Chapter 8:

Environmental Features Profile

This chapter profiles the environmental features of Suttons Bay Township which may impact the location and intensity of future land uses. The natural features inventoried in this chapter are topography, soils, hydrological features, and woodlands. This chapter also identifies the location of special natural features and environmental hazards. From these inventories, the areas of the Township most suitable for development will be identified, as well as those lands which should remain undeveloped to conserve their natural function.

Topography

The Soil Survey of Leelanau County describes the Township's topography as ranging from level to gently sloping to steep. United States Geological Survey (USGS) maps provide contour data in 5- meter intervals, as well as spot elevations. Land elevations depicted by USGS range from 179 meters to 306 meters above sea level. The lowest point of surface elevation is found at the intersection of Peck Road and Stony Point Road. The highest point of elevation is found near the center of Section 30. Areas which have little topographic relief (level or flat) are predominately found in the marshy areas surrounding Leo Creek and the sewage lagoon. Very steep slopes (25 to 45 percent) are found throughout the Township.

Map 3 depicts the township's terrain in 25-meter intervals. Generally, the lowest elevations are found along the shorelines. Elevation increases gradually increase from east to west. The topographic change from west to east is more dramatic. This graphic depicts two distinct hills extending through the western portion of the township. Duck Lake Road (M-204) passes through the valley which separates the two. The map also shows how past road construction was generally sympathetic to the area's topography, following topographic gradients and in valleys.

The hilly terrain found in Suttons Bay Township contributes to the township's overall visual character and provides many of its scenic views. Poorly sited construction on steep slopes may negatively impact the area's aesthetics and scenic views. Further, building on steep slopes pose two basic problems for environmental quality and development.

First, steep slopes, defined as those over 15%, can erode more easily when the soil is exposed. The result of soil erosion can be sediment pollution of lakes and streams and ugly scars on the land. In severe cases of erosion, property damage can result as roads or buildings are covered by windblown sand; fertile soil is lost in agricultural areas by either wind or water erosion; and roads are washed out or foundations undercut by water erosion.

Second, development on ridges is highly sought for the spectacular views, but unless carefully done, is also highly visible from the valleys, potentially changing scenic character and affecting tourism.

Both water and wind are erosive agents in Suttons Bay Township. Wind is a major concern when close to Lake Michigan and in certain dune soils, but it can also be a factor wherever soil is left bare. Water can be an erosive agent whenever it moves across a surface and is especially destructive when there is no vegetative cover on soil. The velocity of flowing water increases, as the land surface becomes steeper.

The management practice that best protects steep slopes from erosion and, as a result, lake and stream water quality, is complete, vegetative cover. If clearing of vegetation is necessary, it is important to employ erosion control methods. Primary erosion control methods include:

· Disturb the smallest area possible during development.

· Use temporary erosion control and sedimentation prevention methods during development.

· Leave exposed soils bare for the shortest time possible.

· Quickly establish vegetative cover on disturbed areas.

· Avoid development on steep slopes.

In general, topography provides a practical guide for land development decisions. For example, a structure located on a hilltop may be susceptible to wind damage while a structure located at the base of a hill may be subject to flooding. Construction on steep slopes may increase the risk of soil erosion and slope failure. In addition, most hillside construction guidelines emphasize the need to minimize grading on slopes and to avoid disturbing slopes steeper than 35 percent. Generally, construction on slopes with inclines greater than 12 percent should be limited and road construction should parallel slope contours. Good hillside development has been characterized as follows: "When completed, development should not dominate the landscape. The development should instead appear to be a natural hillside, with homes randomly scattered."[1]

Soil Characteristics

There are four major soil associations present in Suttons Bay Township: Emmet-Omena, Emmet-Leelanau, East Lake-Eastport- Lupton, and Leelanau-Mancelona. The following briefly describes the general characteristics of each soil association as reported in the Soil Survey of Leelanau County, prepared by the US Soil Conservation Service (SCS). Map 4 depicts the location of these associations.

Ø Emmet-Omena: Covers the entire northwest quadrant and primarily western portions of the northeast quadrant of the township. This soil association consists mainly of well- drained, nearly level to very steep, loamy soils on moraines.

Ø Leelanau-Mancelona: Forms a narrow band along the Suttons Bay shoreline in the northeast quadrant of the township. The soils in this association are typically well drained, strongly sloping to very steep, sandy soils on moraines.

Ø Emmet-Leelanau: Found in the southern half of the Township away from the Suttons Bay shoreline. The soils in this association are well-drained, nearly level to very steep, and are loamy and sandy. This association is located on moraines and till plains.

Ø East Lake-Eastport-Lupton: Covers the entire Village of Suttons Bay and nearly all of Section 31 in the Township. In addition, a narrow band stretches between the Lake Leelanau shoreline and Lake Leelanau Drive along the western halves of Sections 25 and 36. The soils in this association are well drained and moderately well drained, nearly level to gently sloping, and sandy. Some portions are very poorly drained, nearly level, and mucky. This association is found on lake terraces and beach ridges.

