A third party is weighing in on a controversy over a proposed $130 million sewer project around Higgins Lake in Roscommon County.
The Gerrish Lyon Utility Authority (GLUA) put forth a project to construct a STEP sewer in 2021, which they say will improve the lake's water quality. The GLUA has stated nearly 80% of phosphorus-loading in Higgins Lake is from septic contamination.
But a preliminary report by the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council said there’s not enough evidence supporting the claim.
"...unfortunately, the information provided by the [GLUA] literature review indicates it has not been consistent, coordinated or replicated to confirm trends in nutrient pollution," wrote Tip of the Mitt policy director Jennifer McKay.
In the interim report, McKay stated studies cited by the GLUA have also identified other sources of high nutrient inputs into Higgins Lake like stormwater runoff.
Bob Frye is with the Higgins Lake Land Conservancy (HLLC), which commissioned Tip of the Mitt to review the need for the project.
He said he hopes the GLUA will consider solutions suggested by McKay like local septic ordinances and a monitoring program - before moving ahead with sewer plans.
“A septic tank ordinance might be a very good idea for current purposes," Frye said. "And maybe there'll be more studies on where exactly a cluster sewer might be appropriate, but it's a big project to put around Higgins Lake.”
Frye said he's concerned about the project's cost on residents and how a sewer would alter the rural character of the area.
"It's really important to note that everybody who's against the sewer and everybody who's for the sewer - they're generally concerned with the well-being of Higgins Lake," Frye said. "The efforts the HLLC is putting forth in getting this second opinion is simply to help make the right choice."
According to the GLUA 2023 summer update, the project cannot move forward until the majority of Lyon Township property owners sign a “yes” petition.
"The need of a sewer system continues to become greater," the update said. "Now, forever chemicals along with human waste effluent, are entering our ground water that feeds our drinking wells and our lake."
Frye said once the full report is complete, the HLLC will host a public presentation to share their findings and take questions.
The Tip of the Mitt and GLUA did not respond in time to WCMU's request for comment.
