleeved shirt to protect arms and legs.

b) Wear boots with sturdy SOles to prevent puncture; and try tokeep the lower extremities dry.

cJ If there is fUll body immersion, i.e., submersion below thewater surface, then you should go to a site where you canwash thoroughly, dry, and put on dry clothing. Specialattention should be given to cleaning the face, hands, andshampooing the hair. It is suggested that each person havean extra set of clothing available.

PflrJled at SEMCOG

16 C

Practices at the Work Area

a) splashing of individuals as pranks is strongly discouraged_

b) It is suggested that you work at aover exert yourself. If you beginfatigue can precipitate accidents.objects. Avoid slippery areas andhandling sharp objects.

moderate pace. Do notto tire, take a break, as

Get help with heavyexercise extra care when

c) Try to avoid getting water around your mouth, nose, ears andeyes.

d) Should your eyes be exposed to river water, it would beadvisable to rinse them with clear, clean water.

e) If a wound occurs, stop work at once! If it does not needattention of a health professional, wash with clean soap andwater and apply an antiseptic solution. Discontinue workingin the river or with material removed from the river if thewound cannot be protected from contamination.

f) Eating and smoking should be discouraged during the clean-upoperations. However, if persons do eat, they should washtheir hands and face vigorously with soap and fresh water,then dry with clean paper towels prior to eating. IfsUfficient fresh water is not available at the site forhands and face washing, then the persons should go to afacility where soap and fresh water are available so theycan properly wash before eating.

g) When you have finished for the day, you should remove anydisposable apparel and place these items in a plastic trashbag for disposal. soiled clothing which is removed at thesite should be transported in a plastic bag for laterwashing. Boots should be washed with dish washing soap anda brush, then rinsed with clean water. Hands and face willagain need to be washed and dried.

Practices After River Clean Up

a)

b)

Friendsof ~••Giiithe IIIo..,U iii

You should go directly home and wash all your apparel otherthan boots in the washing machine's hot cycle. Then thearticles should be dried in the dryer's hot cycle. Youshould take a shower or bath using plenty of soap and water.

If you experience any symptoms of illness, you shoulddiscuss these with a physician as soon as possible andmention that you were working in the Rouge River.

Friends of the Rouge is • non-profit org.nizotiondedicated to the restorotion .nd preselV.tlon of the RougeRiver. For inform.tion, call 42-ROUGE.

InformatiOn oomptktd and logo dea1gned by WJBK TV.

16 D

OfficialRegistration Form

e uGiRESCUE'89"FRIENDS OF THE ROUGE

In consideration of the acceptance of my entry, I for myself, my executors, administrators and assigns dohereby release and discharge Friends of the Rouge and all sponsors, and supporters including theirofficers, directors, employees and agents for all claims of injury or damages. demands or actions arising inany manner from my participation in said even!. I attest and verify I have full knowiedge of the risks involvedIn this event and I am physically fi!. I have also read the attached "Health Advisory."

lip

_____ Zip, _

_____ Zip, _

_____ Zip' _

Name

Address

Clty.._ :;1;110

Phone

Signature

Parent's Signature(11 under 18 years)

Name

Address

Cny Slate

Phone

Signature

Parent's Signature(If under 18 years)

Name

Address

Cny State

Phone

Signature

Parent's Signature(If under 18 years)

Name

Address

Cny State

Phone

Signature

Parenfs Signature

(If under 18 years)

____ z;p, _

_____ z;p _

, Z;p, _

Narne~_

Address

<.11, _ ~ ,I; lit I

Phone

SIgnature

Parpnt's Signature

(11 under 18 years)

Name

Address

City State

Phone

Signature

Parent's Signatureor under 18 years}

Name

Address

City State

Phone

Signature

Parent's Signature(II under 18 years)

Name

AddreSs

City State

Phone..

Signature

Parent's Signature(If un<i6r 18 years)

Friends of the Rouge thanks SEMCOG for printing this form.

~: Prlnled al SfMCOG on recycle(j paper

16 E

Our River "" .. a valuable natural resource

(See Back Panelj

A RIVER FREE OF DEBRIS IS A VALUABLE LOCAL RESOURCE.A clean, \vell·maintained river would:

Allow the river to flow mere freely, help prevent flooding, and aid the natural scouring and cleansing process of the river.

Provide a recreational and wildlife resource.

Reinforce the river's importance among local residents.

Local governments can make tha Rouge River within their community more valuable by organizing and promoting a dean-up effortinvolving local citizens and citizen groups. The Rouge Ri'{er Watershed Council is encouraging all communities to participate in a yearlyclean-up of the Rouge each spring.

Making the Rouge River a resource to be proud of will take a coordinated effort. Rouge River communities sponsoring their own localclean-up to remove debris vvould be a step in the right direction.

Your clean·up effort should be supportGd 2nd coordinated through the local recreation department or public \.\forks department. Enlistt.he help of a service organization to be responsible for organizing all aspec'tS of the clean·up. The local government vvill act to suppertand encourage this local group in the eHoll, It is important to secure a strong leader.

TO GET OFF TO A CLEAN START ...The Community lecder shou\d:

o Send press fl;leases to the local newspapers to inform citizf:ns and g2in their support./!) Recruit volunteers, Ages 15 o!",d up are the best to \·-.'ork \'I.lith, Scouts. environmenti'll groups, garden ciubs, service org3nizations,

and high school teechers ore good places to start.v Plan for a river survey, by cance if possible, several weeks before the eleen-up. Locate top priority areas for cleaning and determine

water depths to be encountered.6; Obtain right-of·wcy 2cce~s, where necessary, when work needs to be done along private propHty.C Line up feod and drink~ to be donated by local franchises or community agencies.~ Organize refuse disposal.$ Reserve heavy equipment and chainsaws for the clean-up weekend_ All other mi~cellaneous materials that may be needed such as

garbage bags, chainlink fence, and large floating tL!bs, should also be reserved.

HOW TO ...All volunteer workers should \vear old clothing, jeans, work boots, and gloves, and ~houid be prepared to get wet. Waders are

discouri:gcd as they Cen easily fill up with water.Vciunteers should be instructed to meet at a centre;! location. Here they will be broken into t",'ork parties of eight to ten people.

Choose a group leader with a chain sav.) to be in charge of each group. Genera! imtructions should be given ;,md v.INk areas assigned,~J1o$t of th(; '.'>Jork wiil probebl'l occur 81 the overpasses ;os debris tends to collect there_ Also, unfortunately, people tend to dump theirgarbcrJ€ her:, the bridges, From overpass areas, debris can be lifted out of the water vvith heavy equipment ccd hauled away. Log jamsanr.! othC:i" d~b1'is occurrir.g ur-strez,'Tl {rom the bridges, may. \"",here water depth permits, be \t:13Iked or floated cownstream. Tubs may beused, if necf?s,~2.ry, to ti~:'sport dsbris to points ...vhere it can be removed. The tubs m?y &(50 be used to float equipment, such aschainscws, to '.vh8rr; it is P('2(!<:-:J. /',t OVE:rpasses, chainlink fence may be placed RUOSS the river to catch debris floating downstream fort"sn'oval. jq "rees where the "'\Ia~cr is deep, work can take place from the banks, cr, if necesszry, from boats. The important thing is not totackle too ~-,--wch at first try. The <:offort "(hat is put forth is what is impOI'1<int" SUategicand top p<ol'ity arees shculd be deanerl first. It isbetter to rnab; a smoil success;,i! att'~!T1pt at dean-up this year than to risk failure bV a1.tempt~ng l:'",or8 than1can be handfed_ You shouldes,Bulish a good base ,,0-.'/ for successful fuwre dean-up efforts.

"UOj}J'rj A:j.jUn~UW0:J

FJ} i?/J/nl5 H

r""-a" "1 (''''-Y[>:.1\.: :r.··; " )....{:.:h,.], '.. " "'2._."-

3Hl .~NH,rv '3'"'1:J

.-----~."~/--./.........-....~.r.

'.', , .", ~_.!'" ..... 'I/ )} '~i:\... ~:"'~!:;jc~.,. J'7.·) (v) \ f~S,-.17r;'L~

.. 0:9{~--2& \;;;:J;;;SA. ~,'\ ./'

"'- c, !

j~ ~ )'\/'" ""­

~

'-'.,",

j.....-t

FIRST AID _. _

AidlOUIJ~ P<ist clean·up <:h.)~{s hJ'/e not reSLdtec! in injuries,provision for first aiel should iJe n~,,;-je"

Secure first aiclers fOI" the \".".:ef:.e~\d. They C<JO be recruitedfrom the Re:d Cross or from IOCB.1 scouting groups.

First aid supplies should be on hand along with radios tocall additional help if ne~ded.

First'aiders should be stationed at intervals along the riveror at the points where the clean·up is occurring.

In addition, first aid stations should have supplies to cleanand sterilize workers' hands be fore e<Jting.

INSURANCE. _.

Check to see whether ;~ny injuries or accidents occurringduring the clean-up are covered by municipal insurance policies.

Special insurance can be purchased which will cover theclean·up eVe;)! only.

'f-lOlJge River

Wotersned Council

9501 HENRY RUFF • LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48150TElEPHONE, (313) 522-4340

Marcie Colling, Executive SecretaryMary Rapai, Research Assistant

"A river is more than an amenity, it is atreasure. It offers a necessity of life that mustbe rationed among those who have power overit. "

Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes

Layout p:OYtded by The Town Pub Publicity and Public RelatiOf'lS

Friends ofJPCD)§ 11ce If

the Rougece CD) Iffi 11~ § 11

~tructions:

Any medium accepted providing entry is flat.Name, grade, teacher's name, school, and school's addressmust appear in lower right hand corner on back of poster.Winners will be contacted through school.

T•• ~ • 'f'.J.Wdgm2 criteria:

Impact (use of space, color, etc.)Clearly understood messageOriginality and creativityNeatness

Note:

1-6 points1-5 points

1-10 points1-4 points

All entries become property of Friends of the RougeEntrant grants Friends of the Rouge permission to displayposter.

Friends of the Rouge is a non-profit group dedicated to the restoration andpreservation of the Rouge River. It was organized in 1986 to insure volunteerparticipation in cleaning up ·the river and to create public awareness of the river'sproblems and potential.

More than 1.5 million people reside and work in the 467 square miles of theRouge River Basin. The 126 mile long waterway flows through 36 communitiesin Wayne, Oakland, and Washtenaw counties with 100 miles of shoreline inpublic parks.

Join us on Saturday, June 3, 1989. forhave been established throughout thediscover how you can participate.

110 H

Rouge Rescue '89 25 clean-up sitesRouge River Basin. Call 271-6670 to

the Rouge(C CO) Iffi ~ ce; § ~

A lID lID (Q) lID lID ~ nlID ~ ~

Friends ofJP CO) § ~ce; IfFor 6th 8th Grade Students

Entries accepted in any media (but must lay flat).One entry per person.

Art size: length, 17-18" width, 11-12"

Prizes to be awarded in several categoriesEntries to be judged on impact, clearness of message,

originality and creativity, and neatness.

All entries due by Friday, April 21, at 12:00 noon

Mail or deliver to:Friends of the Rouge300 Fair Lane DriveSuite 3Dearborn, MI. 48128

For further Informationcall 271·6670 G;Elilnfield

Village

Hubbllrd Or.

Sponsored by:

Friends of the Rouge

Wayne County Intermediate School DistrictOakland County Intermediate School District

lh I

Friends of the ItOUGi12763 STARK ROAD

SUITE 103LIVONIA, MI 48150

313/427-1234

May 8, 1989

TO: Rouge Rescue '89 Site Coordinators

FROM: William T.

RE: Site needs

JakeWaYaff/

This memo is to let you know what items will be provided byFriends of the Rouge (FOTRI for Rouge Rescue '89. Pleaseindicate the quantity of items needed on the attached list.There will be a brief meeting for sites supervisors on Wednesday,May 24 at 1:30 p.m. at the FOTR office. (Please note our newaddress.) Supplies may be picked up at this time, or you maymake arrangements to pick them up at a later date.

If you have not notified us of your need for a rolloff containeror port-a-Iet unit at your site, please let us know soon.

The Nankin Mills site will be considered the primary orheadquarters site on June 3. Hog dogs and pop will be availablefor all volunteers at the Nankin Mills site after the cleanup.Plenty of food wiJI be available, and volunteers from other sitesare encouraged to attend the luncheon at Nankin Mills at 1:30p.m.

Also enclosed is a list of Rouge Rescue '89 sites and a flyer forthe Fun Bike Ride, Fun Walk and Fun Run events which will takeplace at Nankin Mills beginning at 1:30 p.m.

If you have any questions or comments, please call 427-1234.

16 :r

Items provided by Friends of the Rouge for Rouge Rescue '89

trash bags

gloves

hats

corrugated litterboxes with plastic liners

stickers

registration forms

health advisories

t-shirts

registration sign

pop, if needed

Si teo

Number of volunteers expected:

Please indicate quantities needed.

16 K

Friends ~~eRG;;Gi300 FAIR LANE DR. • SUITE 3 • DEARBORN, MI 48128 • 313/271'6670

*** NOTICE OF MEETING

ROUGE RESCUE '89 STRATEGY I'lEETIN6

***

TIME:

DATE:

1:00 P.M.

Thursday, March 16, 1989

PLACE: Council Chambers, Livonia City Hall33000 Civic Center DriveLivonia, Michigan

Located near Farmington and 5 Mile Roads.(East of Farmington-South of 5 Mile. Afive-story glass building.)

The "Rouge Rescue '89" cleanup project is scheduled for :rune 3,1989, and it is time to conduct our first strategy meeting. Allcommunities in the Rouge River Watershed are encouraged to send arepresentative to this special meeting on Thursday, March 16,1989. We especially encourage non-participatory communities toget involved in 1989. Other groups or organizations interested inthis years cleanup are also invited to send a representative.

Friends of the Rouge is looking forward to your participation inthe fourth annual cleanup of the Rouge River.

16 L

Friends ~le10;;11300 FAIR LANE DR.• SUITE 3 • DEARBORN, MI48128 • 313/271·6670

SITE COORDINATORS.STRATEGY MEETING AGENDA

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989 -- 1:00 p.m.Council Chambers -- Livonia City Hall

