What's going on in the fields on Hoover and 16th?

Many of us have noticed the activity taking place on the property at the corner of Hoover Street and 16th Avenue. Given that Crockery Lake is currently hypereutrophic and experiencing a particularly poor year for water quality, it understandably raised concerns.

A CLA Board member initially approached the workers at the site to ask about the project, but very little information was provided. The following day, after the CLA Board meeting, a call was placed to the company whose name was on one of the trucks. Later that afternoon, a company representative returned the call and patiently answered a list of questions that had been prepared in advance. We also obtained copies of the permits issued by Michigan Department of Environmental Quality - Surface Water Quality Division. At the time of the call, the company had been working at the site five days a week for the second consecutive week.

The following is a summary of that conversation.

Q. What product is being injected into the land at the corner of 16th Avenue and Hoover?

The product is biosolids, which are the treated solids that settle to the bottom of wastewater treatment lagoons. These lagoons are large, shallow earthen basins used to treat and store organic waste, primarily from municipal sewage and agricultural operations.

According to the representative, the biosolids are tested before being removed from the lagoons. They are then loaded directly into tanker trucks, transferred to application equipment, and injected into the soil. He stated that there is no noticeable odor.

Q. How much biosolid material can be applied per acre?

The amount applied is based on the nutrient needs of the following year's crop. The biosolids are injected 12–18 inches below the soil surface using specialized equipment.

He explained that there is little to no movement into groundwater under normal conditions. The company is required to maintain a minimum setback of 100 feet from drinking water wells and irrigation wells.

He also stated that biosolid application is more heavily regulated than traditional manure application. Unlike biosolid applicators, farmers applying manure are generally not required to obtain permits, conduct soil testing, or follow the same application standards.

Q. How is the legal application rate determined?

Application rates are based on soil testing, particularly phosphorus levels. The phosphorus concentration in the soil cannot exceed 150 parts per million (ppm). The company applies only enough biosolids to meet the nutrient needs of one growing season.

The soil test results are entered into a computer program, which calculates the maximum amount that may legally be applied. The application equipment is calibrated to stay within those limits.

Q. What setbacks are required from lakes, streams, ponds, and other water sources?

According to the representative:

• 50 feet from dry creek beds.

• 100 feet from flowing water and water wells.

Q. What is the potential for runoff after application?

He stated that runoff is minimal because the biosolids are injected 12–18 inches below the soil surface rather than spread on top of the ground. Within several hours, the material dries and becomes incorporated into the surrounding soil, making it unlikely to move independently.

Q. What happens if it rains after the biosolids have been applied?

The representative explained that once the material has mixed with the soil, it does not wash away as untreated waste. Instead, any runoff would be similar to normal soil runoff.

He used the following analogy: pouring pancake batter onto a lawn. Once it dries, it becomes part of the surface. If it rains later, it does not turn back into batter—it simply remains part of the soil.

He also noted that biosolids are not applied when soils are saturated or when significant rainfall is expected.

Q. What bacteria, microbes, or other contaminants are present in the biosolids?

The representative explained that both the biosolids and the receiving fields are tested before application.

The biosolids are tested for: PFAS, Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Selenium, and Zinc.

The receiving soil is tested for phosphorus, and application is not allowed if phosphorus levels exceed the state limit of 150 ppm.

He stated that the biosolids are lime-stabilized to maintain a neutral pH but are not tested for microbes.

The primary nutrients being applied are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The amount injected is determined by the soil test results and regulated by computerized application equipment to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Additional Discussion

The conversation also included a broader discussion about the condition of Crockery Lake. We explained that the lake is currently experiencing excessive phosphorus and nitrate levels and that the CLA is working to reduce existing nutrient pollution while preventing additional sources from entering the lake.

The representative appeared knowledgeable about water quality issues, including hypereutrophic lakes. He discussed the impact that septic system seepage can have on lakes and also noted that fertilizer applied to residential lawns can contribute nutrients that eventually reach surface waters.

While this is all good information there is still a lot of concern that the land is being over treated. When we meet with EGLE this will also be discussed. 

Any questions or comments can be directed to crockerylakeassociation@gmail.com