Goodrich, Michigan, Millpond Water Level Remains Low Amid Continuing Controversy

Factors such as the amount of rainfall affect the water level, but it is control of the dam stemming the flow of water from Kearsley Creek that has the most influence over the pond's depth. Several angry pond-front property owners have long complained that the village council has not properly maintained the water level.

When the village bought the millpond from the city of Flint in 1970, there was a provision in the terms of the sale allowing the village to drain the pond for maintenance purposes. The village, working through its Department of Public Works, frequently exercised this provision for a variety of reasons, including flood control, dam inspection, and to maintain the flow of water downstream in Kearsley Creek for the trout habitat. At the time of the sale, the pond was 2/3 drained so that engineers could inspect the dam, which had suffered from deterioration since 1913 when it was built.

In 1994, Michigan passed the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), including prohibitions against enlarging or diminishing a lake without a permit. It also prohibits the drainage of surface water from wetlands without a permit. Either unaware of the implications of NREPA, or possibly believing that the millpond does not qualify as a lake, the Village of Goodrich council continued to open and close the gates of the dam to adjust water levels as they saw fit. Local citizens contend that this arbitrary opening and closing weakens the gates of the nearly 100-year-old dam, and the fluctuating water level has a deleterious effect on wildlife, not to mention property values.

In October of 2005, and again in 2006, the DEQ sent letters to Village Manager Jakki Sidge, notifying the village that it was in violation of parts 301 and 304 of the NREPA for lowering the water level without the proper permits. "Elevated enforcement action" was indicated in case of failure to comply. The DEQ received complaints from Goodrich residents regarding the water levels and unauthorized dam operation again in 2007.

More recently, the water level in the pond continues to be a source of frustration for the surrounding residents. Shallow water has resulted in higher algae levels in the south end of the pond. This is partly because the water is so low and the flow so slow that treatment there would be ineffective, according to Derek Brookshire, president of Aquatic Nuisance Plant Control.

During the council meeting last monday (May 12), the council discussed the reasons for the low water levels, particularly the fact that the dam is leaking. The council plans to work with engineers from the DEQ to inspect the dam and consider repair options. During the meeting, a previous statement made by council member Pete Morey and printed in another publication, was retracted. Mr. Morey had implied that the state might consider draining the pond completely and returning it to its natural condition.

Quoting long-time area resident Ida Saroli, "The council and the people of the village should understand that the millpond belongs to everyone, not just the residents. It's time for a permanent solution (to the water level problem), one that maintains the pond."