Low Impact Design and Construction to Improve Beach Water Quality and Reduce Frequency of Closures

The Watershed Center, Grand Traverse Bay identified stormwater discharge as a contributing factor to beach closings. High bacteria concentrations were measured in stormwater runoff discharging from outfalls at several beach locations. Discharges occurred during rainfall events and beach closings from elevated bacteria levels often followed. When high levels were identified beaches were closed for a minimum of three days, or until bacteria measurements were below the water quality criteria. In a small tourism centric Village in northern Michigan, with a short beach season, disruptions to beach activity have a negative economic impact. To reduce beach closings the Village of Suttons Bay and The Watershed Center – Grand Traverse Bay applied for and received a grant to implement Green Infrastructure within the village with the goal of reducing bacteria laden stormwater discharge to Suttons Bay, Lake Michigan. The grant provided for multiple raingardens, over 3,000 feet of infiltration trenches, and the re-routing of storm drain outlets away from beaches.