The contamination resulted from unrestricted industrial discharges and solid waste disposal practices that started in the 1930s. The Ruddiman Creek ecosystem has long been a concern of the Grand Valley State University Annis Water Resources Institute, in Muskegon. Staff member Rick Rediske, a contaminated sediments expert, began investigating Ruddiman Creek in 1996.
"We always knew Ruddiman Creek was polluted," said Rediske, "but we were surprised at how bad it was at both the headwaters and at the lagoon near Muskegon Lake. Our concerns also grew because the creek runs mostly through a residential neighborhood and public park."
Rediske and Annis Water Resource Institute staff work to develop and implement solutions to the environmental problems they identify. This requires breaking down the technical jargon barriers that typically impede understanding by lay persons and developing a strong base of support with community members and governmental officials.
Rediske's scientific studies of the polluted creek and lagoon included determining the extent of contamination in Ruddiman Creek. He also worked with Army Corps of Engineers and the MDEQ to determine how deep the sediment levels were and how much needed to be removed.
"Glenside was once one of Muskegon's premier neighborhoods," said Rediske. "The best outcome of this project is that Ruddiman Creek will be returned to the neighborhood so that it can be enjoyed as a natural resource by the residents."
Dredging work is expected to be done by year end, with rock structures added next spring to slow the flow of stormwater entering the creek and to restore the natural winding course.
"While this is an important victory for those who have worked endlessly, I hope it can also serve as a springboard to bring awareness to other projects still in need," he said.
BACKGROUNDRick Rediske can be reached at the Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon by calling (616) 331-3047 or (231) 728-3601.
Since 1996, Rediske has been talking about sediment contamination in Ruddiman Creek at public meetings with residents and government officials. In 1998, he spoke about Ruddiman Creek at a regional conference in Chicago with the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His presentation caught their interest because it was one of the few contaminated sediment sites in a residential area where children have unrestricted access.
After the cleanup project made it onto the state's priority list, some funding became available through the Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2002 and from the MDEQ voter-approved Clean Michigan Initiative.
In the 1920s and early 1930s there were postcards depicting the Ruddiman Lagoon as the perfect setting for fishing and picnics. This image began to change as various industries setup shop along the waterway and routinely disposed of toxic waste by dumping it into storm sewers that emptied into the creek.
Early cleanup prospects faded since a majority of the industries responsible for the pollution have closed. The recent passing of the Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2002 has improved the outlook at Ruddiman Creek and sites where funds from responsible parties are not available.
Another project, also in Muskegon County, is Little Black Creek, one of the most polluted streams in the Great Lakes basin. Rediske has documented extensive sediment contamination with mercury, lead, petroleum compounds and cadmium in the creek and where it enters Mona Lake. Like Ruddiman Creek, contaminated sediments can be found in areas accessible to the public including parks and walking trails. Rediske and AWRI staff, along with the Mona Lake Watershed Improvement Council, have started the process of gathering public and governmental support of the cleanup. Rediske said Little Black Creek is not eligible for Great Lakes Legacy Act funding so it will be a challenge to find the money necessary.
