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Raw sewage entered Clark Lake this morning, about 4000 gallons according to one Columbia Township official. The spill occurred at a construction site on Q Lane, which is on the south side of the east end of the lake. (Scroll down for the Jackson County Department of Health advisory).
A subcontractor for Consumers Energy was drilling a conduit for electrical lines to the new home from the utility pole. According to a person who said he worked for the subcontractor, they hit the sewer line that runs parallel with the road, and sewage erupted from it. Township officials said the sewer line was clearly marked. CE has confirmed that it was one of their subcontractors and apologizes “to community members for what happened.”
A drain to the lake created a path for the sewage to seek the lowest point. The sewage blackened the water defining what was sewage and what was clear water. The sewage appeared to be moving east, probably because the only outlet for Clark Lake water is the dam.
The Brooklyn DPW, responsible for the sewers, was on the scene. Keith Kotsch commented on what was in the effluent. “It’s a liquid mix of what goes into the sewer system—what drains from the shower or laundry for example.” It also included waste from toilets, and that was evident by the smell.
The DPW brought in a contractor to vacuum the effluent out of the hole where the break occurred.
As of 2 pm today, the sewer line has been repaired.
The Jackson County Health Department has issued an advisory for the area from Eagle Point to the east end of the lake. They recommend avoiding body contact with the water. Boating and fishing is okay, but suggest washing afterwards. Water samples are being sent to a lab. There is a 24-hour turnaround to get the results. How long before the all clear? Don Hayduk, director of environmental health, comments “a lot depends on which way the wind blows. Right now it’s blowing from the west and that should push the affected area toward the east end of the lake.”
A sewage spill occurred at Lake Columbia a while ago. Keith Kotsch said it was about four days before the sewage had dissipated, but there were differences. At Lake Columbia the sewage congregated in a bay.
When will the water be safe? It’s the Jackson County Health Department who will make a determination when or if the lake is safe for swimming and other uses.
Claire Dijack is an analyst for Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) also known as the DEQ. She was at the site and indicated their office will follow up with the DPW and others.
Other officials rushed to the scene including Columbia Township Supervisor Bob Elrod and Trustee Flip Reynolds.
Click here for the August 9 update
Question, what are the safety protocalls being done for those that will not see this? Are there signs being put up on the lake not to swim as a precaution? When & how can we find out when it is safe to swim again?
Please go to the update story for more information about the public health advisory.
Is the west side of the lake safe?
Please go to the latest update to learn what the Jackson County Department of Health recommends.
Why is the beach still open on hyde then
Please see the latest update that includes an advisory from the Jackson County Department of Health
I saw a few disturbing things on the lake today. Firstly, I saw a duck/loon covered in an oil-based substance similar to what was seen in the Gulf circa 2010. Secondly, I was bathing my young child and a diaper washed ashore right next to us. The smell was unbearable. Finally, I typically put lake water in my Brita, but did not know about the spill until after I filled it. The taste was no different for those who also use lake water in their Britas. Whoever dumped their sewage in the lake should be held responsible
This is very sad for everyone who enjoys the clear water at Clark Lake. Pontoon owners who dock near the dam will be affected. Boatowners typically have to walk their boats to deeper water. If any damages occur, who is liable? Consumers or the sub-contractor? We missed the entire month of June because of the heavy rain and now this.
I just got off the phone with the health department at 8:50 AM today. They said they took water samples last night, and they have to wait for the results of those samples to make a determination. I heard somewhere that it takes 24 hrs. The gentleman I spoke with said it would be senseless to take more samples until they find out yesterday’s results. So, it sounds like the weekend is going to be a mess if you’ve got company coming.
Couldn’t they use a boom and at least vacuum up the solids?
People I understand this seems disturbing however 4000 gallons is around
1/4 the size of a normal size above ground swimming pool. I’m assuming a 590 acre lake has multi million gallons of water. It is also a spring fed lake generating new water daily.
Consider this prior to the sewer system being put in around Clark Lake existing
leach fields & septic fields probably leaked that amount into Clark Lake daily.
Trust me I do not want to swim in sewage line release either however I
wouldn’t get out over one’s skis on this news.
This just happened on Lake Columbia & they came thru it just fine.
I’m sure our township officers have a good grasp of the situation.
Thank You
We’re assuming it was only 4000 gallons. Municpalities are often underestimating damage to minimize situations. At any rate this is a blow to one of the most endearing qualities of Clark Lake – that is is normally very clean. Hold these clowns accountable and there should be some version of a cleanup going on already.
So I wonder how much of the sewage will escape the lake and flow into the creek on that side of the lake?