Lake Remediation Proposal and Summary

Crockery Lake Amended

Evaluation Study and

Restoration Plan SUMMARY

Ottawa County, Michigan

February, 2026

1.0 Executive summary

In 2024-2025, mean TP concentrations throughout the lake basin ranged from 0.027 mg/L to 0.532 mg/L which is very high overall. The mean total inorganic nitrogen is also high and ranged from 0.184-2.7 mg/L which is also high overall. Total suspended solids were low and thus they are not responsible for the lack of water clarity. That can be attributed to high algae content in the water column due to excessive phosphorus and nitrogen. The mean chlorophyll-a concentrations ranged from 0.0-43.7 µg/L which is variable but high during mid to late summer months. Additionally, non-point source nutrients from septic drain fields are also likely contributors to nutrient loading in the lake. Both of these source types have resulted in accelerated eutrophication of the lake in the form of increased and widespread algal blooms and nuisance submersed aquatic vegetation. 

The small lake size makes it vulnerable to nutrient loading, resulting in algal blooms and/or excessive submersed aquatic vegetation growth. The lake association has levied an assessment through a Special Assessment District (SAD) under P.A. 188 of 1954, which can fund improvements solely for aquatic vegetation management for a period of up to 20 years. The current assessment for this SAD is at $126.66 per property for a total of 105 assessed parcels. In consideration of this cost, it is clear that substantial restoration of the lake will add to this cost and thus cost-effective strategies are needed for a sustainable lake restoration program. A reduction in lake nutrients through the recommended methods cited in the sections below would be expected to reduce algal abundance and associated treatment costs over time.

While reduction of nutrients from the drains (immediate watershed) is critical, highly selective management of only invasive aquatic vegetation is also important. Current aquatic vegetation treatment should include the use of systemic herbicides for invasive milfoil to reduce treatment costs in future years. Removal of too much submerged aquatic vegetation relative to the lake surface area can result in increased nutrient uptake by algae which can worsen the lake condition. 

RLS recommends continued sampling all of the drains and the two deepest lake basins in future years as required by a future EGLE permit. Such data collection is critical for the generation of data trends to determine the efficacy of nutrient reduction BMP’s such as filters and other methods in reducing nutrient loads. 

The major BMPs should include the following: 

1. Collaboration with all farms that abut the tributaries for reducing farm runoff and using innovative vegetative and soil retention technologies. 

2. Implementation of a lake-wide septic system maintenance program with proof of good function. Possible implementation of site-specific aerobic digesters may also be used to reduce nutrients from drain fields to the water table and lake water. 

3. Implementation of Biochar or other vegetative filters in the lake drains to reduce nutrient loads to the lake. 

4. Installation of hypolimnetic oxygenation units in the two deepest basins to increase dissolved oxygen at depth and prevent the continual current release of phosphorus. 

5. Continued riparian involvement in local decision-making relative to lake health with educational workshops on the aforementioned BMP’s.

The major goals and objectives for the lake include reduction of incoming nutrient loads, a septic system and drainfield maintenance, and sustained reduction of harmful algal blooms and invasive aquatic plant growth. The estimated costs for these improvements per assessed property in the current SAD are shown in Section 9.0. Note that only aquatic vegetation treatment is allowed for the current SAD program, and thus no restoration funds are currently available.

2.1.3

Residential land use activities involve the use of lawn fertilizers on lakefront lawns, the utilization of septic tank systems for treatment of residential sewage, the construction of impervious (impermeable, hard-surfaced) surfaces on lands within the watershed, the burning of leaves near the lakeshore, the dumping of leaves or other pollutants into storm drains, and removal of vegetation from the land and near the water. In addition to residential land use activities, agricultural practices by vegetable crop and cattle farmers may contribute nutrient loads to lakes and streams. Industrial land use activities may include possible contamination of groundwater through discharges of chemical pollutants. 

