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Transportation & Utilities - Hampton Creek Wetland Area

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1. Will a new temporary pumping permit be issued by the state before winter?

On December 9, 2019, the City of Portage received its temporary permit from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to pump water from the Hampton Bog. The pumping began on December 9, 2019 and will continue until the water level is lowered by 4 inches.

2. Will the temporary permit allow for a one-time pumping or repeat pumping?

The permit will allow pumping to occur over a 12-month period, whenever high-water events occur.

3. What was the final cost of the emergency pumping that was performed in the spring of 2019?

Approximately $50,000, which included set-up.

4. What is the new high-water level for the Hampton Creek Wetland Area?

The historical high-water level of the bog is 872.4 feet above sea level.

5. When did the consultant measure the Hampton Creek water temperatures? Will the proposed drainage project affect Portage Creek as a certified trout stream due to its low temperatures?

The temperature sampling was completed in August 2019.  The data is encouraging as bogs are colder than Hampton Lake and the proposed water drainage route would allow for an equalization of the water temperature.  Storm events tend to increase water temperature; however, water traveling through the drainage system and ground water will cool.

6. What is the expected cost of the proposed design for the permanent storm water outlet?

No estimate has been prepared yet. Fishbeck plans to meet with the state regulatory agencies first to understand the scope and potential hurdles and to best understand the project and what it may cost. Funds in the amount of $1 million are being recommended for the 2020-2021 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

7. Will there be alternate solutions if the state doesn’t like the proposed stormwater outlet design?

Alternative options will be evaluated prior to application submittal for the state permit.

8. What will the effect of the proposed long-term drainage project be to the lake on the Moorsbridge golf course?

The open water around the golf course should be brought to the same water level as the bogs as a result of the project.

9. Did the city’s consultant factor in any potential future developments in the surrounding area that may affect the stormwater levels?

Yes.  However, any proposed new developments would have a stormwater management plan as part of the permitting process to further address the situation.

10. What is the current definition of a 100-year storm event? Has the definition changed in light of recent years and storm events?

The definition does not change but the data behind it does.  The new data and models gathered from storm events in recent years were being accounted for when referring to a “100-year storm event”.

11. Does the Greenspire Bog vary in water levels as much as the Hampton Bog?

Not enough data has been collect to answer this question.  However, water levels are higher than normal in the Greenspire Bog and mature trees are succumbing to the water level.

12. Will the proposed project address the surface level water or the ground water levels?

The proposed permanent should address the flooding issue for surface water.  Groundwater in this area flows south towards Portage Creek.  The groundwater and bog levels should remain at similar levels.  Draining the bog should result in a corresponding decrease in adjoining groundwater.

13. The City of Portage project is considered a passive water level remediation project (as compared with the Texas Township active pumping project). Does EGLE have a position on the passive form of

Different versions of the passive system exist around the state, so the concept is not foreign. The Portage project is a specific design due to the nature of the bogs and there are other passive systems within the city.

14. Will the proposed passive outlet system address the levels of ammonia and varying pH levels in the area water features that were found as part of the Fishbeck study?

The proposed limestone bed will operate as a natural filter and is expected to help mitigate pH concerns.

15. Does the proposed plan require easements or permissions?

An easement is needed from the Woodbridge Hills shopping mall and the DNR, but only once EGLE approves the permit.

16. How soon should results be noticeable following completion of the permanent solution?

It is expected that results would be noticeable within a year.

17. What is the timeframe for getting the new permanent solution in place, including a permitting and construction timeline?

The majority of the research work has been completed and the city’s consultant is hoping for a quick review by the state.  Per the application process, the state has 90 days to provide a response to the proposed project application. Once the application has been approved, an assessment district must be determined and initiated, construction plans must be created and approved by EGLE and the construction project must be bid.  Fishbeck will prepare a construction plan concurrently with the application process in order to allow construction to commence once an approval decision is rendered by EGLE.