TABLE OF CONTENTS Pages Symposium 1 - the National Sea ...

in crayfish populations, disappearance of sensitive vegetation (bulrushes), reductions in mayfly
hatches, the growth of dark, polluted matter on docks and boats, and fishing, have all become
worse because of the effects from the hatchery.
The Effluent
The initial National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued did not
include limits on phosphorus discharges until 1980. In 1985, the PLIA sued the Department,
making the following points: The draft 1985 NPDES permit level of 636 kg phosphorus
annually is not protective; not all sources of phosphorus related directly or indirectly to the
hatchery are accounted for, such are the salmon weirs, smolt releases and adult salmon migration
and accompanying die-offs in the river.
In the 1970's a study by Grant (1979) determined that the hatchery contributed 1360 kg of
phosphorus annually. It represented 33% of the total watershed contribution to the lake of 3260
kg annually. By 1990 the direct percentage contribution by the hatchery was reduced to less
than 5% of the annual phosphorus loading to Platte Lake (Walker 1998). The changes in
phosphorus discharge were the result of improvements in managing solid waste, reduction of
production by one million coho salmon and by switching to low phosphorus food in 1988. The
new 1998 permit issued by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality restricts the use
of water to 166 million liter per day (30,000 gpm) and limits phosphorus discharge to 200 kg per
year with no more than 55 kg in any three months. The discharge of suspended solids is limited
to 1000 kg daily with concentrations not to exceed 4-6 mg/l, depending on total flow.
The Court
In 1988, the Court agreed with the PLIA that the Department was polluting, impairing and
destroying Platte Lake and would continue to do so. The following excerpt is from Judge
Brown's Opinion (1988a):
14) Prior to the establishment of the salmon program:
a) The waters of Big Platte Lake were clear, objects being distinguished at depths of 10
- 12 feet;...
15) Subsequent to the operation of the salmon program:
a) The waters of Big Platte Lake have become mucky and obscure;...
The Department must reduce the phosphorus loading with the intent of maintaining a lake
phosphorus standard of 8 )g/L; feed low phosphorus food (