4.0

Crockery Lake is located within the Grand River extended watershed. The Grand River is Michigan’s longest river at 270 miles in length beginning in Hillsdale and Jackson counties and ending in Ottawa County where it empties into Lake Michigan near Grand Haven. The Grand River watershed is so large that it is often divided into an upper and lower section with the Lower Grand River watershed including counties such as Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Ionia, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties. The watershed encompasses an area of approximately 3,020 mi2 . Additionally, there is a drop in elevation within the watershed from 1,260 feet above mean sea level to an elevation of 577 feet. This information is valuable on a regional scale; however, it is at the immediate watershed scale that significant improvements can be made by the local lake community. 

The immediate watershed of Crockery Lake consists of the area around the lake that directly drains to the lake and measures approximately 2,533 acres in size (Figure 5; RLS, 2022). The immediate watershed is about 22.8 times the size of the lake, which is considered a large immediate watershed. The lakefront itself has a diverse application of land uses such as beachfront for swimming, wetlands, and forested lands. Thus, management options should also consider all of these land uses and preserve their unique functions. Drain influxes of nutrients are the largest threat to the water quality of Crockery Lake next to septic systems.

5.0 CROCKERY LAKE WATER QUALITY Water quality is highly variable among Michigan’s inland lakes, although some characteristics are common among particular lake classification types. The water quality of each lake is affected by both land use practices and climatic events. Climatic factors (i.e. spring runoff, heavy rainfall) may alter water quality in the short term; whereas, anthropogenic (man-induced) factors (i.e. shoreline development, lawn fertilizer use) alter water quality over longer time periods. Since many lakes have a fairly long hydraulic residence time, the water may remain in the lake for years and is therefore sensitive to nutrient loading and pollutants. Furthermore, lake water quality helps to determine the classification of particular lakes (Table 3). Lakes that are high in nutrients (such as phosphorus and nitrogen) and chlorophyll-a, and low in transparency are classified as eutrophic; whereas those that are low in nutrients and chlorophyll-a, and high in transparency are classified as oligotrophic. Lakes that fall in between these two categories are classified as mesotrophic. Crockery Lake is classified as hyper-eutrophic (very nutrient-enriched) due to the very high nutrients and low Secchi transparency, elevated chlorophylla, and marked dissolved oxygen depletion with depth (Figure 12).

The key stressors of the lakes were determined to be poor shoreline habitat and excessive nutrients. A favorable outcome of the inventory revealed that half of the lakes exhibited declines in phosphorus levels compared to levels noted in the early 1970’s. Despite this observed decline, many of our inland lakes continue to experience degradations in water quality. One reason for this problem is that many lakes have properties that utilize septic systems. Since riparians have little control over local pollutant loading from agriculture to inland lakes, the maintenance of septic systems is critical for water quality protection.

5.1.1

In general, dissolved oxygen levels should be greater than 5 mg/L to sustain a healthy warmwater fishery. Dissolved oxygen concentrations may decline if there is a high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) where organismal consumption of oxygen is high due to respiration. Dissolved oxygen is generally higher in colder waters. Dissolved oxygen was measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) with the use of a calibrated Eureka Manta II® dissolved oxygen meter. The mean dissolved oxygen concentrations in the basin of Crockery Lake ranged from 2.6-6.6 mg/L which is very low. Substantial DO depletion was evident beyond depths of 4-5 meters by late May which is not favorable. [2024 The mean dissolved oxygen concentrations in the basin of Crockery Lake ranged from 2.9-3.3 mg/L which is very low. Substantial DO depletion was evident beyond depths of 4-5

meters by late May which is not favorable.]

5.1.3 Specific Conductivity Specific conductivity is a measure of the number of mineral ions present in the water, especially those of salts and other dissolved inorganic substances. Conductivity generally increases with water temperature and the amount of dissolved minerals and salts in a lake. Specific conductivity was measured in micro Siemens per centimeter (µS/cm) with the use of a calibrated Eureka Manta II® conductivity probe and meter. The mean conductivity values in the basins of Crockery Lake ranged from 482-496 mS/cm which are moderate. [2024 The mean conductivity

values in the basins of Crockery Lake ranged from 482-496 mS/cm which are moderate.]

