In June, 2003, DEQ conducted a Surface Water Quality Bio-Assessment
of several sites in the Bean Creek watershed to determine the impact of Confined
Animal Feeding Operations on aquatic life. Aquatic biologists identified and
counted fish, and identified and counted aquatic insects. More information
on the final report can be found here.
As a result of the biosurvey, two streams in the Bean Creek Watershed were added
to Michigan's 303(d)
list of impaired waters -- Durfee Creek, for low Dissolved Oxygen; and Medina
Drain because of poor macroinvertebrate communities, excess nutrients.
DEQ biologist with battery-pack fish-finder
Kevin Goodwin, DEQ, and bullfrog in Lime Lake Inlet, Coman Rd
Jeffrey Cooper, DEQ, (right) checking the map Searching
for aquatic insects, Lime Lake Inlet, Coman Rd
Stoneroller -- fish with yellow, black, and white dorsal fin, Lime Lake Inlet,
Lime Lake Rd. Other fish identified in the Bean Watershed included white suckers,
creek chub, blunt-nosed minnow, black-nosed dace, mottled sculpin, American
brook lamprey, Northern pike, Johnny darter, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish,
silverjaw minnow.