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS - Jack Smiley

RECAP OF ROUGE RESCUE '88

- Videotape of Southfield cleanup

- summary

- discussion - Introductions and suggestions for RougeRescue '88

PLANNING FOR ROUGE RESCUE '89 - William Jakeway

- establish community liaison

- identify potential sites and site activities

- identify materials, supplies, support needed from Friends ofthe Rouge

16 M

Friends ~leRG;;Gi300 FAIR LANE DR.• SUITE 3 • DEARBORN, MI48128 • 313/271·6670

March 16, 1989

~ASI

1)Pj -- --H_~

~~~

TO: MUNICIPALITIES, ORGANIZATIONS AND PRIVATE GROUPS

FROM: FRIENDS OF THE ROUGE STAFF

This year ROUGE RESCUE '89 will be held on Saturday, June 3.Following is a list of items to consider in your decision toparticipate in ROUGE RESCUE '89. We anticipate the fourth annualcleanup will once again be successful and productive as we strivefor improved water quality.

RECOMMENDED

A river segment in need of cleanup with safe pedestrian access

Tables for registration

First Aid Services

Parking

Port-A-Jons, etc.

Site Coordinator

- Support Staff

Rolloff containers or trucks for collected debris andarrangements for debris disposal

Cleanup facilities for volunteers

OPTIONAL

DPW crews and/or heavy equipment

Planning of special activities

Lunch provisions

Tent (Must be provided by individual site)

16 N

ROUGE RESCUE '89LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESPONSE FORM

For those considering the possibility of sponsoring a Rouge Rescue 'B9cleanup site, please notify Friends of the Rouge by April lOth or sooner.Simply fill out this response form, and mail to Friends of the Rouge.

NAME OF GOVERNMENT OR ORGANIZATION~ __

PROJECT COORDINATOR _

MAILING ADDRESS~ _

TELEPHONE~ __

REGISTRATION SITE LOCATION (Be specificl __

PRELIMINARY PROJECT CONCEPT/PROPOSED ACTIVITIES

MATERIALS NEEDED: (please specify numberl

___ Rouge Rescue '89 stickers

Site location flyer and map for watershed

Port A Let Units

Rolloff Containers (specify size)

INFORMATION/SERVICES REQUESTED:

___ Volunteer Coordination

___ Project planning/networking with other local governments

Other

16 0

ROUGE RESCUE

INFORMATION FOR REGISTRARS

1~ Please make sure individuals are ~egistered before givingaway hats, gloves, etc.

2. Please welcome each person and let them know how much theirhelp and interest is appreciated.

3. REGISTRATION FORMS: It is very important that everyone signsin on the Official Registration Form.

Ask people to PRINT CLEARLY.One adult may sign for minors. The adult does not have tobe the minor's parent (but should be someone who knows theminor) ..

Why are registration forms important?

Registration forms provide records for Friends of the Rougeabout who and how many participants there are.

The registration form is also a waiver and releases sponsorsfrom liability. We would encourage all registrants to readthe waiver before signing.

Friends of the Rouge will send all participants a follow-up"thank you" gift and we get their addresses from theregistration form.

4. GIVEAWAYS: Each participant will receive:

Health AdVisoryWork GlovesPainter's HatTrash Bag'Channel 2 "Message Center" (ONE PER FAMILY PLEASE)Channel 2 bag with information

5. See T-Shirt Information Sheet for t-shirt sales information.

6. Know the location of all of these:

Restroom or Port-A-LetsClean WaterFirst Aid KitsRefreshments

7. Direct the volunteer to the Site Supervisor or persondesignated by the Site Supervisor to put the volunteer towork~ Site Supervisors and Registrars should wear ROUGERESCUE badges and a special color shirt or hat to identifythemselves ..

16 P

II

Some volunteers may need to be directed to the cleanup sitefrom the registration area. If this is the case at yoursite, provide volunteers with a map of the area where thework is being done or direct them to transportation to thesite.

8. Notify volunteers of lunch available at Nankin Mills afterthe cleanup if your site is not providing lunch. Volunteersfrom other sites planning on attending the luncheon at NankinMills should be aware that the serving time will be from 1:30p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

AFTER THE CLEANUP DAY IS OVER

1. Put all membership/t-shirt funds together, and compare toamount of t-shirts received from FOTR.

2. Gather up all left-over giveaways, registration signs and t­shirts, and put them into a plastic bag or other container.

3. Return membership envelopes and left-overs to the site. supervisors. All materials should be returned to the FOTRoffice (12763 Stark Road, Suite 103, Livonia> in the weekfollowing the cleanup.

4. It is essential that we have an accounting from each SiteSupervisor regarding the number pf volunteers involved,number of trash bags filled, number of 20, 30 or 40 cubicyard rolloff containers filled, number of log jams removed orcleared and unusual or large objects removed. Please call inresults on Monday morning.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENTHUSIASM AND HARD WORK. LET'S MAKE ROUGERESCUE '89 A SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL CLEAN UP DAY!!

~Q

TO, SITE SUPERVISORS - Rouge Rescue '89

FROM, Friends of the Rouge

RE, General Information for Cleanup Day

Municipal Personnel

Each community has identified one individual to act as the primary contact(site supervisor) with the general public. Friends of the Rouge will refervolunteers to your contact person. This contact person should:

II be familiar with all aspects of the community's plannedactivities;

2) be able to inform potential volunteers on what activities will takeplace in your community on June 3;

3) know where and when volunteers will meet for pre-cleanup trainingand for participation in cleanup activities;

4) know what, if any, restrictions to participation apply;

5) know what type of clothing, supplies and equipment each volunteershould provide.

Some communities have a volunteer coordinator as well as a site supervisor.Coordination between the two is essential to ensure that responsibilitiesand activities are clearly defined and nothing is overlooked.

CHECKLIST,

I. Interdepartmental CoordinationHas the sponsoring department made the necessary arrangements with thedepartments providing support activities. For example: is the DPWprepared to send a crew out to pick up the trash and debris collectedduring the cleanup?

2. Cleanup Activitiesa~ Has all the necessary equipment been reserved and arrangements made

to have it delivered and picked up on June 3rd?

b. Have arrangements been made to have skilled personnel on hand tooperate or supervise equipment?

c~ Have alternate activities been identified in case significantly moreor fewer volunteers than anticipated actually show up?

16 R

3. Volunteers

a. Have commitments been made forsupervise (other) volunteers?trained volunteer leaders~

the required number of people toThese may be municipal employees or

b. Have you made plans to group volunteers into work crews withsupervisors for each crew?

c. Has the site supervisor met with the volunteer supervisors todiscuss the planned work activities?

d. Do you have criteria for screening volunteers, for example, aminimum age?

e. Will transportation between work sites or between meeting place andwork site be needed? If so, has it been arranged?

f. Has Friends of the Rouge been informed of the total number of thevolunteers you can use?

4. Training

a. Has a training workshop for municipal personnel and key volunteersbeen scheduled? This training session should provide a detailedreview of proposed activities, clearly define responsibilities, andinform the participants of contingency plans.

b. Have all volunteers been provided a copy of the appropriate HealthAdvisory?

5. Site Preparations

a. Have arrangements been made to provide first aid at the site?

b. Will soap, clean wash water, and toilet facilities be available on­site?

c. Have local law enforcement agencies and Emergency Medical Servicebeen notified of your planned activities?

d. Have arrangements been made to have drinking water, refreshments,and/or food at the site?

6. Publicity

a. Have you contacted your local newspaper about articles prior to June3rd, and about covering the cleanup as a news story?

Further Information or Assistance - Call 427-1234

16 S

Friends of the :lGUGi12763 STARK ROAD

SUITE 103LIVONIA, MI 48150

313/427·1234

TO: ROUGE RESCUE '89 SITE SUPERVISORS

Fll0M: FR IENDS OF THE ROUGE

RE: QUESTIONS YOU MAY BE ASKED ON JUNE 3TH

Below are some possible questions you may be faced with on June 3rd. To aidin your handling such dilemmas with minimal stress, we have developed someappropriate responses for you. In addition, it is critical that youfamiliarize yourself with the location of all facilities important for theday's events. In so doing, the day will go smoother for you and otherparticipants as well.

Q1: Should I avoid contact with the water?AI: Yes, but if someone accidentally goes in the river, he/she should rinse

hair with clean water thoroughly, wash hands and face with soap andwater, and change clothes ..

Q2: I wore gym shoes and shorts - can I still help?A2: You can still help, but we recommend that you work in an area with firm

level ground where you are not susceptible to brush or bugs. If thereare no such areas, you might be able to aid at the registration 'desk.If you really want to participate in active cleanup, remember that youdo so at your own risk.

03: I found this watch. (or other valuable item)A3: The item should be turned in at the registration desk with the finder's

name and phone number. If the item hasn't been claimed within 30 days,then the finder will be notified to come to the place identified by thesite supervisor and pick it up.

Q4: How often will there be cleanups?A4: This is an annual event. You should call Friends of the Rouge (42­

ROUGE) if you are interested in working on the event for next year.

Q5: Where can I make a contr-ibution?A5: If your site does not have iI cash box for donations, ask that they be

sent to FOTR, 12763 Stark Road, Suite 103, Livonia, MI 48150.

06: Will there be news media coverage?A6: The event is being covered by several news media p~utJle at various

sites. WJBK--TV2 is a major sponsor and will show footage during theirevening newscast.

J6 'I'

Friends of the ftOuGi12763 STARK ROAD

SUITE 103LIVONIA, MI 48150

313/427-1234

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 11, 1989

CONTACTWilliam T. Jakeway(313) 427-1234

Friends of the Rouge (FOTR) will be conducting the fourth annual

cleanup of the Rouge River on Saturday, June 3, 1989. Rouge

Rescue 789 activities will take place at 22 major sites from

9,00 a.m. to 1,00 p.m. Some sites will work additional Ilours on

Saturduy and a few will be working again on Sunday~

Over 2,000 volunteers and DPW employees from several

municipalities will be involved. Several employees from the

Wayne County Parks System will also assist at the Nankin Mills

site where celebration activities are planned for 1:30 p.m.

Brochure)

(See

During the first three cleanups, more than 6,000 volunteers have

removed 10,000 cubic yards of debris along with 225 log jams. In

an attempt to restore and eventually preserve a vital natural

resource, FOTR has encouraged citizen involvement in cleaning up

a severely polluted river that constitutes a public health hazard

and denies general recreational activities to all ages~ Response

from the general public has been tremendous with people from all

walks of life joining together to form cohesive work units at

various sites .. In working side by side, they reflect the epitome

of citizenry concern regarding our environmental problems.

16 U

FRIENDS OF THE ROUGE - PAGE 2May 11, 1989

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNRl hails the FOTR

project as one of the I'very exciting things going on" in the

state regarding environlnental improvements. FOTR also received

the II Keep Michigan Beautiful Award 'l for the second year in a row

in 1988.

Anyone interested in additional information on Rouge Rescue ~89

may call 427-1234 or 42-ROUGE.

16 V

Friends of the ROUGE12763 STARK ROAD

SUITE 103LIVONIA, MI 48150

313/427-1234

TO: Site Supervisors and Registrars

FROM: Friends of the Rouge

DATE: May 24, 1989

RE: Rouge Rescue '89 Membership/T-Shirt Procedures

Three complimentary t-shirts will be given to each site supervisorto be distributed at your discretion. Each site will have t-shirts tosell to volunteers on the day of Rouge Rescue at the registration table.T-shirt sizes are Medium, Large and Extra Large only. The t-shirts are$10.00 each, which entitles the purchaser to a one year membership inFriends of the Rouge. Detailed information about t-shirt sales is below.

T-SHIRT AND MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

FRIENDS OF THE ROUGE SPECIAL MEM8ERSHIP OFFER!

Join Friends of the Rouge and get a FREE ROUGE RESCUE '89 T-SHIRT!

A one-year, Individual membership is $10.00 & entitles member to·one t-shirt.

A one-year, Family membership is $25.00 and entitles member to two t-shirts.

T-shirts without memberships are $10.00.

All money for each t-shirt sold goes into the special envelopes provided.Get the name and address of purchaser on a membership form.

Information for the Registrars:I. A Friends of the Rouge membership form should be filled out. The

form and $10 .. 00 should be sealed in the envelopes provided for eacht-shirt/membership sold ..

2. If purchaser does not want a membership, simply put the $10.00 inthe envelope provided and mark "no membershipll on it ..

3. People who are already members of Friends of the Rouge can get a t­shirt by a) paying the $10.00 membership fee and signing a friend'sname as a new member, or b) paying $10 .. 00 and extending theirmembership for one year.

4. If purchaser wants more than one t-shirt, each ten dollar donationentitles him/her to one t-shirt and one special membership. lA$25.00 Family membership entitles member to two t-shirts.l

16 W

u,mThe Universityof Michlgan M

Dearborn

9:30

10:00

ROUGE 2000 AGENDAJUNE 2. 1989

LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCEHenry Ford Estate - Fair lone

Presiding: James Hurray, President - friends of the Rouge

Registration and Refreshments

WelcomeBlenda J. Wilson, ChancellorThe university of Michigan-Dearborn

Friends,./ IQ~.''''''",

the .."'''Un.;

10:05

10:35

11:00

11:50

12:00

12:45

Michigan/Federal upper Great Lakes connecting Channel studyPaul Horvatin, Chief Remedial Program StaffU.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Michigan Combined Sewer Overflow Control strategyPaul Blakeslee, Regional SupervisorSurface Water Quality DivisionMichigan Department of Natural Resources

Legislators' ResponseThe Honorable John D. Dingell, Member of CongressThe Honorable Carl D. Pursell, Member of CongressThe Honorable William q. Ford, Member of Congress

A View to the Near FutureDedication of the Boat House/Rock Garden

Peggy Campbell, ChairFair Lane Development Committee

RALLY12:00 - 1:30 pm Henry ~ord Estate Powerhouse

presiding: James Hurray. President - friends of the Rouge

GreetingsCarol Lintoe, Environmental Advisor to Governor BlanchardThe Honorable John D. Dingell, Member of CongressThe Honorable Carl D. pursell, Member of CongressThe Honorable William D. Ford, Member of Congress

Informal Buffet LuncheonService Compliments of Kiwanis Club of DearbornEntertainment Compliments of the LivoniaChurchill High School "Choralation" Group

16 X

Friendsof 1iII~••--r;;the"'''U''.

University of r-lichigan - Dearborn

Rally and Lunch

Henry Ford Estate Fairlaneat the Powerhouse

11:45 A.M.-l:30 P.M.

For Local Governments, Elected OiTicialsand Special Guests

June 2, 1989

fRIENDS OF THE ROUGE'

Luuch .tlUtl FltciIiti~~gr.u.cJously provided by Unh'en;l.ty of Mlc:higu.u - D':lI.rlJUOl

../

2,700 Participants2,000 Trastl Bags of Debris'3,OOOfCubic Y2i)-c1~s [If Debt-iS') F~E~mClVE'cI fro(j) r<iver77 L.ogjalns Removed or Opened Up20 Municipalities, plus Wayne County

C!Ql)JT I qt1 P~l... I TI;.M:Lm;I!ilL~J~];\ ..JJ:lr,l!:1 ..!:\n.I)r,iE_BLY.t;B1 [)H2l-cise Bike1 Washing Machine1 Cross-Countr"y S~~i Platforln1 ee, ~:;e Nach i ne1 CC'Llch2 storm/Screen Doors1 P"I-opc:lne Tank~:3 Televisions2 DCI ~.: S~)l- i ng s!VIa t t l'"eSS;-)E'S