Since these values are moderate for an inland lake, the lake water contains some dissolved metals and ions such as calcium, potassium, sodium, chlorides, sulfates, and carbonates. Baseline parameter data such as conductivity are important to measure the possible influences of land use activities (i.e. road salt influences) on Crockery Lake over a long period of time, or to trace the origin of a substance to the lake in an effort to reduce pollutant loading. Elevated conductivity values over 800 mS/cm can negatively impact aquatic life.

5.1.4

The mean Total Dissolved Solids concentrations in the basin of Crockery Lake ranged from 309-317 mg/L. These values are moderate for an inland lake and correlates with the measured moderate conductivity. [2024The mean TDS concentrations in the basin of Crockery Lake ranged from 309-317 mg/L. These values are moderate for an inland lake and correlates with the measured moderate conductivity.]

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Total suspended solids are the measure of the number of suspended particles in the water column. Particles suspended in the water column absorb heat from the sun and raise the water temperature. Total suspended solids were measured in mg/L and analyzed in the laboratory with Method SM 2540 D-11. The lake bottom contains some fine sediment particles that are easily perturbed from winds and wave turbulence. Spring values would likely be higher due to increased watershed inputs from spring runoff and/or increased planktonic algal communities. The mean TSS concentrations in the basins of Crockery Lake were all <10 mg/L with one exception in 2025, which is optimal. 

5.1.5

Most Michigan lakes have pH values that range from 7.0 to 9.5 S.U. The mean pH values in the basins of Crockery Lake ranged from 7.9-8.2 S.U. This range of pH is neutral to alkaline on the pH scale and is ideal for an inland lake. [2024 The mean pH values in the basins of Crockery Lake ranged from 7.9-8.0 S.U.]

5.1.6 

Total Phosphorus and Ortho-Phosphorus (SRP) Total Phosphorus Total phosphorus (TP) is a measure of the amount of phosphorus (P) present in the water column. Phosphorus is the primary nutrient necessary for abundant algae and aquatic plant growth. Lakes which contain greater than 0.020 mg/L of TP are defined as eutrophic or nutrient-enriched. TP concentrations are usually higher at increased depths due to the higher release rates of P from lake sediments under low oxygen (anoxic) conditions. Phosphorus may also be released from sediments as pH increases. Total phosphorus was measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) with the use of Method EPA 200.7 (Rev. 4.4). The mean TP concentrations in the basins of Crockery Lake ranged from 0.027-0.532 mg/L which are very high values overall and well above the eutrophic threshold. The highest concentration was 0.860 mg/L which is extremely high. [2024 The

mean TP concentrations in the basins of Crockery Lake ranged from 0.137-0.311 mg/L which are very high values and well above the eutrophic threshold. The highest concentration was 0.860 mg/L which is extremely high.]

Ortho-Phosphorus Ortho-Phosphorus (also known as soluble reactive phosphorus or SRP) was measured with Method SM 4500-P (E-11). SRP refers to the most bioavailable from of P used by all aquatic life. The mean SRP concentrations in the basins of Crockery Lake ranged from 0.016-0.337 mg/L. These values are also well above the eutrophic threshold like total phosphorus and are a major threat for increasing the density of blue-green algal blooms [2024 The mean SRP concentrations in the basins of Crockery Lake ranged from 0.088-0.214mg/L. These values are also well above the eutrophic threshold like total phosphorus and are a major threat for increasing the density of blue-green algal blooms.]

5.1.7

Lakes with a mean TKN value of 0.66 mg/L may be classified as oligotrophic, those with a mean TKN value of 0.75 mg /L may be classified as mesotrophic, and those with a mean TKN value greater than 1.88 mg/L may be classified as eutrophic. The mean TKN concentrations in the basins of Crockery Lake ranged from 0.6-2.6 mg/L. These values are slightly elevated for an inland lake of similar size. In the absence of dissolved oxygen, nitrogen is usually in the ammonia form and will contribute to rigorous submersed aquatic plant growth if adequate water transparency is present, which is the case in Crockery Lake for the first part of the growing season.

