water remediation nearly complete

July, 2024 As of early 2024, the
system has been running as it should, like a septic system, first dropping out solids into the “barracudas” concrete tanks, then out-flowing into ponds then into trenches where the water will continue to be filtered through the soil embankments/berms into Asylum Lake. This storm water
comes from the north, up drake road and the shopping district at the northeast corner of Drake and Stadium.
While this is a step forward for beginning to address the water in- flow issues to the lake, it only takes care of about 20% of those waters.
According to Kieser and Assoc., the majority of the stormwater runoff comes from the US131 exit area which was supposed to be addressed by MDOT back when the construction was taking place, but it wasn’t. Untreated water also flows in from the BTR2 Park across Drake Rd. and Drake Rd itself south of the new filtration system.These are ongoing issues that will need to be
addressed. As this first system came with a hefty pricetag, which was mostly covered by The State of
Michigan, with some money coming from the Asylum Lake Preserve endowment fund, much more money will be needed from different sources to do the job fully.

REMEDIATION UNDERWAY

(September 2023) The long awaited storm water filtration system project is finally underway on the NorthWest corner of the preserve. This project has nothing to do with the DNS parcel on the corner of Stadium and Drake.

What is happening in the Preserve is a good thing. Although some trees had to be removed for the project and construction equipment, the end result will capture raw storm water runoff coming down Drake Road and currently going right into the lake. It is killing the lake, so through many sources of funding, this project will treat the water through allowing sediment to fall out (much like a septic system) then filter into the lake through an earth berm.

More details will be coming with signage posted at the preserve in the parking lots and here on face book. WMU will be supplying a QR code to use to go to their website with further information.

This really is a big deal! The state environmental department is involved with WMU in doing research as well. You may have noticed a red balloon floating on the surface. This is held in place by an anchored cable. The cable has sensors attached at different levels for ongoing monitoring.

 

Stormwater remediation

(January 2021) A study of needed remediation of the west end area of Asylum Lake, to protect the lake and wetlands from tainted storm water, sediment deposits or spills, has been undertaken and projects are under consideration by the Management Council.  ALPA will keep this site updated on any new developments.

 

 sediment spill into asylum lake, June 2019

After a severe rainstorm, sediment leaked from the BTR park across Drake Road from the Preserve into Asylum Lake. WMU is fined $18,000 because of lack of proper preparation for such an event. Sediment is monitored during the following months.

  • ALPA keeps public informed through Facebook regarding the silt spill into Asylum Lake from BTR2 (Formerly the Colony Farm Orchard) construction site, and works with the ALPMC to monitor WMU’s actions and consequences and update the City Planning Department. Letters of concern sent to ALPMC regarding BTR2 spill and Vermuelen property and also to Rep. Jon Hoadley. (Jun-Jul 2019)

  • ALPA writes a letter to President of WMU encouraging WMU to take a position against proposed development. (Sep 2019)

  • ALPA sends representatives to Educational Community Forum and Kalamazoo Environmental Summit (Oct 2019)

  • ALPA sends letter to WMU Board of Trustees advocating for Asylum Lake (Dec 2019)

MLive 6/29/2019: State cites Western Michigan for ‘unlawful discharge’ into Asylum Lake.

WMU Stormwater Update: https://wmich.edu/asylumlake/stormwater

Drone video shows sediment flowing to Asylum Lake

State of Michigan Erosion-Sedimentation Regulation
Janelle Hohm, Senior Environmental Quality Analyst
Michigan Dept. of Environment
Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) – Water Resources Division Phone: 269-568-2699
hohmj@michigan.gov

Sign Up to Receive ALPA Updates and/or to Volunteer

Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates regarding the Asylum Lake Preserve and to volunteer for ALPA events in support of Asylum Lake Preserve.