MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

WATER RESOURCE DIVISION

Report of a Sanitary Sewer Survey
Conducted August 29, 2016
Beal City, Nottawa Township, Isabella County
Survey Summary
A sanitary sewer survey was conducted in Beal City on August 29, 2016. Samples
were taking from the storm sewers in Beal City as well as in Wagner Drain. The results
of the survey concluded that raw sewage is being illegally discharged to the storm
sewers. The storm sewer outfall discharges to Wagner Drain, waters of the state.
Wagner Drain then drains into the North Branch of the Chippewa River (Figure 1).
Samples taken in Wagner Drain indicate E. coli levels downstream of the outfall
exceeded the water quality standard for both total body and partial body contact.

Figure 1. Beal City Location Map

Purpose of Survey
The survey was conducted to determine if E. coli levels exceeded water quality
standards in Wagner Drain and if Beal City storm sewers are the source of
contamination.
Survey Results
On June 23, 2016 a reconnaissance site inspection was perform to determine which
storm sewers would be sampled. A total of 6 storm sewers were found to be flowing
during this time (Figure 2). In additional to the outfall, in stream sample sites were
identified, 2 locations upstream of the outfall, and 2 locations downstream of the outfall
(Figure 3).
Sampling was conducted on August 29, 2016. Scanned copies of the field data sheets
are attached. There were a few storm sewers that had multiple flowing pipes and in this
case samples were taken from each pipe. During the time of sampling it was overcast
with some fog. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Beal
City received 0.75-1.0 inch of precipitation on August 28, 2016.
The geometric mean was calculated from the 3 samples taken at each site and is
shown in Table 1. Results for 3 of the sites were determined to be inconclusive either
because of interference from other types of bacteria, or because E. coli colonies were
not able to be accurately counted due to excessive merging of colonies. At 4 of the
sewer sites E. coli per 100 mL exceeded 1,000,000 colony-forming unit (CFU). At Site
20, the outfall, E. coli per 100 mL was 52,305 CFU.
All of the stream samples sites except the one upstream from Beal City exceeded the
300 E. coli per 100 mL required for total body contact recreation and the site directly
downstream of the outfall also exceeded the 1000 E. coli per 100 mL required for partial
body contact recreation as stated in Rule 62 (1) and (2), Microorganisms of Part 4,
Water Quality Standards, promulgated under Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of
the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended
(NREPA).

Figure 2. Beal City Sanitary Sewer Survey Sites

Figure 3. Beal City Sanitary Sewer Survey Storm Sewer Sites

Table 1. Beal City Sanitary Sewer Survey E. coli Results

Sample SITE
SITE 1 N
SITE 1 W
SITE 2 N
SITE 2 W
SITE 4
SITE 4 S*
SITE 13
SITE 16
SITE 17
SITE 17 N
WEIDMAN
FOOTBRIDGE
SITE 20 (outfall)
DS OUTLET
VANDECAR
VANDECAR (duplicate)

E. Coli Geometric Mean (CFU/100 ml)

>1000000
>1000000
161496
>1000000
Inconclusive
>1000000
479490
Inconclusive
Inconclusive
17
62
938
52305
4280
640
675

*Site identified as 45 in raw data from the laboratory.

Discussion
The results from the survey indicate that the sample taken from the storm sewer outfall,
Site 20, exceed the limit for discharges containing untreated human sewage stated in
Rule 62 (3). Further the most upstream site, Weidman, away from any influence of Beal
City, was meeting the E. coli water quality standards for both partial and total body
contact recreation. However, the 2 samples taken downstream of the outfall were not
meeting E. coli water quality standards. The sample taken at the Footbridge, even
though it is located upstream of the outfall also showed elevated E. coli levels and was
not meeting water quality standards. It is suspected that the source of contamination at
this site was likely the adjacent homes. On the field sheets the inspectors noted that
they observed what appeared to be a septic outfall pipe discharging to the stream at this
location.
In a 2015 study conducted by Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe they found that at their
Beal City samples sites, the canines alerted to the presence of human sewage, samples
had extremely high levels of E. coli, and tested positive for human DNA (study
attached).
Based on this initial information DEQ coordinated with the Central Michigan District
Health Department to evaluate current septic system permits in Beal City. This
evaluation indicated that the majority of homes and businesses in Beal City do not have
a septic permit (see attached). Therefore, it is concluded they do not likely have an
onsite sewage system in place. Additionally, based on observations while in the field
many of the lots appeared to be too small for individual onsite sewage systems.

The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan in cooperation with the United States

Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) followed up this evaluation by dye testing
businesses in Beal City. The results of this study concluded two businesses had a
direct discharge into the storm water system, and the remaining five businesses remain
highly suspect of also having a direct discharge to the storm water system (attached).
Based on the results of this sanitary survey and supporting documentation provided by
the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and Central Michigan Health Department, it is clear
that raw or inadequately treated sewage discharges from the individual (commercial
and/or residential) septic systems are occurring either from direct pipes, field tiles, or
failed tile fields. Raw or inadequately treated sewage poses an unacceptable risk to the
public health by increasing risks of water borne disease transmission, and the discharge
of any raw sewage of human origin, directly or indirectly, into any of the waters of the
state is considered prima facie evidence and constitutes a public nuisance. The E. coli
counts found in this survey are indications that human enteric pathogens (bacteria,
phages, cysts, and viruses) are likely present in the receiving waters. The Township
does not have a permit to discharge sanitary wastewaters to surface waters of the
State. The survey data indicates that Rule 62 of the NREPA may be routinely violated.

Field observations/sample collection conducted by:

Julia Miller, Audrey Schwing, and Matt Siler
Environmental Quality Analysts
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Molly Rippke
Senior Aquatic Biologist
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

Report by:

Julia Miller
Environmental Quality Analyst
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality