Johnson Creek Restoration
Project Progress
On December 14th, 2021 an informational session was hosted at the Northville Township offices by the Johnson Creek Intercounty Drainage Board and experts from Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. (ECT). The project recently passed the 60% design phase and is expected to reach 90% by February 2022. Progress and specifics concerning the project were discussed and questions from the public were answered. If you missed the latest meeting you can view the recording below.
90% Design Construction Document
About The Project
Johnson Creek is a tributary to the Middle Branch of the Rouge River. The established Johnson Intercounty Drain is 3.6 miles long with an existing right-of way along its length. It is highly channelized with spoil berms along the banks and extensive bank erosion.
The Johnson Intercounty Drainage Board received a USEPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant to design the restoration of a portion of Johnson Creek designated as an intercounty drain. Johnson Creek is a tributary of the Middle Branch of the Rouge River, which it joins near Northville. The project, once implemented, is expected to increase the number and variety of native fish, mussels, and aquatic bugs and quality of wildlife habitat.
The project design, once implemented, will Restore 6 acres of habitat along the banks of the river and Improve habitat and connect habitats within 2 miles of Johnson Creek.
Learn More About Johnson Creek
Johnson Creek is the only coldwater stream in the Rouge River watershed capable of supporting the types of fish like trout and mottled sculpin that are adapted to coldwater habitats. The colder water is created by groundwater. Channelization and a buildup of sediment has contributed to fish and wildlife habitat that lacks the diversity needed to support productive fish and wildlife populations. In addition, the conditions contribute to low dissolved oxygen concentrations in the waters of Johnson Creek, which is one of the most important indicators of water quality for animals that live in its waters. Dissolved oxygen is necessary for the survival of fish, mussels, and aquatic bugs.
This project will result in the restoration and enhancement of 2 miles within the 3.6-mile designated drain and 6 acres of area along the banks of the river to advance the removal of the following habitat-related Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs):
-Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations
-Degradation of Benthos (physical)
-Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Note: In an effort to reduce confusion, the Johnson Creek Intercounty Drain Board would like to inform everyone that the project is a habitat restoration project being funded by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). The project is not related to the GFL landfill or environmental concerns associated with polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS. Landfill management and PFAS concerns are being handled by the appropriate state and federal agencies.
