Clinton River Area of Concern
Public Advisory Council

While the Clinton River is now known as a source of fish and wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities, this wasn’t always the case. The rapid development and urbanization that took place in the first half of the 20th century paired with a lack of clean water regulations resulted in heavy levels of pollutants and contaminants from point and nonpoint sources. In the 1960s, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources conducted a fish survey and found no living fish from Lake St. Clair to the City of Pontiac.

While the enactment of bedrock laws like the Clean Water Act of 1972 helped improve water quality, the Clinton River watershed has continued to suffer from the impacts of high development pressures over the last 50 years. Prior to the development of modern stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, the watershed extended into northern Wayne County south of 8 Mile - current systems now drain this portion of the watershed into the Detroit River instead. In 1987, the Clinton River watershed was identified as one of the 31 Areas of Concern (AOCs) in the US under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. 8 identified Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) were identified within the Remedial Action Plan (RAP). 7 BUI’s are still being addressed today. 

CRWC works in partnership with individuals, communities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to address the most significant threats to the watershed through its role as the administrator of the Clinton River AOC Public Advisory Council (PAC). The PAC is a collection of stakeholders who are invested in restoring habitat, improving water quality, and addressing the BUIs that remain in the Clinton River AOC. CRWC is collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to address threats and implement long-term solutions. With time and effort, the Clinton River, its watershed, and Lake St. Clair are being restored.

BUI’S ASSOCIATED WITH THE CLINTON RIVER WATERSHED:

  • Restrictions on fish & wildlife consumption

  • Eutrophication or undesirable algae

  • Degradation of fish & wildlife populations

  • Beach closings

  • Degradation of aesthetics (removed 2020)

  • Degradation of benthos (macroinvertebrates)

  • Restriction on dredging activities

  • Loss of fish & wildlife habitat

Learn about restoration projects, including PAC projects, here, and learn more about each BUI here.

Learn more about the Clinton River AOC and PAC on the EPA’s website here or from Michigan EGLE here.

Download the Restoration of the Clinton River Watershed booklet, which includes details on recent PAC projects, here.