The Platte lake Improvement Association
P.O. Box 272
Honor, Michigan 49640-0272
History
The PLIA was formed in 1978 in response to the concerns of lakeshore residents about the significant deterioration of the water quality of Big Platte Lake that had occurred over the previous decade. It had became clear that the root cause of this degradation was the discharge of by-products of the recently-expanded State-owned and operated Platte River Hatchery into the Upper Platte River, which is Platte Lake's primary water source. In effect, the river below the hatchery and the lake were being chemically polluted by phosphates. It also had become clear that at that time MDNR concerns were focused exclusively on hatchery operation and not on the environmental impacts of the hatchery.
Discussions with the MDNR proved to be protracted and ineffective. In September, 1986, the PLIA, on behalf of Platte Lake, filed an environmental protection lawsuit against the MDNR in Ingham County Circuit Court. In October, 1986, the Court issued a preliminary injunction which sought to minimize any potential adverse environmental impact by limiting hatchery activities. In July, 1988, the Court found in favor of the PLIA in all respects. The resulting court order established a maximum permissible phosphate concentration for the lake, placed Platte Lake under the guardianship of the Court and appointed a Court Master to oversee the lake. It also directed a number of other actions designed to immediately minimize the impact of the hatchery on the river and lake, and directed data gathering and analysis and development of a corrective action plan.
Even with the court order in effect, things did not go smoothly and relations between the Association and the MDNR remained strained. The MDNR had difficulty complying with the court order; in September, 1995 the MDNR was found in contempt of court on two counts. In October, 1995, by Executive Order, the Environmental Quality Division of the MDNR was split-off to form the MDEQ. In June, 1998, over the objections of the PLIA and other parties, the MDEQ issued an NPDES permit to the MDNR, which, in effect, established discharge limits for the Platte River Hatchery in excess of those mandated by the 1988 court order. In August, 1998, the PLIA filed a Petition for Contested Case Hearing with the MDEQ-Administrative Hearings Division which sought to invalidate or modify this permit.
In March, 2000, following much work and a significant change of perspective by the MDNR, the lawsuit finally was settled. Letters issued at the time by the MDNR Director and the by the Fisheries Division provide insight into the MDNR's new outlook and its commitment to move forward with the PLIA as partners in the stewardship of Platte Lake and the Platte River.
As summarized in an MDNR press release, the 2000 Settlement Agreement establishes tight controls on the hatchery's operation, and allows the MDNR to proceed with an upgrade of the hatchery that not only will minimize its environmental impact. but also will improve its efficiency. A follow-on agreement, executed in late 2001, amends the original agreement to insure that resources are applied as efficiently as possible. These agreements are especially significant in that they define a legally-binding management path forward that will insure the long-term health and preservation of Platte Lake and the Platte River.
Today
In close partnership with the Implementation Coordinator mandated by the 2000 Settlement Agreement, the PLIA and MDNR are engaged in a wide range of hatchery, lake, river, and watershed projects intended to protect and preserve Platte Lake and its environs. With time, our focus has broadened to include the entire watershed and the surrounding community, and our joint efforts have begun to produce tangible results. Overall, within the last few years, lake and river water quality has significantly improved, desirable aquatic animal and plant species have begun to revive, and the sportfishing has improved significantly.
The Organization
The PLIA is a voluntary, membership organization composed of lakeshore residents and property owners as well as other interested individuals. Its membership has grown from just a few lakeshore residents to over 350 members today. It is self-funded, supported by membership dues and contributions from members and other interested parties.
