Date: 9/28/00
Drain Name: McCoy Relief Drain
Sample 1: 4,700
Sample 2: 5,200
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Sediment Sampling The historic water quality data collected in Bear Creek indicates that the E. coli levels increase during wet weather. This increase in bacterial levels is likely caused by:
Re-suspension of bacteria tends to mask both the timing and source of these pollutants. Thus, to limit this confusion,sediment is to be analyzed and removed from the collection system. Four of the large drains that contribute to Bear Creek begin in Oakland County (Hazel Park and Madison Heights) before flowing into Macomb County and have therefore been established as inter-county drains. As each drain passes under Dequindre Road, it enters into an inverted siphon (like a P-trap on a bathroom sink.) Diver entering the Kutchey Relief Drain Since storm water usually flows by gravity, and not pumps, siphons serve to divert the flow under roads and underground utilities. As a result, sediments build up in the siphons, which are continuously under water. These sediments serve as a breeding ground for bacteria. The siphons cross Dequindre at six locations. A diver was contracted by Macomb County Public Works Office to sample the sediments that have accumulated in each siphon. The results of the sampling indicated that high levels of bacteria exist in the sediments. These sediments are in the process of being removed.
Sediment samples were taken at ten locations in the open portion of Bear Creek. A hand auger was used to extract 8-12" of sediment from each location. The sample was divided by sediment type (i.e., sand/gravel, clay) into separate laboratory jars. Each location yielded two samples. For the most part, the top layer was comprised of sand and gravel, while the bottom layer contained mostly clay. The "results" incidicate that the E. coli level in the upper layer was always higher then in the lower (clay) layer. The County is currently evaluating the impact that these sediments are having on water quality. | Processing the inverted siphon sediment samples.
Click on an outfall ID on the map below for sample results for E. coli (colonies/100ml). *Netscape users: this function works best in Netscape 4.X
This web site has been developed by the Drain Board for the Bear Creek Clean Water Initiative. Questions about the project can be directed to Lynne Seymour, Environmental Engineer, Office of Macomb County Public Works Commissioner, (586) 469-5910. |
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ection system.
Date: 8/29/00
Drain Name: Kutchey Relief Drain (south branch)
Sample 1: 40,000
Sample 2: 240,000
Sample 3: >2,419,001
Sample 4: NA
Date: 7/26/01
Drain Name: Bear Creek Inter-County Drain
bc-10a: 6,050
bc-10b: 2,590
bc-10c: 100
Date: 7/26/01
Drain Name: Bear Creek Inter-County Drain
bc-9a: 17,820
bc-9b: 3,930
Date: 7/26/01
Drain Name: Bear Creek Inter-County Drain
bc-8a: 10,170
bc-8b: 14,830
Date: 7/26/01
Drain Name: Bear Creek Inter-County Drain
bc-7a: 9,090
bc-7b: 0
Date: 7/26/01
Drain Name: Bear Creek Inter-County Drain
bc-6a: 15,650
bc-6b: 0
Date: 7/26/01
Drain Name: Bear Creek Inter-County Drain
bc-2a: 23,100
bc-2b: 3,820
Date: 7/26/01
Drain Name: Bear Creek Inter-County Drain
bc-5a: 141,360
bc-5b: 68,670
Date: 7/26/01
Drain Name: Bear Creek Inter-County Drain
bc-4a: 241,920
bc-4b: 173,290
Date: 7/26/01
Drain Name: Bear Creek Inter-County Drain
bc-3a: 32,550
bc-3b: 1,210
Date: 7/26/01
Drain Name: Bear Creek Inter-County Drain
bc-1a: 3,180
bc-1b: 173,290
Date: 7/14/00
Drain Name: Bear Creek Inter-County Drain
Sample 1: 230,000
Sample 2: 1,892
Sample 3: 880
Sample 4: 988