TORCH LAKE PROTECTION ALLIANCE / WATER QUALITY

A DEDICATION TO WATER QUALITY

The most striking attribute of Torch Lake is the color and clarity of the water. It is the incredible beauty of the water that sets Torch Lake apart. It makes sense then that the stewardship of the water is the most important thing TLPA does. It is a complex job that involves science, education, legislation and advocacy. Over the years our actions have been both proactive and reactive as the needs dictate. TLPA recognizes that human actions and interactions have the most impact on maintaining the pristine quality of Torch Lake.

In principle and practice we believe it is in all our best interest to work together proactively to balance environmental and other needs; such as economic growth, property development, governmental needs. Experience has taught us that everyone benefits by early, frank, discussions of all the pro's and con's of issues that impact water quality. In this way we can work together to find solutions more acceptable to all concerned when there are tradeoff decisions to be made. It is only when efforts to find a balanced solution fail that seeking remedy in the courts becomes necessary.

So what are the actions that threaten water quality?

Dredging Lake Bottom

TLPA has successfully established legal precedent that dredging of the lake bottom of Torch Lake may have serious negative impacts on water quality. The reasons have to do with science. Torch Lake’s water is crystal clear due to the fact that it has extremely low phosphorus content. The presence of phosphorus causes weeds and algae to grow. That is also why Torch Lake is free of weeds and algae.

The lake bottom is typically a layer of sand over phosphorus rich marl. This sand layer varies in different shoreline areas. When the lake bottom is dredged, the phosphorus rich marl will be released into the water and ultimately lead to the growth of weeds and algae.

This is why it is critical that any time dredging is proposed that an environmental impact study be conducted. This should include testing of the lake bottom at the site through borings to determine the phosphorus content of what will be released and what will be permanently exposed in the water.
Filling Wetlands

Federal and State of Michigan Environmental Protection Laws prohibit the filling of wetlands within 500 feet of a lake or stream. There are good scientific reasons for this. Wetlands act as a filter to screen out sediments that would otherwise act to negatively impact the clarity of Torch Lake. Wetlands also serve as a filter to protect the quality of the water all of us in the community drink.

Through the MDEQ and MDNR regulatory agencies, TLPA has worked to ensure that these laws are upheld in a fair and timely manner. When appropriate, we have proposed reasonable development alternatives to filling wetlands.
Land Use Practices

Local units of government, through sound land use plans and zoning ordinances, have an obligation to all citizens to ensure that development occurs in a manner that protects Torch Lake as a rare natural resource. It is important that a balance be found to ensure the environmental integrity of Torch Lake and the needs of a growing population.

TLPA works with local units of government and citizens to ensure the achievement of balanced solutions to these competing needs. We encourage citizens to actively participate in the public process. When necessary we have sought remedy through the courts when violations have occurred.

Through education, TLPA encourages its members and indeed all citizens in the community to be good shoreline stewards. Everyone who lives on the water can take important steps to protect the water quality of Torch Lake. A shoreline greenbelt of native woody and herbaceous plants instead of a lawn creates a more natural look and filters harmful nutrients and storm water runoff. Regular septic tank inspections and pumping prevent human wastes from contaminating the beautiful water. Avoiding the use of phosphorous fertilizers helps prevent weed growth. We are working to preserve the rural character, water quality, and natural beauty of Torch Lake for everyone to enjoy.