1 1-'10 t WC;'1 tE'r Tank3 F'icr1ic Ti::'l.bl£\s2 55-gallon Drums2 Bc.iles of Hay1 L.ai·',ln EclgE'j-1 Old Shed - in pieces~J F"o)- 52",1 c, s, i gns1~1isc" 'dignsj F~c,ft

35 ft. steel casIng ~)i~)e

lil'.:\i lrDi3.d Tic0SShopping C":1'I-tS

1 Etotf\llin~:;) Ballc! Li tter' Bal-j-E.'ls1 lishtr-ay:I. GE\l-den HoS',e1 F:u<;j1 Wa,d i n{.:-J F'oolFencinqF<c:"\in Gutte::·r!::::.F~art of a Cenlent MixerStyrofoam Ctlunk~s

L~ CDrsTii'"£'~:;'

2 Si>:-Foot Tractor Tires1 Fi- 0 n t C,;:\i- St2C:\ t1 DLlmf-.'E':'I-

Ht.tbc,:'\psFC.lndE'i- S

Other Misc. Car Parts

16 Z

ROUGE WATERSHED REPORTVol. '1, No.2

I~ THIS iSSUE••••

fQl!: fllill~IiihUIUWII!iilRESCUE '89,.,."""-,-"",,,,,

*Education Project'Oi 1 Recycl ing*Open Space Stormwater Management~~.Jet 1ands*Water Resource Legislation~Water Protection Efforts Ranked.Quality of Life Bond Funds

For the third year, the University ofMichigan-Dearborn will host the RougeRescue Rally and Luncheon at the HenryFord Estate. All members are invited toattend, and activities will get under wayaround 11:30 a.m.

In the morning, a legislative conferencewi 1] be held for local state and federallegislators from the Rouge Basin. Thishas become an annual event to inform ourgovernment leaders about the state of theRouge and actions being taken to improvethe quality of the river.

Spring 1989

Plans are well under way for the 4thannual Rouge Rescue'to be held Saturday,June 3. ·This year 21 communities andseveral local organizations will sponsor25 cleanup sites throughout the RougeBasin. Last year we hoped for niceweather for the cleanup, and ended up witha drought. This year, we are hopIng forjust one or two days without rain. As

always, the cleanup will take place rainor shine.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and workwill continue until 1:00 p.m.ar mostsites. Then volunteers from all sites arewelcome to enjoy a lunch of hot dogs andpop at Nankin Mills, and join us for thecelebration of another successful cleanup.

A celebration of the Rouge will begin at1:30 p.m. This will include a Fun BikeRide and Fun Walk of 3 miles, and a FunRu~ of 5 mi~es. Participants will collectpledges using the slogan, "Give Me FiveFor The Rouge!", and prizes will beawarded to those with the highest dollaramount of pledges. Contact the FDTRoffice to have a pledge sheet sent to you.Activities are open to any age group.

Volunteers show off thefruits of their labor at theEliza Howell Park site duringRouge Rescue '8B. Many roll­off containers like this onewere filled, and refilled,with debris removed from theRouge River.

16 AA

SAffTY!

We have had great luck with safety at thefirst 3 cleanups, and expect that tr~nd tocontinue. Fallowing ale a few suggestionsto consider when working in the Rouge.These suggestions are not meant to alarmyou, but to remind you to use common senseand avoid injuries.

1) Dress properly. We suggest that youwear long pants and a lang-sleeved shirtto avoid scratches and contact with the·water. Boots or shoes with a sturdy solehelp prevent punctures should you step onsomething, and also give you betterleverage on the banks of the river.

2) Be careful not to touch your face(especially your eyes and mouth) whileworking in the river, or afterward, untilyou have washed your hands thoroughly withsoap and water.I

ROlJ!iE RESCUE ' B9 SITES

3) Do not splash water or play aroundwhile working.

4) Do not throw wet branches onto thebank when people are nearby to avoidsplashing people with dirty water.

Here's to another safe cleanup!

EARL.V BIRD Cl.£IlHJP

-----------------------------------------Please note that site 11 below will have acleanup site on May 13, 1989 only. TheBerg-Lahser Community Association will besponsoring this site and get thingsrolling for Rouge Rescue '89. Anyoneinterested in helping on May 13th may call538-1095 or 533-9640 for more information.

SATURDAY. J1.JNE :3, 1969

12. City of Detroit Riverdale Park, SE of Telegraph & 6 Mile

13. City of Detroit N. Eliza Howell Park, SE of Telegraph &5 Mile (Fenkelll

14. City of Dearborn (3 sites) Ford Field. On Monroe, 3 blocks N. of Michigan Ave.

15. City of Melvindale Melvindale Ice Arena. NW of Allen &Dearborn RoadsCity of Allen Park

16. City of Plymouth "Lions Parku at Burroughs and Harding Sts.Plymouth TownshipWayne County Parks Middle Rouge parkway (Hines or[ve)

~ite Sponsor1. City of Walled lake

2. Oakland Corrrounily College

3. Cily of Birmingham

4. City of Southfield

5. City of Farmington Hills

6. City of Novi

7. Ctty of NorthvilleNorthville Township

8. Western wayne Co. Cons. Assoc.Salem Township

9. City of livonia

10. Redford Township Citizens

ml1. Berg lahser COfM1unity Assoc.

I"ercer Be.lCh, Eo of Ponti ac Tra I1 & S. on Wa lIed Lake

OCC, Between Farmington &Orchard Lake Rd., S. of I~696

City metered parking lot, E. side of North Woodward, S. of Oak

Beech Woods Park, SE corner of Beech and Nine Mile Roads

Farmington Nursing Home, SW corner of Folsom & Tuck RoJ.ds

Michigan Tractor &Machinery, 24800 Novi Road

Northville Community Recreation Bldg., 303 W. Main St.

Western Wayne County Cons. Assoc. Clubhouse, 6700 Napier Rd.

Corner of toch & Goff, W. of Inkster & S. of 7 Mile Road

Lola Valley Park, SE corner of Kinloch &Lola Dr.

Shiawassee N. of 7 Mile (Detroit) *MAY 13th ONLY*

ContactRalph Smith

Mike Kadrofske

Coco Siewert

Steve Marshall

Jean Barrett

Lenora Jadun

John Anderson

Bob La ich

Sharon Sabat

Karen Hicks

Cora Walker

Wally Quade

Joan DeCourcy

Jim Montgomery

Larry Coogan

James Penn

PI,one No.624-4849

471~7515

644-1800

354~9540

473-9520

347-0454

349-0203

453-9843

421~2000 .x221

534~0605

538~ 1095

533-6074

535-5433

943~2180

928-1200

453~1234

17. ~lolliday Nature Preserve Assoc. Cowan Road Entrance, West of Wayne RoadWestland Area (2 sites) or Newburgh Road Entrance. just N. of Warren Road

18. City Management Corp. Nankin Mills, Ann Arbor Trail & Hines Drive

Patrick Kobylarz

Dave Schneider

421~8190

567-4700

19. City of Dearborn HeightsWayne County Parks

20. Canton Township

21. City of wayne

22. City of Inkster

Hines Or •• just W. of Telegraph Roadlower Rouge parkway

Township Administration Bldg •• SW corner Canton Ctr. &Proctor

Dynamite Park, at end of Josephine St •• N. of Michigan Ave.

Inkster Ice Arena, Inkster Road & S. River Park Road

Kim Scherschllgt

Frank Boner

William McCusker

397-1000

721 ~8600

563~9773

RWR SPRING '89 PAGE16 BB

llIEarly Bird Site M May 13, 1989

l{UUG.h WAl'EI<SI-IED ItEpbOVOL.5, NO.2 SUMMEfi'1988

IN THIS ISSUE••••

*Rouge Rescue'88 Summary*Western Townships Utility

Authority Update*Water Conservation*Legislative Update.Used Oil Collection Site List*Oil Recycling Techniques*Flood Insurance Program

Amendments

ROUSE RESCUE RALLY & lUiVEONLegislators and local officialsgathered at the Henry FordEstate the morning of June 3 foran update on the Rouge RiverRemedial Action Plan and thestate of the Rouge. Afterwards,they joined FOTR members andother guests for a Rouge Rescue'88 luncheon and rally at theFord Powerhouse. Speakersincluded University of Michigan/Dearborn Chancellor WilliamJenkins, FOTR President JamesMurray, Ford Div. GeneralMarketing Manager Philip Novell,Channel 2 Promotion Manager KatyBaetz, and former DNR DirectorGordon Guyer who was presentedwith a plaque from FOTR thankinghim for his support of RougeRescue. UM/D staff prepared andserved lunch. Waste Managementstaff helped sign up members,who left with a new Rouge Rescue'88 t-shirt and a feeling thatthe river's condition willimprove if everyone puts forthan effort. Thank you UM/D forcohosting this event with us fort~le second year, and providingthe facilities that make itpossible.

IliEF1JRE I'&iI(} d\a~OEJR

Above is a logjam near Hines Drive and InksterRoad stretching from bank to bank. It wasremoved during Rouge Rescue '88 by CityManagement equipment & workers, and volunteersat the Nankin Mills site. The picture belowshows how the logs were placed on the erodedbank to prevent further erosion. (See the nextpage for a summary of Rouge Rescue ~88 sites.)

ROUGE RE50 IE •88 SUI'fi'lI'lRVEach year we think Rouge Rescue can't getmuch more successful, but this yearresults were better than ever! Themorning of Rouge Rescue '88 dawned sunnyand warm for the first time in 3 tries.More people than ever were involved at 24cleanup sites, including volunteers, cityworkers, and corporate sponsors before,during and after Saturday, June 4, 1988.We are happy to report that no majorinjuries occurred for the third year.About 2,500 vo~unteers removed 4,500cubic yards (yd) of debris from theriver, and cleared or opened up over 85logjams. Thanks to the 23 municipalitiesand community groups that organized thecleanup sites and the thousands ofcitizens who showed up to help.

Our major corporate sponsors were vitalto the cleanup effort. WJ8K-TV Channel 2provided essential coverage of thecleanup for the third year, not only withtheir news coverage, but also bydesigning ads used on billboards and indisplay ads, and the t-shirt. Behind thescenes, Channel 2 staff members promotedthe Rescue by giving presentations tolocal groups. Channel 2 tumblers weregiven to volunteers at the sites. FordDivision-Ford Motor Company once againgave us the financial support we neededto conduct the project. They providedthe gloves, hats, t-shirts and repellentat each site as well as otherorganizational and operational expenses.Waste Management, Inc. was visible atmost sites by providing roll-offcontainers and disposal of debris, aswell as port-a-Iet units, shoe laces tohand out, and the involvement of manyemployees at the Nankin Mills site.

Other corporate sponsors included WCSX-FMRadio, which promoted the event in theweeks preceding June 4, and broadcastlive from the Southfield site; CityManagement Corp. provided workers andequipment for the entire day in achievingone of the most successful cleanups atthe Nankin Mills site. Gannett Outdoorscontributed space on 15 billboards, andthe labor to put them up. Farmer Jacksdonated the food and pop that hungryvolunteers at many of the sites enjoyed.

Once again, Atlas Bags donated 1,000trash bags for the cleanup. RichardGuindon drew and donated the cartoon used

on the t-shirt and advertising. SEMCOGdonated printing of the Registration Formand Health Advisory. Other localsponsors that we are aware of arementioned in the site summaries. Mostsites had donuts and coffee donatedlocally, as well as other supplies andfood. Thank you Dave DeDeckere for thegreat photos of the Dearborn sites, andto the communities and groups thatprovided us with photos! Many havealready been incorporated into ourdisplay. The DNR had representativeslending a hand at a number of sites.

'" ..... '" '" '"Following is a summary of the cleanup ateach site starting with the site with themost participants to that with the least,

DEARBORN: Vol~nteers worked at 3 sites,to clear 210 yd of debris and 2 logjams.A van was removed from the channelizedsection. Groups present were: DearbornJaycees, Edsel Ford H.S. Ecology Club,Divine Child and Robichaud H.S., SeniorsPleasant Hours Club, City BeautifulCommission, Vietnam Veterans and DearbornPolice. Jim Montgomery did a fine job inhis 3rd year of organizing this site.

HOLLIDAY NATURE PRESERVE ASSOC., Incontrast to Dearborn, this was the firstcleanup at this site, where over 200people turned out to help. PatrickKobylarz organized the volunteers to workat about 10 sites along Tonquish Creek.John Covert worked with a large group ofstudents from Churchill H.S. at theKoppernick Road entrance. Other groups,Rough Country 4-Wheel Drive 'Club, DivineSavior Parish of Westland, DearbornNaturalists Assoco Nine logjams wereopened. Sandwiches for lunch wereprovided by Sky Chef restaurant.

SOUTHFIELD, Steve Marshall, Nancy Wolfeand the crews in Southfield have learnedhow to organize successful cleanups sincethey've been doing it for 18 years. Cityemployees and volunteers worked for twodays clearing just over 3 miles of riverof more than 23 logjams. Southfield,Renaissance, Groves and Churchill HighSchools were represented by students andteachers. Other groups, MichiganConservation Corps, Mt. Brighton SkiPatrol and Korean Presbyterian Church.

RWR SUMMER '88 PAGE 16 DD

CANTON. Participation was 5 tim~s greaterthan in '87, increasing from 25 to 125.Kim Scherschligt worked hard atorganizing her first cleanup, and thesecond for Canton. Many students fromthe Plymouth-Canton 5chools

3helped clear

3 logjams, and remove 60 yd of debris.

DETROIT-ELIZA HOWELL PARK. BrightmoorConcerned Citizens organized this site incooperation with the city of Detroit.Joan DeCourcy of BCC and Mike McLeod fromthe Detroit Recreation Dept. were themain organizers. I 1/2 logjams wereremoved. Groups included. Civil AirPatrol, Detroit Rec.-Forestry Div.,Detroit Police Dept. ~ Reserves,Wolverine 4-Wheel Drive Club, WarrendaleCB Patrol, Penetrators Motorcycle Cluband Steel Erection Co. Many workersstayed until 5.30 p.m.

NANKiN MILLS. This wasn't the largestsite in terms of the number of volunteersbut was one of the most successful basedon net results due to use of heavyequipment. City Management Corp. workersstarted at 6.30 a.m. and were laterjoined by volunteers including a largegroup from Waste Management, Inc. whocleaned and handled registration. Twolarge logjams were cleared. Instead ofhauling all the logs to a landfill, somewere lodged into the bank to stablize it.Wayne County workers cooked hot dogsafterward, as well as providing andsetting up the tents for eating anddisplays. Students, teachers and parentsfrom Dearborn Divine Child Elem. Schoolwere present at this site and theDearborn site with a Rouge River display,st ickers and newspaper from a schoolproject. The 4th graders won a stateaward for their project, and profits fromthe newspaper were donated to FOTR.

FARMINGTON HILLS. Dale Countegancoordinated this site for the third yeasand had a turnout of 110 people. 100 ydwere removed, 2 logjams cleared and thescreen on a drain cleared. (Rumor has itthey have one of the best chains ofpeople p.ssing logs during the Rescue.)

NOVl. The City of Novi and MichiganTractor and Machinery worked together forthe third straight year~ and removed 16logjams and over 60 yd of debris. Thecleanup there is going smoother everyy~ar, and progres5 can be seen, according

RWR SUMMER '88

to site coordinator Bob Shaw. MarkJung ~ Sandy Dietrich from MI Tractorhelped to org.nize this site. The CivilAir Patrol, Novi Middle School ~ H.S.students also pitched in. This year Novifound a silo filler in the river whichrivals the manure spreader found lastyear as the most unusual item retrieved.

LIVONIA. Things went well for first-timecoordinator Sharon Sabat. With help fromRedford H.S. students, boy scouts and theCI~renceville Rotary Club, at least 160yd was removed along with 6 logjams.The Livonia Republican Women's Clubregistered volunteers.

MELVINDALE. Larry Coogan organized thissite cosponsored by Melvindale and AllenPark. Volunteers met at the MelvindaleIce Arena,then we~ to the river toremove about 120 yd of debris. Nologjams were found to remove along- theconcrete channel.

PlYMOUTH. Jim Penn from the City ofPlymouth and Esther Hulsing from PlymouthTo~nship were site coordinators. Over 60yd of debris was hauled away. ManyCentral Middle School students whoparticipated in Rouge River Day at theirschool on June 1 were there to help,along with students from other schoolsand Jaycees.

WAYNE. Participation from citizens waSdown slightly from last year, but 70 ydof debris & I large logjam were cleared.Groups. Civil Air Patrol, Wayne MemorialH.S. students, Veterans Admin .• and theCity of Wayne Beautification Committee,Chamber of Commerce ~ other city offices.Despite the nice weather, a piece ofequipment still mired down in the mud.

BIRMINGHAM. An enthusiastic bunch headedby Coco Siewert filled over 100 trashbags with debris. They found itencouraging that most of the debris wasnatural, not trash. Students from DerbyMiddle School worked hard, as did asenior citizens group.