The total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) consists of nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2), and ammonia (NH3) forms of nitrogen without the organic forms of nitrogen. The mean TIN concentrations in the basin of Crockery Lake ranged from 0.184-2.7 mg/L which is quite high. Two major reasons why submersed rooted aquatic plant growth is not more prevalent given these concentrations are due to depth limitations and the lack of water clarity which is critical for higher aquatic plant growth. The mean nitrate concentrations in the basins ranged from 0.100-0.410 mg/L which are moderate. The mean nitrite values for the lake ranged from 0.100-0.205 mg/L which is concerning given above detectable limits of nitrite. Overall, there is an abundance of nitrogen in Crockery Lake which is mostly in the ammonia form with a mean concentration range from 0.814-2.7 mg/L which is quite high. [2024 The mean TKN concentrations in the basins of Crockery Lake ranged from 1.6-2.6 mg/L.]

Chlorophyll-a is a measure of the amount of green plant pigment present in the water, often in the form of planktonic algae. Chlorophyll-a water samples were measured in situ with a calibrated in situ Turner Designs® fluorimeter. High chlorophyll-a concentrations are indicative of nutrient-enriched lakes. Chlorophyll-a concentrations greater than 6 µg/L are found in eutrophic or nutrient-enriched aquatic systems, whereas chlorophyll-a concentrations less than 2.2 µg/L are found in nutrient-poor or oligotrophic lakes. The chlorophyll-a concentrations varied depending upon laboratory method or in situ testing. The lab method resulted in a mean range of 0.0-43.7 µg/L, whereas the in situ method showed values much higher. [2024 The chlorophyll-a concentrations varied depending upon laboratory method or in situ testing. The lab method resulted in a mean range of 0.0-2.3 µg/L, whereas the in situ method showed values that ranged from 6-16 µg/L.]

The in situ values are based on surface blue-green algal blooms and are often quite concentrated. These are well above eutrophic water readings and indicative of a major issue with algae in Crockery Lake. The in situ methods likely show higher values because those measurements are collected at the surface where buoyant blue-green algae aggregate on the water surface. The dominant algae in the lake (blue green) tends to be buoyant and float on the surface which reduces light to other favorable algae below. Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) have the distinct advantage of using nitrate and ammonia in the water (along with N2 gas from the atmosphere) as food and can out-compete the green algae due to their faster growth rates and ability to be buoyant at the lake surface which reduces light to underlying algae. 

5.1.8

The bluegreen algae were more dominant than both green algae and diatoms. Diatoms and green algae are the more favorable algal genera.

RLS is aware of some recent reports of harmful algal blooms (HAB’s) noted on the lake. EGLE has a protocol for reporting HAB’s via email at: algaebloom@michigan.gov. All riparians should avoid all surface scums and immediately wash after exiting the lake. 

5.1.9

Eutrophic systems generally have Secchi disk transparency measurements less than 7.5 feet due to turbidity caused by excessive planktonic algae growth. The mean Secchi transparency in Crockery Lake averaged from 2.6-6.9 feet which is low to moderate. [2024 The mean Secchi transparency in Crockery Lake ranged from 2.6-4.6 feet which is low. It is clear that the Secchi transparency declined throughout the season which was largely due to the growth of blue-green algal blooms.]

It is clear that the Secchi transparency declined throughout the season which was largely due to the growth of blue-green algal blooms. This transparency indicates that an abundance of algae are present throughout the water column which reduces water clarity. Secchi transparency is variable and depends on the amount of suspended particles in the water (often due to windy conditions of lake water mixing) and the amount of sunlight present at the time of measurement. 

