Introduction

Erosion and sedimentation to Michigan lakes and streams are known to impair water quality and aquatic ecosystem health. It has been estimated that the Kalamazoo River contributes 435,000 tons of sediment each year to Lake Michigan (Robertson, 1997). Surface runoff of particulates into waterways, especially from stormwater, is problematic at industrial sites where protective vegetation often is sparse.

Graphic Packaging Corporation in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a manufacturer of paper packaging, was aware of surface erosion occurring from a little-used portion of their property into the adjacent Kalamazoo River. The company sought to become a partner in the Kalamazoo River Water Quality Trading Demonstration Project as an industrial non-point source contributor to the River. After site evaluation, Graphic Packaging was approved for streambank restoration and surface erosion control assistance by the Kalamazoo River Water Quality Trading Demonstration Project Steering Committee. Graphic Packaging was provided technical assistance and partial funding to implement voluntary non-point source reductions of phosphorus within a specified reach of the Kalamazoo River.

In a unique partnership for an industrial project, the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resource Conservation District provided project site engineering and design assistance. The slope of over 500 feet of riverbank was stabilized with rock riprap. Site regrading included creation of grass swales and rock aprons, constructed to trap sediments and reduce the velocity of the runoff. Click here for photos of these erosion control efforts taking place at the Graphic Packing site.

KIESER & ASSOCIATES, an Environmental Science & Engineering firm in Kalamazoo, Michigan and partner of Graphic Packaging in this project, recognized the potential for innovation at the site. Plantings at industrial sites are often high-maintenance grasses included only to hold soils in place and provide a "finished" look to the project. However, this project provided an opportunity for restoring surplus, low-quality areas to a more natural state through the use of carefully chosen native plant species. A grant was obtained through the Great Lakes Commission to support the exploration of various options for sediment control using native plants as well as conventional plantings at this urban industrial site. The Kalamazoo Conservation District, a partner with K&A for this project, is administering the grant.
This site best viewed under 800 x 600 pixel resolution.

The information collected through this demonstration project will be made available to contribute to future native plantings at industrial and urban sites.

Robertson, D.M., 1997. Regionalized Loads of Sediment and Phosphorus to Lakes Michigan and Superior - High Flow and Long Term Average. Journal of Great Lakes Research 23(4):383-390.