SALEM TOWNSHIP, The Western Wayne CountyConservation Assoc. sponsored a cleanupsite for the 3rd year. BFI Wasteprovided dump trucks and dumping ofdebris, and Stults Lawn Care alsoprovided dump trucks. About 6 logjamswere removed. Site coordinator Bob Laich

PAGE 16 EE

sitethe

they

receivingTrail and

lot for the number of people. Thisis great for showing the extent ofRouge River basin, and we are gladsupport Rouge Rescue.

Last, but not least, is a si te thatwasn't involved on June 4, but wasorganized for a cleanup 3 weeks later:

OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE: On June 25, 12people turned out to cleanJhe Rouge.

oThe temperature that day reached 104 F,but on the shady banks of the river itdidn't s~em quite so hot. 2 logjams, alawn roller, many signs, and overhangingbrush was removed. The college groundscrew will continue to work on the riverwith the goal of maintaining tr-ails oneach side of the river.

ROUGE RESClE IlUESTHINSOne question we are often asked is, I'Whyis there only one cleanup each y,?ar?"There could be more if local groupsinterested in such a project wouldcontact our office. Most cities andcounties would be willing to help, butwould not spend as much time organizingit as they do Rouge Rescue. By havingone large cleanup, we can be sure thatthe maximum amount of attention isfocused on the river for that day, andmany more people become aware of theRouge through the extensive mediacoverage. Another possibility would beto hire a full-time crew to work theriver on a daily basis. This couldbecome a reality if necessary fundsbecome available.

CURRENT ACTIVITIES ON THE RlJtJGEAnother area of the riverattention is near Ann Arbor

Another question we often hear is, "Whathappens to the debris removed from theriver?" Much of the wood is put in land­fills because it is too contaminated toburn in fireplaces or to be used as woodchips. A small amount was taken to anincinerator this year. Where the riveris cleaner, wood is chipped to be usedfor park trails and landscaping. Somelarge logs are left in the river, butsecured to the bank to prevent furthererosion of the bank. Other sites simplydrag logs back into the floodplain wherethey eventually rot, providing food andhabitat for wildlife.

thinks it is getting easier to cle;every year. Their goal is to make part (the river a trout stream in 2 years. B·scouts joined the group of Yolunteelbattling mosquitoes and the river.

DETROIT-RIVERDALE PARK, The RiverdalePark Civic Assoc. organized this site fo:the third time, and drew repre5entativ£·~.

from the Berg-Lahser Assoc. & Wellsprir~

Boys Club. They removed a variety c~

household items such as a TV, dishwashE~ ,refrigerator & mattress, and 1 logjam.

BEVERLY HILLS - OAKLAND COUNTY, Ren,',Spallasso & Michael Bouchard of Bever1iHills, and Bob Fredericks & Nancy Husse,of Oakland Co. worked hard to organi,"and supervise this site. Students frc·~

Detroit Country Day School showed h'Menthusiastic young people can be abouthelping with a worthwhile project'

3~

logjams were cleared, and about 65 yd 0'debris removed. Three loads of logs wet'chipped for use in parks.

INKSTER, The turnout at this site W2S

less than in previous years, bu\volunteers did a great job, and SO fT. i:".

wanted to work even longer reported sjt~

coordinator John Bloodworth. 2 logja~s

were cleared, and a dent was made in athird 300 foot long logjam.

NORTHVILLE, Both city and township Boa'representatives joined Northville H.,students and o~her volunteers in rernovil,about 100 yd of debris, under tl.direction of site coordinator, JO;-I

Anderson. In addition to removing thine.from the river, Mountain Top Tree Servicthad 5 crew members chipping wood al',opruning dead and overhanging branches '"prevent future logjams. The Dandy Gandtrestaurant provided sandwiches for lunel.

WALLED LAKE: A small group of about 17volunteers removed debris from the shorE~

of Walled Lake under the supervision ofRalph Smith. He felt they accomplished.

LOLA VALLEY PARK: Barbara Pull£'"organized this site which was part ofRouge Rescue for the first time. A groupof students and their parents from Bulffia~

Elem. School worked between Inkster ~

Beech Daly to remove items such as 2

snowblower and newspaper dispenser.Wayne Co. workers hauled away the debri~ .

RWR SUMMEP '88 PAGE 16 IT

Hines Dr. The Alternative Community WorkForce, composed of people convicted ofTlonviolent misdemeanors, is working withWayne Co. Parks & Recreation employees toclear a stretch of the middle Rouge forcanoeing. Work has not progressed asfast~s planned because of the amount ofdebris found blocking the river. The lowwater level has allowed workers access tomuch debris usually covered by water.Wayne Co. workers are operating the heavy,equipment and Work Force workers aredoing hand work. The goal is to cleanfrom Ann Arbor Trail to the Warren ValleyGolf Course. We applaud this effortwhich is using community resources toaccomplish something that will benefitthe Rouge.

Ford Division employees cleared thedebris removed from the river during thethird annual Ford Employee Day, July 28.Close to 400 employees filled twen~y-five

40 yd3 rolloff containers (1000 yd ) withdebris removed from the river by the workforce.

National I+.1nting and Fishing DayThe Michigan United Conservation Clubshas invited FOTR to set up a display for,National Hunting and Fishing Day.September 24 and 25 at Livonia Mall.Hours are roughly 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat.,and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. If you areinterested in working at the display topass out information and talk to peopleabout the Rouge River. call 271-6670 andlet us know. Get involved!

PERMIT RaIUEST FOO SNOU WlJDS llENIEDThe DNR denied Oakwood Hospital's permitrequest to build a retirement complex onthe Snow Woods wetland because ofcommunity interest in the wetland, andbecause the facility could be located atan alternative site. The 22 acre SnowWoods wetland, located in Dearborn, isunique in its location and condition,consisting of the only forested wetlandin the area.

Area residents formed the Snow WoodsPreservation Committee last year in orderto save the wetland from development,preserve the area for educational &community use, wildlife habitat, and foruse and enjoyment by future generations.The Snow Woods Preservation Committee isnow trying to get the Ford Motor LandDevelopment Corporation, the owners ofSnow Woods, to donate the wetland to theDearborn Public Schools to be used forenvironmental education.

HOlL I IJAY I'RE:SER\IE aJRRECTI l.JNSIn the last edition of the RWR, Imistakenly wrote that the onlyrestriction on the county owned land waSthat it be used for recreationalpurposes. Actually, this is the argumentthat Westland officials are using. Inaccepting the gift in 1958, Wayne Countyagreed to maintain the area as a forestand wildlife preserve as stipulated bythe trustees for the Richardson estate,

Water Quality ~reness WeekThe Detroit Water and Sewerage Dept.(DWSDl is hosting a Water Quality Aware­ness Week Open House on Saturday, October22. The event is open to the public, andFriends of the Rouge will have a displaythere. Activities will include tours ofthe Wastewater Treatment Plant and Lab,movies and other entertainment. DWSD isalso sponsoring a poster, logo and sloganearltest for children and giving tours totldSses dllrlng Water Quality AW~lene5s

Weeh, Octob~r 17-20. Anyorle intprestedshould contact Aleta Donoho of D(",!Sn at297-9296 or 297-9297.

RWR SUMMER '88 PAGE 16 GG

SECTION 12:

Clinton River CleanupThe following materials are from the Clinton River Cleanup 88. For more information see contacts.

17

We Soar Like Eagles...We Believe A River Is A Treasure

17 A

JULY /988 THEClINTON RIVERCLEAN-U? COMMITTEE, INC

S M T W T F S

I 2.

3 <4 5 b 7 8 9

10 I \ !2 !3 [4 15 1(;

i7 IS 1<1 20ICAM

22 2321 CHAMBER.

GIRL S«xJr5 OF COMMERCEWilL FOLD MT. CLEM EtJ~

LETTER'S ON DREDolN6

24 25 2Co 27 28 29 30.DEADLINEj:ORSURVE'{IN~ .

3\ We Soar Like Eagles...We Believe A River IsATreasure.

.

AUGUST /988~ M T W T F <:.v v

I Z r. 4 5 G;j

7 8 9 \0 II /2 /3

14 IS If:> 17 18 /9 20 'KICK OFF CLEAN -LJp

DAWN fO DUSK

21 - 22 23 24 2S 2(, 27 -

Cl£AN-uPDAWt-l TO DUSK.

28 Zg 30 3/~~, .

(Iinf(J)1-River (/eanup ,

I jt "t .~K~- w. Sc>r U<. e.gle<-., . ' r:. "". w. B.a.v. A R1_ b An..uur.

TIlE CliNTON RIVER ClEAN-UP COMMITTEE, INC '. N ~I) ~'\A5I I ' I 1- I

L ,\\<.1'" ,}~

CL HI reiN RIVER CLH1NUP ClJl'IM I TrEERL MRRTIN, PRESIDENr

12159 Fairview D)'.::;tet~l ing Heiyhts, f'tlidlig"?Y"l ',8077

f)t,one: 264-3(:151

SRFETY nND HERLTH TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERS

i:ll".,t:"l')f?

Wilile a l~lver clean-tIp ofl';ll j nqs ~::\I'·'I~ done pt""c,pet'ly,

,:·,n(1 Jal'ff? l'lJt)I~' voll.tn'l;eet""s tel

~ny size needs its experts to seethe real l"lerOeS 8t""e 'the av~rage

d() -the wot""k.

"1",:, fIlalt.f? Sl.lt'e th8t t.hesp individuals who car'e eYKtugh toIt'J'~\Y11; t;,:. help stcH"'t: and end the twc' days in A-I shape, the Clint,:,Y'lf~i·/~l·· Cle~n-~tp ConlMittee has issued a few simple rules.

r=it"'st of all wtlat to wear. Tt,e COfnmittes suggests loosefit~inq, cornfor'table clottling that provides both arM and leg~n-'o1; f"tC l; i ,::,n.

"It sholJld be t'ece'gnized, ,. the Ccorl1r11ittee says, "thatins~~(~ts ~nd tlRF.\VY lJndet~gr,~wth along ttlE river will be hazardoust:o 'tl'lf:J'r"',.:,tected pe't.. ti.ons e,f the body and stut~dy heavy-duty typef'~0l: weat' will also add to Y'~llr cOMfort."

The Comrll itt eei l'1 ,~ sht'? 1 t t?r-t~d at'ea,sleeveless bl'~ljses.

stresses tha·t unless you will be workingyou should not ~Jear shorts, T-shirts or

r;;ll'~'l)Jd no)'!;

Upon21l;"tf:c~rl'lpt to

l'''epor't i ngdo.::. j,:,bs at

to the We't"H,wh i ch t hl'?y cH~e

areas, volunteel"surls~(i lIed.

"Dc, riot attempt to operatE? unfamiliar ~)ower toolsi'lnd r''1jq;I-Htll-?y , I;,'' Lht~ C'AIHlli.tLee says.

I: II '-·1 t

hF,,-I';':'::"1

y':'ll llFlve beF!nC':'l·I'.::'l'. 1. t !,.oJi th

assigned to a cr~ew,

YOU1~ (:r~ew ctlief astt,e Committee advises

to wtlat ,job you can do

l\1"Yl-·-~;t·JirIHllE't~·5 shol.!ld identify thefllselves as suchi.(ll~\ll·;f·lf·,'",ti"n I-Jill 11f:' i"sUF'd t,~.' P.YISlJt~P. thr~t tlH?se

Nor-,1\ I ~'\' ';1111'1"11 t;" Itr'f'p l-J",tr'\' f"ll'"JPct;s.

and pr"c'per'"individuals

1.)"1111 '.'1111( IJ~:; !,.oJ I 1'_) t-oH'" "'1 , q 1..;1.':3SI":; ,"Il'~(? r3dvlsed to ti1lq;? a ~3irllpl.(·?

~)11:'( dll\;I,:,n: "[!lE' SllllplE' i::ltt"H.::hr,H:;>nt e,f tv-,':' ot"'clinar~y t"lJbber~ bandsI.,." ..'pl.'r.l L'.:,qf-?\;11f?t, and at:l;2\chf·?d t(:o r~"1ch et"Jr peice behind the her"1c1~oJi I, 1 i n<;:;lJl·... e l:h,"'.'It Y':'lJr~ glc"15 cH:?s stay in [JJ.~1c::e. A shot.. t length ,:,fl;v) i riC' IfJ i. I. I i:u:c'Al1pl ish till:? plJr·'p()~'1f'?

rllF' C,:.:<fdrlfj Ltf?e ~dvi~,r-:s. that peo[J.te wh,_)';11' ,II 1,IJ Ill-irlq thelll and fll.:,r·'/;? irnp.::,r~L,.:\nt ly, Wl?ar~

have safety goggle~;,

therll.

rc:,', Ul:' t

17D

C(:>r,llil it: t ee t~~Corllrtlends P\'~OP(?l~ 1_lse (:of i nSf?ct 'l"'epellent s.

1I1Vlost bt'ands of t~'Jb-on t~efJell!?nt, ItJilen applied fl'~eely -(;':1

r:,'q.l':,'~:;'(-?c1 p,:,t~t i,:,Y"lS ,:,f tl1e b,:.:q:Jy, aff,::,t~d c){cellent pl'~otect i':,n againsti.fl'~.r..>ct bl LE'S. net~':,s,:,l Spt~HY t"'epellc=nts at"'e equally effect ive,Ij "",v.lf.! VF? I"" e)(tl'~l?rne CQlJt l':'n sh':"Jld be tal'(f;?n Itshi Ie using. Nevel''''~lte!11pt to spr"'ay yo~\r own face and neck. Spray haYlds and rub ontills ar"'ea or ask anott10l'''' persl~n to spray after cupping both palms~)vev' ttje eyp5, nose and mOlltl,.

In 2dditionf'--:oli'::'\I'Jing:

t~le Comrnittee recommends the

* Dc, nc,t wor"'~( alone or'" out of sight of others. Work under-I;hf? dir~ect ic,Yl of designated Ct~ew chief and cr"'ew leader"'s tel iY'lslJt"'eL)e~;t; 'Jse of your~ effor~ 8fld s~(ill.

¥- Hr:>fJt:,t,t BflY.i ftlllled:L B tel. y. Ins i st

i 11nes5 or'"that othet~s

i n j lJ t~y t Ct

d':l the sarllethe Fi,'stif ill.

* 1)0 fl,~t attempt to operale unfaflliliat~ power equipment.

"~ D,:, rl':·,l:;

unt;.i.l TIKd:or' isatlefllpt

e,:,ol ed.to engine powered tools

.~. Bt~inq

'1')'I1~ d isp':'Q,,?1,1_-' I, I '~

alof'rg any speciali.A., t"lat~d hat,

safety equipmentsafety glasses,

y,:,lj Tl1ay have atleather'" gl':')'185,

~ All:~,t\,=,1ic beverages shcluld rl~,t

1',h:.. t·11. 1")I,:II'\1""S.. "Sa.V(? the par~tying untilF"!\"(lt'Y':'"(18 C2n celebt'atE'"

be corlslJm~d during pro.jecta fter'" WCtt~~( is done, s':'

" (lnd a Fin,;:\.l w':'l'd ft'I:,rrl the C':,rllrlli t l;ee,t, hF~ fll(~,t l:; '.::> fOI" l:; he t It/':';"-day pr~oJ f?ct :

and one that (!light

"1'1;\~/r.~ yoUt' contl~ib1Jl:; if)n a safe-=? and fll~~rlK't"'able ,:,ne that y':'tJ1'<"1\1 I r_'(I!prlll)(':~l' Lhf~ t"E'st .;:,f Y'_"J1" 1 i ff~."

IIIi 11',11<, YUII Hm YOurl C111',II::Elm mm R~,S I S rPNCE: IN MPI, I NG THE CL I NTm,I, I \.'1.'1< r:U'lil'III1:' 'flB n I·IUGE SUI.:CESS. rl·IE COI'II'1 I TTEE HRS RLHI"RDYI 'FI·,I.1101 1·'l..nr,II'11 ~113 THE CI. I NT()~I r. I 'JEr. CLErI~IUP , 8'3. r.'LEPSE JO I ~I USI'll ..': I 'IUII<- IIU,1j f'.'U::II~;I~ JUlI'l U~; liT THE mlmws PII:~IIC RT FllEEDO~1

I III I r'(jIW, "I I. ilL 11'11, 111'1 [,1·1 E;, 1'1 I m,1 IIUG :'01, 1301l.ilL t'HW 1 l t·l, F'r.E!3 [DE~ll'

17 E

CLINTON RIVER CLEANUP '88CLINTON RIVER CLEANUP COMMITTEE

WORK COORDINATORS PLANNING TIPS

1. SAFETY -- Safety is first. First is safety for allvolunteers, committee leaders and equipment operators, etc.Do your utmost to consider everything possible to assure asafe operation in your work location.

2. Your are the boss and have the responsibility over all workactivity in your work area/site location. You are respons­ible for assignment volunteers to work crews, etc.

3. Plan very carefully for all aspects of the cleanup projectin your location.

4. Survey the river thoroughly. Know it bacKwards and forward.Know all problems to be corrected. Consult with DNR as towhat trees need to be removed if necessary. Mark logjams onmap. Mark access points for equipment and volunteers, emer~

gency vehicles and disposal trucks.

5. Make sure your supervisory crew is trained and familiar withall aspects of work location:Crew Chief or ChiefsWater Crew ChiefSafetyFirst AidVolunteer RecruitmentFood & ComfortPhotographyEquipment and operatorsCommunications

6. Make sure you distribute work and health advisory info tovolunteers.

7. Give a thorough orientation on safety and work proceduresto volunteers. Make sure they register and sign the liabil­ility disclaimer.

8. In case of an accident don't use the person's name on thealr. Contact Central Control immediately for instructionsand First Aid Advisory. First Aid may want the injuredperson to be taken to a hospital for complete treatment.Check with First Aid as to procedure.

9. Make sure supervisory personnel have all necessary equip­ment, tables, tent, banner or signs, registration forms,liability disclaimers, toilets, wash water, drinking water,first aid supplies/kits, give aways, hats, gloves, maps ofwork sites, trash bags, dumpsters. etc.

17 F

10. Remember to check volunteers in and out of work crewsif moved from work crew to another during the day. Defi­nitely check them out at the end of the work day.

11. Praise the volunteers for a job well done and encouragethem to help on Sunday and with Clinton Cleanup '89.

12. Remind the volunteers and supervisory personnel about theAugust 27, 1988, Clinton River Cleanup '88 Awards Picnicat freedom Hill Park, Sterling Heights, MI. at which theCRCC hopes to thank all volunteers, contractors andsponsors.

13. If in doubt or have questions about anything, pleasecall Central Control.

14. Make sure you have permission to enter the land access­to the river -- both private and municipal. Get thelicense signed by the owners.

15. If you are working with municipalties, make sure you arecoordinating activities with their crews and personnel.If they choose to take full charge of project in theirjurisdiction that is all well and good. But offer toassist them to assure 100% success.