8.1.1

Contact herbicides such as diquat, flumioxazin, and hydrothol cause damage to leaf and stem structures; whereas systemic herbicides are assimilated by the plant roots and are lethal to the entire plant. Wherever possible, it is preferred to use a systemic herbicide for longer-lasting aquatic plant control of invasives. In Crockery Lake, the use of contact herbicides (such as diquat and flumioxazin) is not currently needed or recommended since invasive milfoil is the only problematic aquatic plant and is best treated with targeted systemic herbicides.

Algaecides should only be used on green algal blooms since many treatments can exacerbate blue-green algae blooms. The blue-green algae, Microcystis sp. was the most prevalent algae in the lake, which is an indicator of poor water quality (Figure 45). Microcystis colonies are a few micrometers in diameter and are evenly distributed throughout a gelatinous matrix. Younger colonies are spherical and older ones are more irregularly shaped. There are numerous gas vesicles, and the algae can thrive at the surface with minimal photodegradation (breaking down) by the sun. When the sunlight is excessive, the algae can break down and release toxins and lower the dissolved oxygen in the water column. The algae are the only type known to fix nitrogen gas into ammonia for growth. Microcystis has also been shown to overwinter in lake sediments (Fallon et al., 1981). In addition, it may thrive in a mucilage layer with sediment bacteria that can release phosphorus under anaerobic conditions (Brunberg, 1995). 

8.2.1 

Hypolimnetic Oxygenation for P Inactivation Hypolimnetic oxygenation via a PrO2 unit (Figure 50) made by Greener Planet Systems® (Iowa, USA), is a technology that has been previously used in wastewater treatment. The treatment of wastewater to reduce nutrients and pollutants is required for state-issued discharge permits. This technology is a patented technology that utilizes pure oxygen that is pumped into the bottom of a lake through direct hoses that deliver the oxygen to the hypolimnion to avoid destratification of the water column. This reduces the release of phosphorus from lake sediments which reduces the nutrients in the upper water layers and thus reduces the presence of blue-green algae blooms. Dissolved oxygen from the PrO2 Series is not limited by ambient saturation levels because the delivered oxygen is already dissolved and will experience no effects of buoyancy because it is not a bubble. The PrO2 Series efficiently delivers extremely large amounts of dissolved oxygen into waste matter with up to 96% oxygen transfer efficiency. As a result, the oxygen rich environment will accelerate the natural breakdown of organic matter while creating and preserving an odor free environment. The major deliverables offered by the PrO2 unit are as follows:

• Empowers Microbes to Consume 95% of Organic Waste

• 96% Oxygen Transfer Efficiency 

• 75% Reduction in Conventional Aeration Costs 

• Targeted Application Control (oxygenates the deep basin only if desired) 

• Remote and Onsite Control Options (can maintain constant stable dissolved oxygen concentrations) 

• Scalable to every lake size (includes a secure shed or trailer for large units)

8.2.2

At this time, a hypolimnetic oxygenation technology would be preferred over application of alum since a higher dissolved oxygen concentration is desired throughout the water column and on the lake bottom to reduce internal release of phosphorus and also decrease bluegreen algal blooms and increase water clarity while improving the zooplankton and benthic macroinvertebrate biodiversity to support a strong fishery.

8.2.3 

Nutrient Filtration Methods There is a great need for reduction of the nutrients and pollutants previously discussed that negatively impact the water quality of Crockery Lake. An innovative and natural product called Biochar (Figure 51) has been used with measurable reductions in nutrients and solids in stormwater and water body improvement programs.

