Johnson Creek is the area’s only Cold-Water Stream, but its dissolved oxygen levels do not meet Michigan’s Water Quality Standards for Cold-Water Streams. Dissolved oxygen (DO) in the creek provides oxygen for fish, zooplankton, and other organisms. Without sufficient DO, aquatic life cannot survive. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has identified the level of Suspended Solids as the primary reason for the low DO levels. The amount of Suspended Solids entering the creek must be significantly reduced to increase DO levels.
In August 2023, a sampling crew from EGLE made a startling discovery. They found significant suspended solids in the stormwater runoff from Arbor Hills Landfill being discharged into Johnson Creek. This is a matter of concern as the suspended solids reduce dissolved oxygen levels and increase water temperature, harm fish gills, reduce water clarity, hinder fish feeding, and impede plant life. Moreover, the suspended solids eventually settle in the creek and cover crucial rock and gravel formations required for spawning, posing a significant threat to the aquatic ecosystem.
Both EGLE and the Washtenaw County Drain Commissioner’s office responded by inspecting the landfill. While sediment and erosion control measures were put in place, the root cause of the suspended solids was found to be the landfill’s stormwater detention pond, which had filled with sediment due to a lack of maintenance. Although the cleanout of the large pond began late last year, it has not been completed, resulting in an unacceptable level of suspended solids being discharged into the creek daily.
EGLE’s action plan for improving the health of Johnson Creek involves reducing the amount of suspended solids entering the creek. This plan can be implemented once the current Arbor Hills Landfill reaches its permitted capacity and is capped and covered with vegetation.
A landfill in our community has unmeasurable costs. A new landfill in Salem Township would only exacerbate these costs, posing a significant threat to our environment and community.
<CLICK HERE> to view a short video of runoff from Arbor Hills entering Johnson Creek.
Fig 1 - Cloudy water, with a high level of suspended solids, in the runoff from the Arbor Hills Landfill.
The picture is of an un-named tributary taken just east of Napier Road on June 9, 2024.
Fig 2 - The clear water (note the rocks and sticks) on the left side is Johnson Creek before the landfill runoff enters. The cloudy water on the right is the landfill runoff.
Photo taken on June 9, 2024, standing on the Ridge Road bridge over Johnson Creek.
Fig 3 - Johnson Creek mixing zone where landfill runoff enters the main branch of Johnson Creek.
Photo taken on June 9, 2024, standing on the Ridge Road bridge over Johnson Creek