16. Keep track of number of volunteers participating in theproject. Keep track of number of contractors participatingand equipment used. Keep track of trash bags filled, 20,30, 40 cubic yard dumpster roll-offs filled, trucks filledwith debris, number of cars, appliances, tires and otherlarge or unusual items. Try to give us totals at the endof each day of the Cleanup weekend. Make report to CRCCOffice by Monday noon.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATED AND INSPIRED COMMITTMENT TO THISSAFE AND SUCCESSFUL CLINTON RIVER CLEANUP '88. WITHOUT YOURGREAT LEADERSHIP AND TREMENDOUS HARDWORK, WE COULD NOT BESUCCESSfUL IN CLEANING THE CLINTON RIVER SO THAT EVERYONEMAY ENJOY OUR BEAUTIfUL NATURAL RESOURCE TO ITS fULLEST!

AL MARTIN, PRESIDENT CRCC

17 G

FUNDRAISERSPAGHETTI DINNER

EAGLES POST a HARRISON TOWNSHIPCI.IN'"

'ON RIVER

S.RIVER RD.

Thursday, August 11, 198811:30 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M.

Donation $5.00 Per Person

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL:Clean Up '88 - 2549 8200

Bonnie Baranowsxi - 465m3423Steven M. Zinner - 465m4898

Harrison Clerks Offics ~ 466m140017 H

CLINTON RIVER CLEANUP COMMITTEEAL MARTIN, PRESIDENT

12159 Fairview Dr.Sterling Heights, MI 48077

313 264-9051

VOLUNTEER LIMITATION OF LIABILITY RELEASEAND

EMERGENCY TREATMENT AUTHORIZATION

WAIVER AND RELEASE:

I waive and release all rights and claims fordamages or injuries suffered byme while participating in the Clinton River Cleanup.I accept all responsibility for myself as I willingly participate. in this project.Parents or guardians of all participants under 18 years of age must alsosign. Participants under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Date: _

Insurance Company

Hosp. Insurance Number

Participant's Signature

ParenV Guardian Signature

EMERGENCY TREATMENT AUTHORIZATION FOR A MINOR CHILD:

In case of an injury to my minor child who may require emergency treatment and I/we/parentor guardian cannot be easily reached to authorize treatment, we hereby authorize emergencymedical treatment to our minorchild so that he/she will not go without proper medical treatment.We are of the understanding that we will be notified of injury at the earliest possible time.

ParenVGuardian SignatureDate:Phone-:------------

171

CLINTON RIVER CLEANUP COMMITTEE12159 FAIRVIEW DRIVE

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48077

IE~eQB8BY_bl~E~§E_QE_Bl§~I=QE_~8Y

8~Q_U§~_QE_B~8b_eBQe~BIY

This agreement made this day of , , byand between , owner arid 1 ieerlsor, andCLINTON RIVER CLEANUP COMMITTEE, I icer,see, WITNESSETH:

That, for and in consideration of the sum of ONE DOLLAR($1.00) and other good and valuable consideration, the receiptand sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and inconsideration of the mutual covenants, promises and agreementsherein made, the licensor hereby grants to the license to enterhis property located at _

for the purpose of accessing the Clinton River on or adjacent tosaid property, and conduction operations on or along said ClintonHiver for pur'poses of clear"d'ng arid removiY'lg Ylatut"'al and otherdebris from the river pursuant to licensee's purposes.

This license is considered temporary and shell be for thelimited purposes of cleaning the Clinton River as aforesaid 9nthe weekend of , and for forty-eight (481 hours before and after said weekend.

All installations placed upon said right-af-way by thelicensee shall be placed and removed within the time period setfot~th above~

Any construction, operation, maintenance, or removal alongsaid Clinton River shall be accomplished by the said licensee atlicensee's sole cost and expense and in such a manner as will atall times enable licensor to use and enjoy his property and thet"ight-eof-way.

The licensor shall not be liable for any damage to propertyor injuries to persons arising from the stated cleanup of theClinton River as aforesaid.

The licensee hereby covenants and agrees that after removalof equipment and/or debris pursuant to the time period set forthabove it will restore said premises to the conditions existing atthe time of entering upon same under this license, reasonable andQrdinary wear and tear and damages by the elements, or bycircumstances over which licensee has no control, excepted~

All expenditures to be made by the licensee under theprovisions of this agreement shall be subject to donations beingavailable for this purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have affixed theirsignature on the day and date above stated.

WITNESSED:

17;]"

SIGNED:

Ownet"/L i cey.sor

CLINTON RIVER CLEANUP COMMITTEE

By:_G~~~Al Martin, President

Clinton River Clean-Up 1988

BACKGROUND

In May 1988, Ron Spitler, District 14 fisheries manager wascontacted by Al Martin, of Sterling Heights, and notified that agroup of concerned citizens were in the process of forming acommittee to organize a clean-up of the Clinton River. The firstorganizational meeting was scheduled for June 1, 1988. Fisherieswas invited to attend to indicate "MDNR's role" in this project,which was scheduled to take place August 2e and 21, 1988.

Ron attended that meeting and stated fisheries divisions'sposition on citizen organized clean-ups. He addressed the use ofheavy equipment in the stream and on the banks and stressed thatthe project should not get overdone (a la 1969, the time of aprior citizen's clean-up organized by Al Martin). Barry Horney's(LWMD supervisor D-14) advice regarding when permits werenecessary was also passed along.

The second meeting, June 15, 1988, was an open forum for allvolunteer citizens who wished to become involved with thisproject. Ron reiterated his comments from the organizationalmeeting and informed the group that the fisheries contact for thedepartment would be Liz Hay.

Nine more organizational meetings were held of whichattended. Attached are the meeting notes for each.self-explanatory.

CLEAN-UP

seven wereThey are

The original citizen's proposal was to remove man-made debris andlog jams from 7e river miles of the Clinton system. This areacovered Macomb and Oakland counties and went from the mouth ofthe river to the city of Pontiac where the stream is enclosed andfrom Elizabeth Lake to the rivers sources at Voorheis and JudahLakes. Additionally, where feasible, the committee agreed uponadvice from fisheries division to use logs from jams to stabilizeeroding banks (Palmiter method of bank stabilization). A permitwas issued by LWMD (see attached) for the above work. No otherpermits were necessary for this project.

The river was divided into 15 sections (see attached map) andwork groups assigned to each. Seven members of the D-14fisheries crew were assigned to specific areas af the river tooffer advice to the volunteers on how to correctly remove logjams, stabilize eroding banks and which ones they should beconcerned with, what was debris and should be removed, and whatshould be left as it was good hab1tat. Their presence was alsoh9ped to be a deterrent to violations of the permit which allwere advised to watch for and document.

The original intent of the clean-up was to go for two days.Section 1 did not have sufficient volunteers either day for anywork to be accomplished. Sections 13-15 chose to have only a oneday (Saturday) clean-up. The highest turn out was on Saturday.with an estimate of volunteers for the two days at 1000 peoole.

17 K

CONCLUSIONS

From D-14 fisheries point of view the clean-up went very well.With oneexception, all sections of the river complied with thepermit and its conditions. The exception occurred at site 8, theYates Cider Mill area in the Rochester-Utica State RecreationArea. This site and #7 were under the supervision of ChuckAlhgren, manager of the park. Four different fisheries peoplenoted violations in this area. Heavy equipment causing largeruts (approximately 2 feet wide and 1 foot deep) repeatedlycrossed the stream disrupting the bed and both sides of the bankwere also damaged. Some trees on the bank in this area were alsounnecessarily removed. These violations were mentioned by 2 ofthe individuals to the park manager as it was his park and he wasin charge. No other action was taken by fisheries personnel.

The clean-up did not cover the proposed 70 river miles, but inthe sections worked accomplished a good deal. Several (#7) largelog jams (some up to 30 years old) and several small ones wereremoved allowing better water flow. Sections of the river aremore accessible to canoes at this time due to these efforts. Thebank stabilization efforts should have a positive effect onreducing sedimentation loading into the river. Most of theseefforts should last for some time. A few will not be retainedwithout additional work.

A great deal of man-made debris was removed from Cars to freezersto cash registers to tires, etc. Much positive media attentionwas focused on the river (TV, radio, newspaper) and many peoplewanted to do more to help "their" river and "get" the people whowere using it as a dump.

Some of the other benefits of this effort are the increased rollwhich communities along the river are playing in keeping 1'their'!portion of the stream free of log jams. Rochester Hills,Rochester, Sterling Heights, and parts of Clinton Township aremaintaining a yearly program with their department of publicworks or recreation and are trying to insure that their portionof the river remains clear.

The city of Mount Clemens is now taking an interest in the riverwithin their boundaries and are proposing to develop mini-canoeparks within city limits. These parks would rent canoes andreturns could take place at any of the sites.

FUTURE CLEAN-UPS

The group which organized this clean-up hopes to make it anannual affair, similar to the event which takes place yea~ly onthe Rouge River. I would recommend the following is such anoccurrence came to pass:

1) MDNR need to be involved from the beginning. When someone isasked to attend a representative needs to be sent not only to thefirst meeting but all subsequent ones as well. It would be bestif the individual was always the same person as a rapport can bebuilt up with the group.

17L

2) All meetings must be attended to keep stressing the need foran environmentally safe event. Also to answer the multitude ofquestions which will arise.

3) This is not just a fisheries related affair. Ideally,representatives from wildlife, law, LWMD, surface water quality,and environmental response division should be present. Theproject covers all these areas and it is difficult far a personfrom one division to know the correct answers for each of theseareas. As it would be difficult and expensive to have so manypeople at each meeting, a practical solution would be to have aone-person liaison and have a representative of each of the otherdivisions attend one meeting to give their division's input.This way a I'constant contact ll is maintained with one individual,plus the benefit of all divisions' knowledge is realized.

4) If the event is to be "policed", more than one division needsto be involved as it is an intensive affair.

5) Try to get the organizers to make it a one day event(preferably the Saturday), not the entire week-end.

17M

CLINTON RIVER CLEAN-UP COMMITTEE BRENT AVERY

RE: PERSONAL NOTES

*WHAT IS THE P~OBLEM ?

- SEWAGE, HAZARDOUS WASTE, BLOCKAGE, SEDIMENT

*WHAT IS OUR GOAL ?

- PLANNING STRATEGIES FOR SHORT-TERM CLEAN-UP WITH LONG­RANGE PREVENTION ACTION

- TECHNOLOGICAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES

*WHAT DO WE DO WHEN OUR COMMITMENTS THAT WE RECEIVED ARE GONEAND WE HAVE WORK LEFT TO DO ?

*ARE WE GOING TO CONTINUE WITH OUR GOALS OR WILL WE START ANDTHEN ABANDON WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE ?

*WHAT ARE THE CRITICAL ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT SO WE CAN PIN­POINT STRATEGIC CONTROL POINTS ?

'AND AFTER THE CRITICAL AREAS ARE IMPROVED, WHAT CAN WE DO TOENSURE CONTINUED IMPROVE:1ENT INSTEAD OF REGRESSION ?

.* I BELIEVE THERE CAN BE NO ACTUAL TIME FRAME FOR WHEN THEPROJECT IS DONE .... WE ARE NEVER DONE .... WHAT WE MIGHTCONSIDER DEALING WITH HERE , IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A LARGERSUCCESS , IS TO HAVE THE REALIZATION THAT WE ARE TALKINGABOUrr NOT ONLY A C~EAN RIVER f BUT ALSO TEE LONG-TERMAFFECTS ON POPULATIONS, STANDARDS OF LIVING, CONSUMERP~ODUC':'S , Al,fn T:iE ATTITuDES OF INDUS'"l:RY IN GE~JE£(AL. *,;;

17 N

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND RELEASE

I, being of lawful age,

willingly participate in the activities of the CLINTON RIVER

CLEANUP COMMITTEE, and understand that by doing so I may be

subject to injury to my person.

I hereby acknowledge the limited liability of the CLINTON

RIVER CLEANUP COMMITTEE to me for any injuries to my person

received during my activities with the CLINTON RIVER CLEANUP

COMMITTEE in pursuing the purposes of said committee to clean up

the Clinton River on ___________ , 1988.

I hereby release, acquit and forever discharge the CLINTON

RIVER CLEANUP COMMITTEE of and from all actions, causes of

actions, claims and demands, damages and costs, accruing and to

accrue to me on account of any unknown injury, loss or damage,

whatsoever, directly or indirectly sustained by me on the above

date or dates.

It is expressly understood and agreed that acts of persons

or entities, other than the CLINTON RIVER CLEANUP COMMITTEE, are

not covered by this limitation of liability and release.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand this

day of , 1988.

I'IITNESSED:

17 0

SIGNED:

· -0

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

INTEROFFICE COMMUNICATION

June 23. 1988

Ronald J. Spitler, District Fisheries Manager

On Wednesday June 22, 1987 I attended this meeting atII High School, Utica. 45 people were in attendance.

TO:

FROM:

SUBJECT:

Liz Hay, Fisheries Biologist

Second Clinton River Clean-up Meeting J/Henry Ford

A video presentation soliciting help from businesses andvolunteers for the upcoming event was shown. It is to bedistributed as widely as possible. It was well done and shouldproduce results. As a point of interest, you may like to knowthat you are in it, attractively shown stuffing pizza in yourmouth.

A:'headquarters for the clean-up has been established in an officeat the high school and is where Al Martin and a full-timesecretary will work from. Another office will be located in aformer real estate office at Jefferson and Shook Roads. A searchis underway to locate an office in Oakland County.

I told the committee that the eight people of the FisheriesDivision would be present both days of the clean-up (Aug. 20-21)to advise and observe. I also mentioned that we would easy tospot as everyone, except myself, would be in uniform.

-The meeting them broke into individual committee groups. Thesurvey group has agreed to get aerial photographs of the river assoon as possible and then trips will be made to map all sectionsof the river pinpointing logjams and severely eroded areas. Theriver was divided into the following sections and one person putin charge of each section to ensure that the mapping isaccomplished in a timely manner:

Mt. ClemensClinton Twp.Sterling HeightsShelby Twp.RochesterAuburn HillsPontiacWaterford Twp.

Shadyside - mouthHayes - ShadysideUtica - HayesYates - UticaHamlin - Yates175 - Hamlin

On Tuesday June 28, 1988 I will be surveying the Sterling Heightssection along with half a dozen volunteers showing them whatneeds to be removed, what areas should be left, and what banksshould be stabilized.

The next meeting is at 7:30 pm Wednesday June 29. 1988.

17 P

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

INTEROFFICE COMMUNICATION

Jul';,,' 1. 19E'8

T(J: Rcn~ld J. SIJitler. Dlstrict Fi~heries Man2~JSr-

Con June 2(.1 ~

di\li"3ic,n.this ifle~t:inq

The general meetino be~ai' around 7:30 pm and ~ent to 9:15 pm.For t~1e 1-la1+ 11our' prior to it r answered qu,Es~iol'S and di~cu~~0d

e~virorlmentally sound ways of reoloving log janls.

'"he lneeting cOllsisted of much genera:l discussion abclJt manytopics. The highligtlts are listed briefly below.

On Jul '/ 11. 1'7813 a me,?ti 119 i~. 5checlul i;.;;d 'I'Ji th Dt'~R (~'Jho "7). c.:Oi·-PS

of Enqineers, and othe~s (not specified) with regard to drecginqthe river" Just past the spillway si'te.

Reports of the Mt. Clemens sewage trea'tnlent plant prcblenls wer8qi'/\-E:r1 3nd qU(2-:::tiGn'3 '....In'·/ ncthlr,q :-:3d be'?!'-; d·::.n,:: <..=c.bou': .it ,.:.i':::.~::d.,

