Posted July 29, 2014, on yellowdogwatershed.org
Reprinted in part with permission
Tons of sediment pollution entering the Salmon Trout Watershed due to a ruptured spring. (Photo courtesy Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve. Reprinted with permission.)
BIG BAY, Mich. -- Over the past two weeks, Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve has been investigating and documenting a serious water quality concern caused by the road construction on the County Road AAA. A spring that feeds the East Branch of the Salmon Trout River had been ruptured during construction activities and it is releasing spring water into construction areas. The eruption of water caused significant and severe runoff of sediment into the stream. From there, the sediment was transported into a wetland downstream. After the wetland reached its capacity, the sediment continued downstream into the East branch of the Salmon Trout River.
Massive releases of sediment can cause damage to local streams and wetlands. Suspended sediment can clog the gills of native trout, increase mortality of aquatic insects that the trout feed on, and fill in the deep holes and undercut banks where trout seek refuge. In addition, wetlands that have experienced this level of sedimentation can no longer function as a "filter" that keeps streams healthy. ...
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