A natural charcoal technology called TimberChar Biochar® is available for filtration of nutrients and pollutants that may enter inland waters such as Crockery Lake. The Biochar is comprised of 87.4% organic carbon based on percentage of total dry mass. Particles range in size from 8-25 mm so there is inherent variability in particle size. This variability allows for the adsorption of nutrients and pollutants due to increased adsorptive surface area. Biochar may be placed in a multi-filament polypropylene sock (such as Silt Sock®) which has a life expectancy of up to 3 years. It is considered an inert product with no chemical effect on the environment. This product allows for the Biochar to be contained in an area and serves to consolidate the particles for optimum filtration efficiency. Previous data collected by RLS on an inland lake inlet that utilized the Biochar showed significant reductions in nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen as well as total suspended solids (Jermalowicz-Jones, 2012- 2016). Additionally, another pilot project on Silver Lake in Oceana County, MI in 2023 demonstrated substantial reductions in total phosphorus, ammonia, nitrate nitrogen, and total suspended solids. The filters were applied to significant incoming drains as well as to numerous docks and boats in the lake basin. Minimal algal blooms occurred in 2023.

8.3 

Crockery Lake Immediate Watershed Improvements Inland waters such as lakes provide multiple benefits to riparian communities and local municipalities through a variety of ecosystem services. Stynes (2002) estimated that Michigan’s 11,000 inland lakes support a recreational industry that is valued at approximately 15 billion dollars per year. Inland lakes also provide economic and aesthetic values to riparian waterfront property owners with increased residential lot property values and scenic views. A survey of approximately 485 riparians that represented five lakes in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, USA, was conducted in 2002 by Lemberg et al. (2002) and revealed that the most important benefit of lakefront ownership was the vista. Thus, lakes clearly provide aesthetic as well as recreational benefits to riparians and those that use them. For some time, lakes have been under continuous stress from surrounding development and land use activities. A major source of this stress includes the anthropogenic contributions of nutrients, sediments, and pathogens to the lake water from the surrounding landscape (Carpenter et al., 1998). 

In fact, soils that are saturated may be associated with a marked reduction in phosphorus assimilation and adsorption (Gilliom and Patmont, 1983; Shawney and Starr, 1977) which leads to the discharge of phosphorus into the groundwater, especially in areas with a high water table. In the study by Gilliom and Patmont (1983) on Pine Lake in the Puget Sound of the western U.S., they found that it may take 20-30 years for the phosphorus to make its way to the lake and cause negative impacts on water quality. 

Many sandy soils do not have a strong adsorption capacity for phosphorus and thus the nutrient is easily transported to groundwater. Nitrates, however, are even more mobile and travel quickly with the groundwater and thus are also a threat to water quality.

Poorly maintained septic systems may also lead to increases in toxin-producing blue-green algae such as Microcystis. This alga is indicative of highly nutrient-rich waters and forms an unsightly green scum on the surface of a water body. Toxins are released from the algal cells and may be dangerous to animals and humans in elevated concentrations. Furthermore, the alga may shade light from underlying native aquatic plants and create a sharp decline in biomass which leads to lower dissolved oxygen levels in the water column. Repeated algae treatments are often not enough to compensate for this algal growth and the problem persists. 