(~roblem W85 unspecIfied).

MlJch ti~le~ energy, and di~~Clls5i~n wa5 ~pent an tt12 city o·f'2t.·::':~·-.linq H(~:i.qi"'It.:::, r-'::::+'..l'3,:.i.1. c),f pet";ni5-~i.on ';:c, 3l),DV'.1 cles.r'--L~p l::"~'h:~3 _:;

·their section 0+ river - Van DY~~e to HaVj~s R0ad.

:-1' \1 1'"':iJt:'llnq :J~".:'''':':~_l,:::ti''t? It-J',)I.!.ld cc!:r!~·: c,~.,'t: c.oi~ t.:',i:: -;;:',:-::-~:'::l=- t.r-;:E1.:r-'/I'?'!., l~qu:i.I-:-.;nent.,! '~\I'id 1·-::.c!I",i:--",,J·t--lJ.J,'<."/ COiT1l1i~, "~:':"'~O::-:':': j~-.;: -.·l':~. In:·::"::.

~",,:A,':: Oc.-V1C'L.·'s +:-'-::-::1) ;:::'1.:: f.:, Jr-;;,~'::; lJ,.;\:':",":t,:·',:J :.::~r"::"t.:.r,.J 2,"·,"::: :::·ri,;":)(,::"': .. ';;: ,f'·:-..d'.';!

!:~r:Sl'.ler· a~l~ !5·trlj(~ti~r"'~ ir, tt18t:?·'·":~i"-·/ti-,:~ ,':',-;1 -:;,-:Dul a be t-'2:T:C.\/E'.;j"

·thIS ~Iav ~~nd ther-e is a qr'eat

, '.,

S ',::' e ,": - .l :'" C ;', !n':'::' j"'; t ~,1. 1 i d ,i; ',-I ,=", ,;~ :~ n ',:~ " F' ':.:: ,;:: p ".~~ ,;<: p :::' '2 ,~.:'" '2'::' 1 .• ::: . '''~ ;"-, .'. ~.- 'J , 'c'

In', CC'lihn,.-?r·lt.'.:~- ':::,?t-i.::;,u-:;;;J./. hD!·"L;.2\·t';'!'-'~ L ,j() rl()L 1<n':";\'; ..... ,-.n..:.·.: 1';:: ",,:~·.:::,··-,.·i

t~~ii'kirlq 011 in': piar""t.,

cc:

17Q

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

INTEROFFICE COMMUNICATION

July 6, 1988

TO: Walter (Chuck) Ahlgren, Park Manager, Rochester-UticaRecreation Area, Parks Division

FROM: Brian Monroe, Environmental Quality AnalystRemedial Action SectionEnvironmental Response Division

SUBJECT: Clinton River Cleanup, August 20-21, 1988

Please see my attached June 7, 1988 memo to Claudia Kerbawy regardingrecommendations for the proposed Clinton River volunteer cleanup.Claudia Kerbawy discussed my memo with our Assistant Division Chief,Andrew Hogarth, and it was decided that the second alternative reCOm­mendation put forth in my memo should be our Division recommendation.This alternative is'as follows (previously transmitted verbally to you).

1) Limit cleanup of the river in the vicinity of the G & H Landfillsite (as described in my June 7, 1988 memo) to access by canoes withcleanup limited to the main river channel. No cleanup of the banksor adjacent wetland areas should be allowed.

2) Closely monitor the river cleanup in this stretch of the river. Itwas suggested that you and your staff should take the lead in this.

Andy Hogarth also suggested that it might be useful to canoe this stretchof the river prior to the cleanup with you or your staff and perhaps arepresentative of the Surface Water Quality Division. I am not aware ofa central Department contact person for this cleanu?, but perhaps DaveKenaga would be appropriate. Dave Kenaga has been involved withdeveloping a Remedial Action Plan for the Clinton River.

If you have ~ny questions, please contact me at 517-373-6808.

Thank you.

Attachment

cc: Ms. J. Calabrese, U.S. EPA, Chicago (5HR-11)Ms. L. Kroetsch, U.S. EPA, Grosse lIeMr. J. Grant, MDNR, SWQDMr. D. Kenaga, MDNR, SWQDMr. A. Hogarth, MDNR, ERDMr. J. Linton, MDNR, ERDMs. C. Kerbawy, MDNR, ERDMr. T. Eftaxiadis, MDNR, ERDMs. D. Gruben, MDNR, ERDFile - G &H LandfillFile - Liquid Disposal

l7R

Aq~:nd<:"\

C:lirltofl Rivel~ CleanUfJ,July 1:::"" 17U8

'{'I'Dflrlt:; B(Jssf~ntJel~qer

r,i::lfJdy Dono'/Bn .- (~l 1'1artins SE?C!~E:.'tc\r·y

8(~llr,i~ BarIJI'j()wski[dr·ol Di eJ.I)a]e Goolsl),/ - For'd 11otor Co.

51.lrvey C()f'lrllitt~e:

.:~\. Full (-'\ccClunl". CHl f~:iver· Conditions thr3t havE? beens:ur·veyed.

b. FIJI I de'tailed l~e()O~t wittlin 2-weeJ(s on equipmentand ~'1c)\-" much hl:::,l p ne€-?ded i n the~5e areas.

c. (-'ll~I~·8rlqe count 'I 5Ul"·VE',/S that havE' not b(~en clone.

'::i. P!~Dql~f~'~::'~;; I~eport fl~orn each commi tteeb. LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY HELP OR HAVE

A F'F:IJE<L.H1.

[f'SI,Jr2r,C~ Policy:

tJ •c.

()rH1URl InO::=:lw'c"1f1CP 1:-·'01 icy·t351) -- i~I:\0 y~ar-ly to IJlairltain cleanup10% lfior·e ill di'f·fel~el,t cOlJnties.

,I.

i:'. ChFlr~it\l [1;;1.11IJ. Beer' Eru~'5l:

c~ ~'IC)t ('~ir' F(j-l,JlufJrl thl··U F~E' 1'"12;': F:e,;:,lit'(·:~()O f{,~cl: i.n the:? i:\.i.r-, j:01.P·PI'·o;-.:imr3tf:? c:o<.::l: .- ~1:~1 to :3:1;:tef'lElt:i ',IE·; d~\t:p. ..... (AUI;JU~-::.t 6 - 13tJ·l ••• ~ pI ace notrJE-?l.:el'-mi f1F~d ~I:" ~:r'I:" I II I'II;ED Df~ tmnjO :3UliGEST 1m,S." F..SW\ lUND .f/ .,., /. Il-:(d.,I.I·:" -~v/:i!L 1(,.,.}./:. //',.0--/ I 'Tc-J"/ v .I.J1/.·;::.....

- ~/OCJ ~~ 1/ 7' ,/r::E'por t. (:;i 1 F"'I.l::I-Ji do

1-1",1'::;5 I-I,;., i 1 i I'll)

! If '.1/.111 t·, ~,.> ('11'- f':i,:\'.'=.I'll: . r~11~rnr:::n~3 ,

l'·!f.~:l l'J.H·IHtl"lF.[ 1··1E.L.1JI··JC; •••••• ,.Jt,dy 20, l":?l:JB at 7:::,0. lJJp n(-~(:~d

1'·(.'·?I--'r-e"~r·:·I·IL;:,It:l'/F:S to qn to t'J':1ter'·fDr·d ·rVJI). Hall c:.,t 7::30. Our VJE'f?kly

11Ier-:t·ilH·! 1~Ii.Jl c;-,t.il.l hE: hr:::dcl heJ~r:~ iJ1: FCll"d HiC.:jh ~)chool.

175

. I,.

C(:)lrjillil~tees will br"airlstur'II llll'til 9:00 wtlen Al Martirl returns frolnW~ter'Forcj ,flJr a Darler"al Meetirlq.

. I

.,;

EV01'·y We(jr,e~5[jay tt,er"e will be a 'I,eetirlg 8't 7:30.atterlli.

DATES 10 REMEMBER;

PLEASE try to

11.-

h ..).; .~ . ,l,

•I,

,July 19 GIIP·1 Scouts will -Fold letters\]llly 21 :10 a.III. Ctlsml)er Q'f C[)mmerce, Mt. Clelnerls

orl Dl~e(Jqir·lq.

July 27 •... DEADLINE FOR SURVEYING

At.tgt.!st 19 .. Set I.lf) ar'ld KICI('-OFFAuqust 20 and 21st CLEAN UP---DAWN TO DUSK

1·/: yOll r'IEed tel qet ir'l tOIJet, witt'l Al Martin ••. Office 254-82CI(l or8202 ....•'1lJflle 264--9051.

17 T

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

INTEROFFICE COMMUNICATION

July 15, 1988

TO:

FROM:

SUBJECT:

Ronald J. Spitler, District Fisheries Manager

Liz Hay, Fisheries Biologist

Clinton River Clean-up Meeting, June 13, 1988

Al Martin was absent this week. 30 people were present. YvonneBossenberger conducted the meeting.

I spoke with Chuck Ahlgren (manager of Rochester-Utica Park). Hehas been hearing a lot of talk of putting bulldozers in the riverand pushing debris to access spots for removal. Use of cranesare also being discussed.

Al Martin wants a full account of the whole river by the surveycommittee within two weeks. The report is to include whatequipment is needed in what sections, how much help is needed ineach section, and the staging areas and access points. Ipersonally have doubts that this can be accomplished, as thecommittee is very disorganized with no leadership, and conflictsare developing between different factions within the committee.

Reports from each of the committees were given. The Equipment,Right-of-Way, Disposal, and Survey committee are supposedly runby the same two people, contractors. They have arranged for twocompanies, theirs and one other, to have log skidders present foruse. They are not talking cranes at this point, but I am notconvinced that arrangements for such are not being made and noreference is made to it) due to my presenc~ as they know I amagainst them.

Chuck Ahlgren advised everyone of the restriction for working ona section of river in his park (see attached memo).Unfortunately this was done in a very hostile way and caused alot of animosity and bad feelings towards the DNR as an agency.

Talk is now circulating that this event will become a yearlyphenomena. I have no idea when this happened or if it is true.Several handouts (5 - attached) were distributed.

Next week June 20, 1988 there will be a meeting at WaterfordTownship Hall at 7:30. Al Martin will be presiding.Concurrently will be the committee meetings at Ford High Schoolin Utica. At 9:00 pm in Utica will be the general meeting, AlMartin will be there.

cc: attachments (6)

DU

f~lJ(;;:'{'·'U"'·'

Clin·ton Riv8r- C19arlUp\]ul y 20 ~ 1 t?:.::Ji]

TilE eL.l :') ! UN F,: 1 .... [;": CU:i:)I\IUF' CCWII"II TIEE viL, LJL.c) L 11,.1': TO 1"EL.eClHE ;\"j', I'U:I;)MELIBERS ~ND/OR GU[31.

;~:: ;": ,:'( 1 " li'l ;;;'\1: ~;:,;. r;: E~ p (J r' t. ~

...-il ~

vi).!/C.//d.k.'/f.

r;:c:-pD(·t. of t'Jat".E-::-I""fc!I'''d I'k'etinq ~ TJ/""G ~ ala."rElu 1 k I-I,:;., i 1Fund i:::~~d. ~:,i i1l;j

:301 icitin,;~ Fund~=

TnSU~""i:::nCE'

SpCJnsIJ)'-::=.hi pg. IMPORTANCE OF COMMITTEES REPORTINGh. ~'3I_U""'VC2'i CammittE?E', t,=,>:cess ••• st,,:;\cJini] sight.,;;Must have all survey reports by nExt WEd. 7/27/88 .

...-f. Ch':llnbt-.?l'~ (J·f CnmIllE'!'~C:<::"? l-~::::(::::ting (1~1.::,cl.4mb) Thl.lI'-s.July ~.21, 19E1~1 ,;\t. .10:')0 ;;:-\.In.

Was'te mat,~ge!nent sections:---?,".. F'lIt:ilic Sii;Jh"l:s - liiEIs:.te l1aclc\qc,ment \-'Jill not pickLlp ~n private pl"oper-ty, we nesd perrnissicn for.:.' 1 E'C t 1'- 1 C i 'l Y ~

P1j. I.-J(0 j~It~~t:,d .-"i p,,::'nni t 'j p.:~:--rn.l. :::;~~-i en 51 i p cw' 1 i cs·ncato eilt91~ lar1d agrs21licnt.

vt. l'Jhcd~ +e.cil:l t::'E:'~~ fDr tDilet5~ vJ.::...t(~r +Dr ltJi;\shinqand fDr- p,z(j""-}::inq.d. 1::''''G:,t·~,/ 3 mi 1 e l"'E~POI~t ;:\,'(2;'1,::;.

NOlI Cl': ..... NOT I CE ...•. ~I[jnCE ..... I',on CI;: .•... NOT! CEo •... NOll CE ....

~-C< :~i.ll CDililnit.to::·:<::: vc:.lur·;"tfi.'el'''':.','l p.lc:":':'~~::;(~ j'~':?lliit P';I\./iE:.::nt of 'r··-SI·'I2.~·t~~ tu.[;Gnn:~L';;' D,,:r·(::\I"IC!hl~.:,k:i 'j if\i:\I.:E-~ c:I'jc:cJ..~:" p;::... ·/~':\l::ol(;:~ tu Cl~ntc;n nI""(::':I'" Cl;::,: ..':\r",t.tp.

I' I: !''',e!' ", Co n:" 'w, i q u: ,,' I: : '" 'IC:, p "" ,:, ",,:".'.' ",If,' ",,, t:J .". ~ I, .NEXT MEETING WILL DE WED. JULY 27,1988, 7:30 p.I•.

FORD HIGH SCHOOL ROOM 209

17V

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

INTEROFFICE COMMUNICATION

July 25, 1988

TO:

FROM:

SUBJECT:

Ronald J. Spitler, District Fisheries Manager

Liz Hay, Fisheries Biologist

Clinton River Clean-up Meeting, July 20, 1988

On the above date I attended the meeting along with 22 others atthe Henry Ford II high school in Utica.

From 7:30 pm until 9:10 pm the individual committees met.Including myself they were 3 people for the survey committee. Itstill appears that sections of the river have not been surveyed.It is also very evident that leadership and direction is notpresent in this group.

From 9:10 pm until 10:30 pm (when I left, the meeting was stillin progress), the general meeting was held with Al Martinpresiding. I spoke with Al just prior to the meeting and askedwho had told him that no permits were needed to work on theClinton. He stated that you had. I asked if he had spoken toBarry Horney and he didn't even know who he was. I explained hisposition and the told him the information he had asked me to passalong -- 1) there can be no alteration to the stream bottom orbank and 2) no trees can be left in the floodplain without apermit. Al said that there wasn't any problem with the former,but the latter was unrealistic and they had to do it. I advisedhim to call Barry and also told him that Mike Nurse would beattending the July 21, 1988 meeting and he could question him aswell.

The main portion of the meeting covered a lot of generalbusiness. The one interesting statement from our point of viewwas from Al Martin who stated "We are going to try and make this[the Clinton River clean-up] an annual affair."

The next meeting is July 27. 1988.

cc: B. Horney

17W

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

INTEROFFICE COMMUNICATION

July 25, 1988

TO:

FROM:

SUBJECT:

Ronald J. Spitler, District Fisheries Manager

Liz Hay, Fisheries Biologist

Clinton River Clean-up Meeting, July 20, 1988

On the above date I attended the meeting along with 22 others atthe Henry Ford II high school in Utica.

From 7:30 pm until 9:10 pm the individual committees met.Including myself they were 3 people for the survey committee. Itstill appears that sections of the river have not been surveyed.It is also very evident that leadership and direction is notpresent in this group.

From 9:10 pm until 10:30 pm (when I left, the meeting was stillin progress), the general meeting was held with Al Martinpresiding. I spoke with Al just prior to the meeting and askedwho had told him that no permits were needed to work on theClinton. He stated that you had. I asked if he had spoken toBarry Horney and he didn't even know who he was. I explained hisposition and the told him the information he had asked me to passalong -- 1) there can be no alteration to the stream bottom orbank and 2) no trees can be left in the floodplain without apermit. Al said that there wasn't any problem with the former,but the latter was unrealistic and they had to do it. I advisedhim to call Barry and also told him that Mike Nurse would beattending the July 21, 1988 meeting and he could question him aswell.

The main portion of the meeting covered a lot of generalbusiness. The one interesting statement from our point of viewwas from Al Martin who stated "We are going to try and make this[the Clinton River clean-up] an annual affair."

The next meeting is July 27. 1988.

cc: B. Horney

17 X

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

INTEROFFICE COMMUNICATION

August 11, 1988

TO:

FROM:

SUBJECT:

Ronald J. Spitler, District Fisheries Manager

Liz Hay, Fisheries Biologist

Clinton River Clean-up Meeting August 10, 1988

I was requested by Al Martin on August 9, 1988 to be at the Uticahigh school at 6:00 pm to address the work committee on thecorrect way to remove log jams from the stream. Upon arrival Alinformed me that the meeting had been changed to 7:30 pm and hehad forgotten to notify me. I spent the next hour talking to himand Dale Goolsby, his assistant, about the correct procedure toremove log jams. Al said he would pass this information along tothe work crew leaders who are meeting this Saturday, August 13,for a training session. Sections to be cleaned have been chosen _but I was unable to get a copy of this from AI. He said he wouldget me one by this week. Attached is one supplied to me by PaulHefka; I have no way of verifying its accuracy.

From 7:30 to 8:10 pm the committees were to meet and preparetheir latest reports. It was the usual chaos. During this timeI spoke with Paul Hefka and Peggy Johnson. Both expressed strongreservations about how the planning of this project had and wascontinuing to evolve.

At 8:10 pm the general meeting was held. Several updates weregiven. Then Al Martin asked me to stand up and tell the peoplewhat they could and could not do. I spoke for approximately 10~inutes to the 45 people present and very briefly tried to coverthe procedures in the Stream Obstruction Removal Guidelines setby AFS. Afterwards I answered questions.

During my brief talk I stated to Al and everyone present thatFisheries division would be present both days of the clean-up butin an advisory roll only. The communications team wants to workwith us so that if a problem arises at some point, one of thefisheries people can be dispatched to the site as soon aspossible and advise. I agreed to this. The conscientiousvolunteer and the communications network are probable the onlyway we prevent ecological disasters from occurring.

I still strongly feel that this is a very disorganized affair andthe left hand doesn't know what the right is doing or even if itexists. Again I would like to state that it would be verybeneficial if other DNR personnel were also present the week-endof the clean-up, especially law division.

cc: Mike ThomasBarry Horney

Attachments

17 Y

· "c

AubuHilL

,"

",.i

;':

17 BB

,- ~--.:...­\~

I

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF' NATURAL RESOURCES

INTEROFFICE COMMUNICATION

District 14 Headquarters

November 2, 1988

TO: Donald E. Reynolds, Regional Fisheries Biologist

FROM: Ronald J. Spitler, District Fisheries Biologist

SUBJECT: Clinton River Cleanup 1988

Enclosed find Liz Hay's report on the Clinton River Cleanup Project plusadditional data relating to the effort. 1 really appreciated her conscientiousand extensive effort in spearheading the work for the Department of NaturalResources. Without her firm environmental stance I'm convinced that manyatrocities would have been committed to the river. Through her activities, Ibelieve the DNR has gained a measure of increased respect from all involved.

