News Release

For Immediate Release Contact: Bruce Szczechowski at 313-284-6235 or Art Ostrazewski

at 517-335-4491

DCSE?s Stream Team and MDEQ - SWQD announce testing program on the Ecorse Creek

Downriver Citizens for a Safe Environment?s Stream Team Program and the Surface Water Quality Division of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (formerly part of the DNR) will jointly be focusing on completing an environmental assessment of the Ecorse Creek. The assessment will include a wide range of tests aimed at characterizing the current health of the creek.

?The Stream Team program has worked loosely with the DNR in the past? noted Bruce Szczechowski, Stream Team Project Coordinator. ?This testing program, however -- with the cooperation and coordination of MDEQ Aquatic Biologists -- will definitely expand and complement the scope and quality of our own Stream Team testing program headquartered at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School. Along with the growing multischool- based Stream Team cleanups -- spearheaded by Southgate Anderson High School -- the surveys of biota and testing for contaminants will help the DCSE Stream Team program continue to grow in exciting new directions.

?With the Ecorse Creek Watershed coming up for assessment this basin year, we look forward to working with the Stream Team?s on this project? states SWQD Biologist Art Ostaszewski. ?By involving the students in the design, implementation and review of the survey, we hope to foster not only a better understanding of the environment in their community, but also to have them become familiar with some of the techniques used by professionals to assess stream quality.? SWQD intends to use the results of the survey to compare biota, habitat and contaminant trends in the Ecorse Creek over the past 30 years, and determine what effects the Ecorse Creek may have on the Detroit River.

All of the Stream Teams notified about the program are extremely excited about being able to take part in the environmental assessment. ?We?re so happy that this has finally happened after all of our hard work? noted Aimee Carevich from the Riverview High School Stream Team. Adrienne Bokatzian from the Southgate Anderson High School Stream Team was excited too and ready to get to the task. ?I?ve wanted to do a project like this before, but never knew how to even start. To be able to help the DEQ with our skills with the Stream Team program is great!?

With the help of the Stream Team?s, this assessment will potentially be the most comprehensive of the Ecorse Creek since 1969. It will require the students and other individuals from the Stream Teams to evaluate the water, sediment and biota of the creek, to compile the data and present their final study.

For more information Bruce Szczechowski at 313-284-6235 or Art Ostaszewski at 517-335-4491.

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