9.0 CROCKERY LAKE RESTORATION PROJECT CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS Crockery Lake is facing significant issues that degrade water quality over time, including inputs of nutrients and sediments from surrounding drains, and leaking septic tanks and drain fields which lead to a decline in lake health. The lake fishery is becoming impaired by harmful algal blooms and the increased BOD is resulting in a decline in dissolved oxygen with depth throughout the lake. There are also natural wetlands around the lake that are high in organic carbon and nutrients that can serve as a source of nutrients, tannins, and organic matter to the lake during periods of extended saturation. The high nutrients have also led to increased bluegreen algal blooms that secrete toxins such as microcystins that are a public and pet health hazard and result in lake advisories. These algae also reduce light to aquatic plants and favor an algal-dominated state. The result of the overabundance of algae is higher turbidity, lower water clarity, and fewer aquatic plants (especially the native submersed types that cannot tolerate low light conditions). The lake basin will continue to deteriorate unless drain/inlet improvements are made, and efforts are made to oxygenate the hypolimnion to reduce the continuous release of phosphorus. Hypolimnetic oxygenation (with a PrO2 unit) is recommended for the lake basin to oxygenate the lake bottom and reduce the release of phosphorus while maintaining stratified conditions in the epilimnion and metalimnion. This will result in increased clarity, dissolved oxygen, and reduced algal blooms. It may also help to improve the lake fishery and provide better algal food choices for the zooplankton, which are at the base of the lake food chain. Also critical is the development of a lake wide septic system maintenance program in the absence of a municipal sewer system. With this approach, lakefront lots are surveyed with permissions and tested for evidence of E. coli leakage which might arise from failing septic systems. The owners of these lots are then notified with the suggestion that they have their septic systems and fields inspected, as this is the only way to verify or rule out a septicrelated problem on their property. Regardless of how many are found, there is a critical need for a lake-wide septic management program. In addition to the use of this method, residents should have a lake-wide annual septic pump-out day where all participate. Evaluations of the drain field should also be conducted every few years. Lastly, when lots are determined to have septic leachate issues, the implementation of SludgeHammer® units to reduce nutrients exiting the drain field are recommended to reduce inputs to the lake over time. These units would have to be individually paid for and usually cost between $3,000- $5,000 per unit.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) The increased developmental pressures and usage of aquatic ecosystems necessitate inland lake management practices as well as watershed Best Management Practices (BMP’s) to restore balance within Crockery Lake. For optimum results, BMP’s should be site-specific and tailored directly to the impaired area (Maguire et al., 2009). Best Management Practices (BMP’s) can be implemented to improve a lake’s water quality. The guidebook, Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality (Henderson et al. 1998) provides the following guidelines: 

1) Maintenance of brush cover on lands with steep slopes (>6% slope) 

2) Development of a vegetation buffer zone 25-30 feet from the land-water interface with approximately 60-80% of the shoreline bordered with vegetation (Figure 53 is an example of a lack of riparian buffer)

3) Limiting boat traffic and boat size to reduce wave energy and thus erosion potential 

4) Encouraging the growth of dense shrubs or emergent shoreline vegetation to control erosion

5) Using only native genotype plants (those native to a particular lake and region) around the lake since they are most likely to establish and thrive than those not acclimated to growing in the area soils 

6) Avoid the use of lawn fertilizers that contain phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). P is the main nutrient required for aquatic plant and algae growth, and plants grow in excess when P and N, especially ammonia and nitrate, are abundant. There are other natural products that serve as soil conditioners that reduce the transfer of nutrients into the lake. They can be found at: www.bloomfieldroots.com and www.milorganite.com. 

7) Preserve riparian vegetation buffers around a lake (such as those that consist of Cattails, Bulrushes, and Swamp Loosestrife), since they act as a filter to catch nutrients and pollutants that occur on land and may run off into a lake. 

8) Do not burn leaves near the lake shoreline since the ash is a high source of P. The ash is lightweight and may become airborne and land in the water eventually dissolved and utilized by aquatic vegetation and algae. 

9) Ensure that all areas that drain to a lake from the surrounding land are vegetated and that no fertilizers are used in areas with saturated soils. 

10) The construction of impervious surfaces (i.e. paved roads and walkways, houses) should be minimized and kept at least 100 feet from the lakefront shoreline to reduce surface runoff potential. In addition, any wetland areas around a lake should be preserved to act as a filter of nutrients from the land and to provide valuable wildlife habitat. Construction practices near the lakeshore should minimize the chances for erosion and sedimentation by keeping land areas adjacent to the water stabilized with rock, vegetation, or wood retaining walls. This is especially critical in areas that contain land slopes greater than 6%. 

11) In areas where the shoreline contains metal or concrete seawalls, placement of natural vegetation or tall emergent plants around the shoreline is encouraged. Erosion of soils into the water may lead to increased turbidity and nutrient loading to a lake. Seawalls should consist of riprap (stone, rock), rather than metal, due to the fact that riprap offers a more favorable habitat for lakeshore organisms, which are critical to the ecological balance of the lake ecosystem. Riprap should be installed in front of areas where metal seawalls are currently in use. The riprap should extend into the water to create a presence of microhabitats for enhanced biodiversity of the aquatic organisms within a lake. The emergent aquatic plants, Schoenoplectus sp. (Bulrushes) or Cattails present around a lake may offer satisfactory stabilization of shoreline sediments and assist in the minimization of sediment release into a lake. There are also natural shorelines that can be constructed on lakefronts. More information on those can be found at: www.shorelinepartnership.org. Canada geese (Branta canadensis) usually do not prefer lakefront lawns with dense riparian vegetation because they are concerned about the potential of hidden predators within the vegetation.

12) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) offers excellent educational resources and reference materials that riparians can use to care for their septic systems. To learn more about septic systems and how to care for them, visit the website: http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/septic/. Some lake associations have created “annual septic pump out” days where septic tank contractors visit individual properties and clean out the septic tanks as well as inspect the drain fields for any issues that may negatively affect water quality. Annual pump out days are a great way to interact with riparian neighbors and learn about the many different types and locations of individual septic systems. Additionally, riparians should always maintain an awareness of the aquatic vegetation and algae in their lake so they can report any significant deviations from the normal observations. An awareness of the ambient lake water quality is also useful since degradations in water quality often occur over a long period of time and can be subtle. 

13) Furthermore, a professional limnologist/aquatic botanist should perform regular GPS-guided whole-lake surveys each spring and late summer/early fall to monitor the growth and distribution of all invasives and nuisance aquatic vegetation growth prior to and after treatments to determine treatment efficacy if treatments are conducted. Continuous monitoring of the lake for potential influxes of other exotic aquatic plant genera (i.e. Hydrilla) that could also significantly disrupt the ecological stability of Crockery Lake is critical. The lake manager should oversee all management activities and would be responsible for the creation of aquatic plant management survey maps, direction of the licensed herbicide applicator to target specific areas of aquatic vegetation for removal, recommendations for implementation of watershed best management practices, administrative duties such as the review of contractor invoices, and lake management education. 

In Michigan, the two governing Acts which involve protection of surface waters include Public Act (PA) 188 and allows townships and municipalities to levy taxes for surface water and other environmental improvements, and PA 451 which allows statutorily formed boards to levy taxes for water quality improvements. Both Acts were designed more for solution implementation than for prevention programs that are urgently needed to address the NPS pollution effects on surface waters.

9.1 

Cost Estimates for Crockery Lake Improvements The proposed lake restoration program for Crockery Lake is recommended to begin as soon as possible. Since hypolimnetic oxygenation and Biochar are likely to be the costliest improvements, it may be conducted over a period of five years or more to reduce annual cost. A breakdown of estimated costs associated with the various proposed treatments in Crockery Lake is presented in Table 50. It should be noted that proposed costs are estimates and may change in response to changes in environmental conditions (i.e. increases in aquatic plant growth or distribution, or changes in herbicide costs). Note that this table is adaptive and is likely to change over time. Thus, this entire restoration plan is an adaptive plan. Due to the very high cost to effectively restore Crockery Lake, it is recommended that the filters be implemented in the first year, along with development of the septic maintenance program. The PrO2 system should be implemented in the second or third year. Note that the fees proposed by RLS for professional services includes the data needed to be in compliance with the oxygenation system with permitting requirements.

Table 50. Crockery Lake proposed lake restoration program costs. NOTE: Items with asterisks are estimates only and are likely to change based on acquisition of formal quotes from qualified vendors.

Costs
Proposed Crockery Lake Improvement Item	Year 1 Costs	Years 2-5 (Annual)
Systemic herbicides 1 for EWM treatment	$8,000	$8,000
PrO2 System2 (includes annual lease cost and electrical for each year as well as maintenance)	$70,000	$70,000
Drain filters3 for drains Note: maintenance for future years	$5,000	$3,000
Professional services (limnologist management of lake, oversight, EGLE compliance, implementation of restoration program, education)4	$16,000	$16,500

Contingency fund $9,900 $9,750

Total Annual Estimated Cost    $108,990 $107,250