The remainder of my crew, biologists and technicians, deserve recognition for theprofessional and courteous manner in which they carried out the "overseeing" dutiesthrough that long weekend. I heard nothing but compliments regarding theirbehavior. Each of them had opportunities to instruct the participants in properwork procedures in removing or securing debris to the benefit of the Clinton River.

I have a 20 minute videotape that I took with my personal camcorder that willfurther impress you with the magnitude of this cleanup. I'll be happy to showit to you when time permits. Additionally, the crew took many slides of thevarious activities and work sites in order to further document the effort.

What we accomplished is worth passing on.

RJS:brEnclosure

17 CC

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

INTEROFFICE COMMUNICATION

August 1, 1988

TO:

SUBJECT:

Ronald J. Spitle~, Dist~ict Fishe~ies Manage~

Liz Hay~ Fisheries Biologist

Clinton Rive~ Meeting, July 27, 1988

I attended the weekly meeting ~ep~esenting Fishe~ies Division.Approximately 45 people we~e in attendance.

P~io~ to the sta~t of the meeting I spoke with Al Martin aboutthe need to obtain a LWMD pe~mit fo~ the wo~k involved withcabling logs into the banks of the st~eam. I gave him a blankpe~mit, explained how it was to be filled out, and how LWMD would­walk it through the system in approximately one week. I alsost~essed that he get it in as soon as possible. In addition, Igave him Mary Ann Steinha~t's telephone numbe~ (Wate~ Management,Floodplains Advisor) and suggested that he contact he~ ~ega~ding

leaving mate~ials in the floodplain.

During the general meeting it was decided that the two day efforton August 20 & 21 would attempt to clean up just under 70 rivermiles. This would include the section from Waterford Township tothe mouth of the main channel, part of the no~th b~anch, and partof the section called the main branch. It was hoped that by thene:·:t meeting (August 3, 1988), this entire area would be brokeninto 20 sectiorlS and that the survey reports would be in. Todate, it appea~s that 3 su~vey ~eports we~e all that had been.completed.

Al also briefly discussed the proposed dredging at the spillwaysite. He is in the process of obtaining permits for it.

More noise was made about llmaking this;. an annual affa.ir ll•

Several other" committees gave their reports. A soundless homemovie was shown; this was to demonstrate the Clinton River afterthe 1969 clean-up and the wonderful job which was dane. It didnot run to completion as no one wanted to watch it.

TI1e group tllen broke up illtO committees. The survey committeewas, as usual, disorganized with people at cross purposes. Thiswas the week in which all surveys were supposed to have beenfinali=ed. They are far from it in my opinion. Once it wasevident that nothil19 productive would come out of this session~ I1 ef l: •

As I will be unable to attend the next meetinq~ due to theRegiollal meetinq in South Haven. Peqgv Johl1son has said she will2'ttend and keep me posted on what transpires.

cc: 8" H(JI~r1e'l

770P

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

INTEROFFICE COMMUNICATION

SUBJECT: Last Clinton River Meeting

Liz Hay spoke for approximately 40 minutes on what items neededto be removed from the river and which should remain. Of thoseto be removed, the proper way to do so was gone over for thethird time. This appeared to be the first time, however, thatpeople were listening. A large number of questions weregenerated from this and answered. The permit issued by BarryHorney (LWMD) was gone over in detail and each conditiondiscussed as to the reason it was included. The fact that eightfisheries personnel would be present on both days of the clean-upto answer questions was also reiterated.

• Cleanup crewI ,

It was once written that man \vould ',-pollute the air, water and the land1 and ...man would destroy himself. This'!;oems ..,to he the case today more tha II everbefore. When we look around todat wefind paper, cans, glass, metal, aU idndsof chemicals being tossed out evel1'daywithout consideration of others. "

We consume natural resources ~t anextremely high rate without any fan·sideration for the future. When p<!Opleare asked what they will do .ir#.thefuture. their answer usually i~i 41! ,ettomorrow and the future take ·1.~~(: 'ofitself, I'm going to enjoy myse!t:ll~\""'!."Oh. what fools we are because rj~, j':"t~ynot have a tomorrow for oursei;·,:'·j 'I~t

children or grandchildren. ' .. ' .I would like to thank all 2,500 ,;r.;"r.le

who were and are concerned env~i.(:'.~;o· "come out on Aug. 20 and 21 to clea." upthe Clinton River. as well as tho~~""'ilohave worked to clean up the Rouge,'Huron and Shiawasse rivers. At leastthere are some people who. are concern~

ed and are willin~ to work and make anattempt to undo that which moot ofmankind is so willing to destroy.

I am thankful for people like TedMichaels of the Big Boy restaurant atDixie Highway and Silver Lake Roadfor the sandwiches and drinks; to PeteMihey for delivering the food anddrinks; and to Domino's Pizza on DixierJighway for the food. Also to Mon­tgomery and Sons and Robert Hoffmanof Great American Disposal for the gar­bage boxes they furnished without eastand to the Waterford Townshio Board ofTrustees and Robert Snyder for thedonation of equipment.

These people should be thanked.along with all the volunteers who work·ed so hard to make the Clinton Rivermore usable both in WaterfordTownship as weU as the other areasfrom Pontiac and Waterford Township.The radio and ambulance 'service cer­tainly was a great help.

Robert C. SharrardClinton River Cleanup

Committee Chairperson

....,. __.....-

17FF

-"'-'

'HA~K vee:Utica volunteers restoreriver with hard work

To the Editor:. On behalf 01 all clti,ens of the Cily of

Utica. I would like 10 Ihank the manyvOlunteers who gave 01 th8if time for theCjlnton River Clean-Up. Aug. 20 and 21.They did an outslanding lab and should becommended for two days of back ·breaklngbut lulfilling work. ThiS marvelous naturalresource is more beaufifullhan ever thanksto their unsell ish ellorts..A few individuals stand out lor their per­

simal contributions 01 time and energy onthis prOlect. Mr. Steven Fox as coordinatorfor the City of Utica did a superb job as didMr. David Sheprak of the Sterling HeightsEmergency Patrol in communciations.Many cily employees volunteered their timeand/ or equipment. The lollowing are only afew 01 the wonderful volunteers: GordonBourland. Carolyn Bourland. BonnieBowman. Kathy Prough. Chris Scott. JimPrough. Jean Prough. Joe Francis. JerryNoonan. Tom Bowman. Bruce Bissonette.Mike Reaves. Dan Mell. AI Martin. Jack$rott. Jerry Mattson. Larry See. Frank

Mattucci. Roy Harding. Dale Scott. RobBurlingame. Dave Behme. Paul Kowaleski.Sgt. Russ Reiterman. Dave Chopp. RogerSchroeder. Mike Francis. Dave Megel. BillMacKinnon. Paul Snyder. Richard Helka.Adam Fortin. Lynn Karlet. Jim Burlingame.Ken Bohnenstiehl. Roy Grattop. Tim Grat­top. Kevin Gratlop. Rep. Bill Browne.Benineti Bros .. Joe Scott. Fred Doucetl.Walt Stelmaszek. Perry Fortin. Dan Kunert.Steve Wall. Bob Burlingame. CarlJablonowski. Mayor Noonan and the UticaCity Council and the Department 01 PublicWorks. Ford Tractor Sales. Utica Packing

17GG

Co.. Utica/Shelby Democrats. Ounl'"Donuts. Domino's Pizza. Noonans SunaceUtica Ford Trim Plant. Tuffy MuHler. Utic,Rent·AlI, Church's Lumber Yards, LarrSanderson, Larry's Hardward. Camerc­Construction, TRC Contracting, Bazley'Market. Hardee's, Wendy's, Utica Librarand Michigan Bell Telephone_

There may have been a few people 1'1110have missed but not forgotten. Averspecial thanks to all who were involY(with the Clinton River Clea~-Up Project.

Jacqueline K. Noonsmayar. City of Uti':

•

Thanks fordeaneup

.'

.'

To the Editor:The Clinton River is f1owin~

freely since the Clean Up Projec'held August 20 and 21. " ,

The volunteers came frommany' areas to help clean up ~~stretch of the Clinton River;Many of our Shelby Township

I residents worked together wiihmen and women from RoyalOak, Imlay City, St. Clai.

, Shores, to mentio'il a few. Tliejall worked so hard and long :ic(accomplish the cutting away :e(

, tons of log jams, plus removiti!\litter that was blocking the flo,!"

,'Now fish, wildlife, nature ar;di man have a better place to Itv~

: and enjoy. :' :'To the many who came to <7Iir

aid the Boy Scouts, D.N.li;;React, 'Ham Operators, Shelq~Township Grounds Crew, YaiesCider Mill, Hayloft Lounge;Dawn 'Donuts, McDonald""A&W Root Beer, Hardees;Domino's Pizza for their endlesssupply, and those who loaned allkinds of light and heavy d~i~'

. equipment. :'":To the City of Utica for tlrcir

hand to hand sharing and sup:port when I most needed it.:1iwas a community to community,co-operative opportnnity to sh~pride. The project saved the Statecountless thousands of dollars;To Al Martin and all the peoplewho gOt their heads together to'put this 10,000 piece puzzle i'ntO

;,the shape it is now. ,Now if only those certain few

people who take little pride in the:environment and cause so manyproblems by their habits of litter..ing and polluting our fragil~

earth would take notice.

M.ry Ann Stimpson; ,Chairperson I

Shelby Townshp Be,ulific.tionCommittee '

17HH

•

Clinton River Clean Upwas lJnquaHfied Sllccess

i'

"Obviously, the general ecology 01the river was greatly improved ~oo.

'The removal of metals that rust, oldtires, which slow the current andcontribute to snags, and downed

. ,trees. which have acrumulated overthe years, will all help in impro.Yingthe water quailty and recreationalopportunities of the river for a greatmany years to come."

'We',-e a/50 going tohave to continue theooucati::maJ processalia Jet people know.that dumping in theriver t!!:ffet;t$ everyone. '

- MIChael Hartnerparks and forestry director IlARTNER IS quick to point out

that the clean up ls not a complete orpermanent solution to the river's

• problems.\

=uts, tile clltI:rcl1 :ml tlle in- 1 ."We're going to have to do this on. grotrplI. I an annual basis. More debns WIll un·:.~':~~doml~( fortnnately collect. We're also goingboat.1om of trash to be hanled tn the.' to have to continue the educationalst3' pcint3 where it could be; prorelS and let people know that~ to trucIa fur disposal' dumping in the river affects every·

Whllt's tl1e bottom line """""'" ;- Olle." . .pr1lllm>entontheClintanRiverCl..... : :One of the happiest parts ofUp protect! ;' Hartner's report DOtes that the Ro­

--nere are 1>olh lung and short:. chester Hilli workers managed totlltm benefits tD be canslClered," said; carry out the entire project WIthoutHartner. ·'.... 4 single injury.

'""'The lOOS1 inrrnertiate dif.ference:, "With 13 miles of river in Roches­i:s that the ",tire.lengt!l of the Clli>- ter llills and a small mny of 10luu·tan River can DOW be navigated by teers working under hazardous con·""""" from QlllO end of RDc.'lesl:elr ditlOll5, our safety record on theHills to the otber. That's" big t.!rlng .. clean up ls a source of pride to all ofIl'igIIt tlrere and it's just" shurt tlltm tIS,n be said.~ benefit. Each of the indlvidual voluntee...

"'In the Jnng nm. tile =val of . will receive a specially designed =.jolm and """P:oJleviates the potm- . tlflcate of appreciation irom the citytial f.lnodinl: prnbJemli otten e:xperl- Identifying them as a volunteer andem:ed aft.,. severe ztnrms or duriIlll' participant in the Rocbester Hillsthe.spring thaw.ln addition, the=,- . Cllntoa River Clean Up 1988.= nuw moves _ and tll;;t ""'" ' An award3 ceremony before therilS ex=ol __ ant <>t tIle:area Rochester Hilli City Council ismare rapidly. . '1rlarmed for the near future.

IN .ADrnTrol'i. Don V"" Enry. a]m:aI~ wlnLbxied" "WOl:'t~ .... their llemy~ m_ in,.."""...q~ lll1ll'....__~and getti:n« the stttlI

"I' 11> tlle~ Jl'l'l'l" wl>ore item>ld l>e llilliIledamiJ'.

1Il ..... the~ howe"". that~_the~ the

«we"ve t:reated a new awarecess<If t!>e CliDtnu £_ as a communityI""""""" rath<:r l!lan a hiddecl dump­i"IlIJ"O"Dd.• said parlcs and fare;tryditeam MlcllW Harmer.

That'JI the irJ;trOOoctiQll to llis finalreprrl 0IlI tlle 1m Roc....t'" lfilIsClbilmi River Coo>m""ity Clean Upproject, bat Harmer also llO!el !l>lltbi3 ""'" of vo!:Im~ wtrlen :andcity~ did a whole lot moreItlan !l>llt ill the JlI"C""S.

"'Not ...,,0 ing tile log:<, "'" vul1m­b!BS i eIilOoed lDQI[Ve l!lan 3\l cnhicy:rds of deiJrill from the Clintm m...IS ~ tile twlHlay cl"." upproject,.At!C-~

"'SmIle 15 _jIr 1l>g jmm """'"bt'<>I!;a up ami t!>e ll>gt~from tile ....re.:.~ """ of _jams ilmlIved llll><'f thaD 411 log> byil>:clf.

-ne cily':s~ of Pu:illel''''''';'''' did a mrnnmlf'<ltal job in pnl­~ fur tile project. 'They 3paI1""""" tllaD a~ with clLuin saws,Xom« im and <:Utl.in3 ll]l t!>e.:=g:1.freeing ll>gt :ml otOO" material!, :andgett.ing tlle river reMy fer tile roJ:m>.lI!fU. We rcoaJIy Clllllltin't have dmJetlle jill> "i'1il:lla>t them ;md their big

...... - EfIo:rt..'"",

-. _.-._ _. ' .. ' ,- ~ ,

l7Il

#2 EQUIPMENT

~~N1. GC"hutowsk.i, F~2 .. Beninati John ,,··,,· .. •• ••· .. •··· 468-5085

, " 54 1-3. Beninati Mark •• .. ••·• .. ••• .. " ...... C - ~B8, • • • • .. • .. .. • • • .. .. • • .. .. • • ......e4 1-4 .. Beninati Paul •··•· .. ••·· ••.• c~ - ~88, "..... 7C:5. Biggs, Timothy M -elet" 1'" ~ ••••••••••••••• ..,4-4495

• 'lca englY,ee,' & a fOil" wheeler••

6. Fo~, Steve-canoe & b~at H. 777-4303••• W.592-52777 ' ~ •..•...•.. 7-9 5-69" HIckey, Mat"'k-we1 det.. • " .:.. - c8 • • • • • • • • • • • • • 979 -"9f.. MCII:)t""e David ".. -ca::.' J

, • • .. • • • • .. • .. • • .. • • • .. • ... ' 7819. Taylor James ••••••••••••••• -0994, ".... 46""10 .. Sandet"'son La,','y ~-8826, .

11. Smith Russ ••••••·•••••••··•· •••••• 247-0408, ..... " ... .. .. . .. .. . . . .. . -12.. Westet"man, Ge':'t"'ge-C B t- ··h.. • ..·•••••• .. ••• .. ·,,7...:.1-0E.34

.• , a '-'W c aln, & str'aps ..

13. Will is, Robe,-t -sma 11 ' 465-9793englne·········· •.•••••••• 465_5196

iIII

I

#3 RIGHT OF WAY AND ACCESS

1.

~u~.::'

""~.,(; 4.

k..,.

7.

G,y, Bl·e~ ••••••••••••.•••••••••••••.••••••• 463-7873Domenicl--l'" Ai leeYl ~ " " 771-2541Mot-in, David ••••••••••••••••••• H. 463-7684 ..• W. 826-35000' COYlY"IOt", JC'hY"I " 731-0559~ i ~n, Ca'-':'1. .•••••.••••••.••.•••.•.•••••••. ~52-20~1_ paet h Ga 11:;) ••••.....•...•..•.•..••.•....•..• <:.86-87,,8

estet"'n, Lee 879-6723

#11 SURVEY, PHOTOGRAPHY

_'kc..., •

13..

15 ..14.

20 ..21 ..

15.17.18.19.

24 ..23 ..

6.7.8.9.10 ..11.1 _,

c..

AIJdette, DQYI-vide':I 254-2512.?~"/ 2 .. Beninati~ Mal'.. k 254-1388

:/ftk' . --"'~~.-c:jen i nat i. PalJ 1:0 754-44954Q Bossenberget"', Dal'.. ren 939-2582

Bossenberget"', yvonne .•••••.• ·••••.•••••••.••••.• 939-2582Bt"ewe.,,,, JC'hY"I" 264-1217Chopp, David ••••.•••••.••.•.••.••••••••.•.••••• 268-3481CCll'"lley, Mi~.e 375-9317£1 iezer', Na':lrlli 375-0879FCtx, Steve-Ut ica DPW D D 739-5259Goolsby, Dale-canoe D •• 468-4724Hay, Li::::~ .. " ~ ~ .. ~"." •••••• " •• "."" •• " e.e.E,-15()(1Hefka, t='aljl ~ •••••••••• 778-(".)726Heffer", ChlJcl-t 777-8082Maas, Kit'H "." ~.""""." •• "."." •• " 731-59gc)Mc Michael, Jay-video & still •••••••••••••••••• 731-9191Moore, David••.•••••••••••.•••••••••••••••••••• 781-0994O~ C,:q""IY"IC'l''''~ J.:'hY"I ~ 731-()559Orzechowski, Carol-photographer•••••..•.•.•.••• 468-4757Pi 1 ig ian, Cat .;,l E..52-2031Sandersoy" Lat·t"y 247-()4(l8Sha''''2,'d, B·:.b....•.•.....•..... H. 334-S917 .•. W.S74-3111Upchu,'ch, Geo,'ge-Shel by DPW..•.••••.•.••..•..•• 469-4326West e"gaa,'d, KI.lt"t ••.••••••••.••.••••••.••.••••• 979-8209Westel''''man, George 465-9?93

17 JJ

#6 REFUSE DISPOSAL

~~ Baracco. Stev\;)•••...•.•••.•.•.•..••...•....... 331-31312. Ben i rlat i, Mat k 254-13883. Flowers, Kent .,o 463-01884. Wiegand, Jerry " D' "" 939-0840

/#5 WORK COORDINATION

1. B~ ina c,hrl 254-13882. Beninati, Maf.. k I1 254-1388

8. Hay, Liz. If .. ,. 666-15009. HicK.ey, Mar·k 979-229010. Maas, Kirk-Shelby DPW•••..•..•••.•••••••.•••••• 731-599011. Moor'e, David ,,7Bl-09g412. 0' ConY'IOt", John~ •••••••••• ~ •• " 731-056913 .. Sanderson, Lar~"y 247-0408J4. Sharrard, Bob.•.•••..••...••••• H. 334-6917.•• W.675-311115. Spitlel''', Ron " 666-150016. Taylor, James " ,,463-882617. Upchurch George ,,469-4328

I~ Jl.1.f.fL .ocA .~p+~1

...,.4.

7.

·~~~~~~~~~........•....•...•............•• 754-4495Chopp, David 268-3481ConleFlowet"s Kent 463-0188

17KK

SECTION 13:

