Degradation of Aesthetics BUI 11 Overview

Not Impaired

Why was this BUI originally listed as impaired?

• Discolured water flowing into the river from combined sewer overflows

This BUI will be considered to be ‘not impaired’ when….

The waters are devoid of substances at levels that produce persistent objectionable deposits, colours, turbidity, and/or odour.

What was done?

• 2011-2013 Visual Aesthetic Survey: A visual survey at 11 sites along the entire Canadian shoreline was conducted from July 2011 to October 2011 and March 2012 to July 2013. Researchers recorded the presence/absence of several variables that may indicate local pollution problems (e.g., colour, clarity, odour, debris). The results of this assessment indicate that there was no significant, persistent degradation of aesthetics on the Canadian side of the Detroit River AOC, except for turbidity.
• 2014: Construction of the underground Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Retention Basin (RTB) on Riverside Drive in Windsor,  which captured 476 million litres (ML or megalitres) of combined stormwater and sewer overflows that would have previously discharged directly into the Detroit River without any treatment.

When did the status change?

• The status changed to not impaired in 2014

The bi-national connection: What is the U.S. doing?

• Ongoing construction to separate the CSOs
• EGLE is working with industry partners to reduce high pH that is seeping into the environment
• Check out the Friends of the Detroit River to learn more about what our American partners are doing for the river

Where can I learn more?

Detroit River Canadian Remedial Action Plan: Stage 2 Report (2010): pages 68-76.

Assessment of ‘Degradation of Aesthetics’ (BUI #11) in the Detroit River Canadian Area of Concern

Degradation of Aesthetics Beneficial Use Impairment Re-Designation Fact Sheet