Other Cleanups

18

Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup

Instructions for Volunteer Group Leader: Please read the list below to your group prior tobeginning work at your assigned work station (When you phone volunteers to tell them their workstation discuss the bold faced items):

• Call your volunteers, make sure they have directions to the work station, clean up is 9 am to 12pm, picnic fonowing at the ChriStian Reformed Recreation Center, 3450 36th St SE (cornerof Shaffer Ave and 36th). Come rain or shine.

• Walk your section before clean up, note where large amounts of garbage is and where garbagebags can be dropped.

1. Have all volunteers read safety rules and sign the release form.

2. Encourage everyone stay with their group. Try to stay out ofroad as much as possible and becareful when crossing. Be sure to lead the group. If an area is especially muddy, be careful. If itseems dangerous, do not cleanup that area.

3. Instruct volunteers to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and shoes (preferably boots)throughout cleanup to protect themselves from poison ivy and insect bites. Bringbug repellent touse as necessary. Bring a change ofclothes, and plastic bag for dirty clothes ifyou going straightto picnic.

3. Pick up litter and safely accessible debris along creek. Avoid contact with the water as much aspossible. You are not responsible for picking up trash in the creek itself, unless you have a net orwaders to get at floating material. COnly wade in if you have waders and you are sure of footingand the current is weak). Adults experienced with stream wading could bring pool skimmer nets,fish nets, shovel and waders to get near shore debris.

4. Make sure everyone wears gloves when picking up trash. WMEAC bas some gloves for thosethat forget them. Encourage people to bring extra pairs. Safety equipment like goggles and hardhats can provide additional protection.

5. Please do not fill bags over 301bs. Tie bags in a knot or use twist ties. Bring bags to roadside justoff the road right-of-way when filled and try to have a number of bags at one location to make iteasier on the sanitation truck workers. Make sure your volunteers tell you where they leave theirgarbage.

6. You may pick up large items if your group can move it to the roadside safely.

7. Instruct children not to pick up broken glass. Adults can pick up glass if they feel they can do sosafely.

8. Instruct children not to pick up syringes. If any are found, adults can pick them up by the baseend only, place in a plastic container, and dispose of in plastic bags.

9. Instruct volunteers to wash and dry clothing in hot cycle after cleanup. Instruct them also totake a shower or bath using plenty of soap and water. Volunteers can clean up before attendingpicnic at the Recreation Center.

Please Note: Report injuries at once to the first aid station at the Christian Reformed RecreationCenter, 942-1330. Emergencies should go to hospital or med-center station. Have information onthe nearest health facilities to your work station.

Encourage everyone to attend picnic after the cleanup at the Recreation Center Pavilion Csee aboveaddress). Plaster Creek project materials will be available for review. We will announce ouradopt-a-stream project and give participants water quality educational material.

Return any supplies borrowed from WMEAC. Submit your map which notes garbage pick up sites.Also submit your worksheet on how much and what type of garbage was picked up.

OVf2..C ••

continued ...Group Leader notes:

• Bring clipboard and pens• Plan accordingly if it rains (i.e., have contingency plans for: sites to be cleaned; gettinginformation from volunteers before they leave; nearby shelter to wait out heavy rains, etc.)

Debris Removal Protocal

1. Bag debris, leave bags at an accesssible cross street for a sanitation worker to pick upand load into a garbage truck. Try to keep pile neat and generally off the road andpartially out of sight.

2. Only leave bags if there are big piles. If a drop off site has just a few bags and they arenot grundgy and heavy then have volunteers bring them to the Recreation Center Groundswhere a dumpster will be placed.

3. Group leaders should keep a map and identify sites where bags and big debris has beenstored.

4. Fill out your form on how much garbage has been collected and the diversity of junkfound.

5. Group leader reports to Shari at the Recreation Center with their map and form.

6. Shari gives maps to Able employee and explains situation.

7. Debris and bags are picked up and dumpster is removed.

Safety and Health Tips for Volunteers

Projects to clean debris and litter from Plaster Creek and its banks can expose you tocontaminated water or subject you to cuts and abrasions. While there is no documented evidenceof people acquiring waterborne illness from Plaster Creek, that possibility exists. Portions of theCreek are' contaminated by overflows from combined sewer discharges, nonpoint sourcepollution, unintentional municipal or industrial spills, etc. The risk of contracting disease islikely greater during the two or three days immediately following major rainstorms.

The recommendations which follow are intended to reduce the exposure to contaminants and thusto reduce the potential for injury or disease.

Personal Health

1. You should be in good health with no open wounds or cuts.

2. Immunizations should be up-to-date, especially those for tetanus and polio_

Wearing Apparel

1. Wear comfortsble clothing that provides both arm and leg protection to prevent cuts andabrasions. Sturdy shoes such as boots are recommended to preventpuncture.

2. Non-swimmers should identifY themselves to group leaders. Avoid working near the watersedge. Work with a buddy.

3. Persons with glasses should take a simple precaution: attach two ordinary rubber bands loopedtogether and attached to each ear piece behind the head will insure that your glasses stay in place.A short length of twine will accomplish the purpose.

4. Wear safety goggles if you have them.

5. Apply insect repellant if you experience discomfort

6. Do not work alone or out of sight of others. Work under the direction of the group leaders toensure best use of your efforts and skill.

7. Report any illness or injury to the Group leader immediately. Insist that others do the same ifi 11.

8. Bring along any special safety equipment you may have at your disposal, i.e., hard hat, safetyglasses, leather gloves.

9. Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed during project work hours.

Practices at the Work Area

1. Splashing of individuals as pranks is strongly discouraged

2. It is suggested that you work at a moderate pace. Do not over exert yourself. Ifyou begin to tire,take a break, as fatigue can precipitate accidents. Get help with heavy objects. Avoid slipperyareas and exercise extra care when handling sharp objects.

over....

3. Try to avoid getting water around your mouth, nose, ears, and eyes.

4. Should your eyes be exposed to Creek water, it would be advisable to rinse them with clear, cleanwater.

5. Ifa wound occurs, stop work at once! If it does not need attention of a health professional, washwith clean soap and water and apply an antiseptic solution. Discontinue working in the creek orwith material removed from the creek banks if the wound cannot be protected from contamination.

6. Eating and smoking should be discouraged during the clean-up operations. However, ifpersons do eat, they should wash their hands and face vigorously with soap and fresh water, thendry with a clean paper towel prior to eating. If sufficient fresh water is not available at the site forhands and face washing, then the person should go to a facility where soap and fresh water areavailable so they can properly wash before eating.

7. When you have finished for the day, you should place soiled clothing in a plastic bag for laterwashing. Bring a set ofclothes to change into ifyou are planning on going straight to the picnic.Boots should be washed with dish washing soap and a brush, then rinsed with clean water. Handsand face will again need to be washed and dried.

Practices After Creek Clean Up

1. You should wash all you apparel in the washing machine's hot cycle. Then the articles shouldbe dried in the dryer's hot cycle. You should take a shower or bath using plenty of soap and water.

2. If you experience any symptoms of illness, you should discuss these with a physician as soon aspossible and mention that you were working in the Plaster Creek Cleanup.

Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup:

Registration and Limitation ofLiability and Release

I have read the instruction for volunteers for the Plaster Creek Streambank Cleanup and agree toabide by those instructions. I am aware that this Project may present certain hazards if I do not paycareful attention to my personal safety and hereby release the co-sponsors of this project, WestMichigan Environmental Action Council, and the Kent County Drain Commissioner's Office fordamages or injuries incurred in the course of my participation in this project.

Name Address Phone Group(If applicable)

Plaster Creek Cleanup Data Sheet

Group Leader _

Stretch of Creek cleaned up _

Number of bags collected _

Number and type of big debris collected

Items Collected (list examples and note amounts):

Plastic

Glass

Metal

Wood

Styrofoam

Rubber

Paper

Cloth

WMEACWest Michigan Environmental Action Council 1432 Wealthy S.E.• Grand Rapids, MI 49506 • (616) 451-3051

WMEACCelebrating

23 yearsof

Translating Concerninto Action

1968 ·1991

F"ll"lI( US. Lawsuit to BanDDT 1969

M>:;higan EnvirolUN'ntalI'roIed.lofl Act 1970

Inland~ and StreuIU5Act 1972

Sand Dune Protectionand MolNl&!menl Ad1976

Michigan Bottle Bill 1976

Solid Wute ManagementAcl1978

Weiland ProledKlf\Ad1979

Michigan U'6ed Molor OilRe:yclingProgram 1979

m~& Waste

M.. .",,,ent Ad 1979

Pigoon RiVeT COW'l11)'State Forest Oil DrillingProtectioru; 1980

Surla~ and Uru:lergroundMine RocaDUllion Act1982

Great La.ka OilDrilling Ban 1982

Peat MiNnS Ad 1984

Chloro;l,M &.n 1987

Statewide Combined~wer Overflow Policy1988

Michigan Non PointSource W/ll.cr PollutionW.a.Mgement Strategy1988

San.::! Dun,., ProlectionAcI& 1989

Oil Dumping &111990

Rt-rycled Paper

MEMORANDUM

To: Barry Bittrick, Kent County Drain CommissionerFrom: Shari Schaftlein, Project Coordinator ~­Subject: Plaster Creek Streambank CleanupDate: July 8, 1991

• Original plans for the streambank cleanup were to focus volunteer efforts atsix locations throughout the Plaster Creek Watershed. Our target participationnumber was to have between two and three hundred people involved in thecleanup, up over the 106 that participated in the1989 Plaster Creek StreambankCleanup which was organized by WMEAC and Garfield Park NeighborhoodsAssociation. Individual volunteers were recruited through local media andposters, while letters were sent to community organizations solicitingparticipation. Two days prior to the event WMEAC had enlisted approximatelyseventy participants for the cleanup.

• Major announcements in local television, radio and press were publishedand broadcasted prior to the event by many local media including WYCE 88.1FM, WXMI Channel 17, the Grand Rapids Press, and Cadence.

• WMEAC was successful in raising money to finance a picnic lunch for thevolunteers following the event. Approximately eight Plaster Creek businessesgave contributions to assist in the clean-up and provide food.

• The Saturday, June 22 cleanup was hampered by torrential rain whichcontinued throughout the morning. As a result, approximately only half of thevolunteers showed up at the event. No rain date had been set for the event. Thenumber of actual participants and the weather affected how much wasaccomplished at the cleanup.

• Participants in the event focused their cleanup efforts in the downstreamportion of the Plaster Creek Drain. One cleanup crew covered the area betweenMarquette Park and Burton Ave. This group collected twenty bags of debris, inaddition to a car seat and a large matress. They were unable to remove two cardoors, a water heater, several steel drums, and a set of bed springs. Othermaterials that they collected included paper, plastic, and glass debris, housinginsulation, styrofoam litter, tires and clothing. The crew leader noted thatseveral trees had fallen into the creek as a result of erosion.

• Starting at Hillcroft Park, ten volunteers collected nineteen bags of debrisfrom the streambank between 36th and 28th St, and Madison and Buchanan

Citizen Recommendations: It is clear that citizens should not sit back and expect thatsomeone will remove in-stream debris. In residential areas it is likely that creeksideproperty owners will remove the small to medium sized debris to maintain nice aesthetics.Commercial property or public right of way that abuts creeks may be lacking in debrismaintenance. Citizens should contact the property owners and encourage them to remove thedebris which is manageable. Large jams or debris can be removed by local unit ofgovernment public works laborers upon request. The key js to a<k to haye the debrisremoyed. Be specific when you call in a problem: describe the site, the stream conditions, theamount of debris accumulation, and possible ways to access the stream. A major problem thecommunities have is getting heavy equipment into a site. Often times public right of way isnot available along the stream. Dispatching labor crews to do the work is less desirablebecause it is resource and time intensive.

Maintenance on a designated county drain can be dealt wjth through the Michigan DrainCode and the County Drain Commissioner's office.

For more information on in-stream and streambank cleanup methods contact \"-MEAC.Resources available include:

1. Save your Stream: Manage Your Streambank (binder)2. How to do an Urban Streambank Cleanup: The Plaster Creek Cleanup (binder)3. Library Files: examples of cleanup experiences from around the country

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Safety and Stenciling Techniques,information for a safe and effective storm drain stenciling program.

• Stay home if it rains. It's pointless to try stenciling during the rain or on wet pavement.Reschedule your event, or wait until the sky clears and the roads dry. Also, it should be at least 50F out to ensure drying of paint.

• Use common sense at all times. Avoid blocking traffic. Look out for automobiles.

• Everyone should wear an orange safety vest, to ensure visibility to traffic.

• Locate stenciling site. Make sure the storm drain is not on private property and your group haspermission to stencil at this location.

• Park a car ahead of the stencil area w/hazards left on to alert the oncoming traffic (see diagrambelow).

• Set up safety cones as in diagram:

• Pick up any litter in the area. Put it in trash bags and take it with you back to the stencilingheadquarters.

• Adjacent to the storm drain, on a smooth surface, scrub area briskly with a wire brush to loosenup dirt. Sweep off surface with straw wisk.

• Lay stencil flat and apply paint carefully so it doesn't run under the stencil. Allow the paint todry for 30-45 seconds before removing the stencil. Put all of the equipment in the five-gallon pail.Pick up the safety cones, and continue to the next location.

• If anyone has questions about what you are doing, be friendly and answer their questions.Explain why you are stenciling the storm drains and how everything dumped into the draineffects the local streams. It's a good idea to be able to tell people where they can take their used oiland household hazardous wastes.

• Mark the location of the painted storm drain on the "Street Tracking Record."

• When finished stenciling for the day, return to the headquarters to clean the equipment.

wm,rrCh3

Cindy Stroub Environmental Reporter

590W. Maple

Kalamazoo, MI 49008

WLAVFM&AM

PSA Director

50 Lewis NW.

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Sage Magazine

Sue Walton

P.O. Box 68052

Grand Rapids, MI 49518

Rockford Squire

7 S. Squire St.

Rockford, MI 49341

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