The characteristics of specific soil series within these associations defines the capacity of the land to support certain types of uses. Soils most suitable for development purposes are well-drained and not subject to a high water table. Adequate drainage is important to minimize storm water impacts and to ensure the efficient operation of septic drain fields. Adequate depth to the water table is necessary to prevent water contamination from septic systems. A high water table also may limit the construction of basements. Though civil engineering techniques can be employed to improve drainage and maintain adequate separation from the water table, such techniques are expensive to construct and maintain.

Table 23 details the specific soil series within Suttons Bay Township. Those soils that pose constraints to development are so noted, and represent those areas where development should be restricted. (It should be noted that the mapped locations of each soil type are generalized and should be verified by soil borings at the time a development is initially proposed or planned.) Map 4 depicts areas which pose severe constraints to construction.

As shown on Table 23, there is much variation in relation to soils posing constraints to the development of on-site septic disposal systems. The primary difficulties are poor filtering capacity and wetness/flooding. A majority of the soils which overlay the township pose slight to moderate constraints to the construction of residential and commercial structures. Severe constraints to construction are primarily due to slopes in excess of 12 percent incline and wet soils.

Soils also play an important role in the food supply system. The SCS has identified soils that are well or uniquely suited to crop production. When considering future land use decisions, it is important to consider the value of certain soils for agricultural purposes. Once a soil is developed or used for a non-agricultural purpose, it is permanently altered and its utility for agricultural production is greatly diminished, if not destroyed. Although the agricultural industry is in decline, development which threatens this non-renewable resource should be carefully considered. Areas which are considered prime or unique for agricultural use are depicted on Map 5.

Prime farmland is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as "land that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, forage, fiber, and oil seed crops. It could be cropland, pasture, range, forest, or other land but it does not include urban or built-up land or water areas. The soil qualities, growing season, and moisture supply are those needed for well managed soil to produce sustained yields."[2]

Table 23 Suttons Bay Township Soil Characteristics
Soil Series and Symbol	Septic Development Constraints	Residential or Commercial Construction Constraints
Alcona (AlC)	Slight	Slight
Eastport (EdB)	Slight	Slight
Kalkaska (KaB, KaE, KaF)	Slight for slopes 0 to 12 percent (KaB), Severe for slopes 18 to 45 percent (KaE and KaF).	Slight-moderate; Severe on slopes of greater than 12 percent incline
Kalkaska-East Lake (KeB)	Slight	Slight
Bach (Ba)	Severe	Severe
Emmet-Leelanau Complex (EnA, EnB, EnC, EnD, EnE, EnF)	Slight for slopes 0 to 12 percent (Ena, EnB, EnC); moderate for slopes 12 to 18 percent (EnD); and severe for slopes 18 to 50 percent (EnE and EnF).	Slight-moderate; Severe on slopes of greater than 12 percent incline
Emmet-Omena (EsA, EsB, EsC, EsD, EsF)	Slight for slopes 0 to 12 percent (EsA, EsB, EsC); moderate for slopes 12 to 18 percent (EsD); and severe for slopes 18 to 50 percent (EsF).	Slight-moderate; Severe on slopes of greater than 12 percent incline
Emmet-Mancelona (EoC, EoD, EoE)	Slight for slopes 0 to 12 percent (EoC); moderate for slopes 12 to 18 percent (EoD); and severe for slopes 18 to 50 percent (EoE).	Slight-moderate; Severe on slopes of greater than 12 percent incline
Leelanau-East Lake (LlC, LlD, LlE, LlF)	Slight for slopes 0 to 12 percent (LlC); moderate for slopes 12 to 18 percent (LlD); and severe for slopes 18 to 50 percent (LlE and LlF).	Slight-moderate; Severe on slopes of greater than 12 percent incline
Lupton-Markey (Lm)	Severe	Severe
Kiva-Mancelona (KmC, KmD, KmE)	Slight for slopes 2 to 12 percent (KmC) moderate for slopes 12 to 18 percent (KmD); and severe for slopes 18 to 25 percent (KmE)	Slight-Moderate; Severe on slopes of greater than 12 percent incline
Roscommon-Markey (Rm)	Severe	Severe
Alcona-Richter (ArA, ArB)	Slight	Slight
Mancelona (MdB, MdC)	Slight	Slight
Mancelona-Richter (MrB)	Slight	Slight
Mancelona-East Lake (MlC, MlE, MlF)	Slight for slopes 0 to 12 percent (MlC); Severe for slopes 18 to 45 percent (MlE, MlF).	Slight; Severe on slopes of greater than 12 percent incline
Nester (NsB, NsC)	Severe	Severe
Alpena (AsC)	Slight	Slight
Hettinger-Tonkey (Ht)	Severe	Severe
Wind Eroded Land (WlC, WlD)	Too variable for determination	Too variable for determination
Tonkey-Munuscong-Iosco (TmA, TmB)	Severe	Severe
Au Gres-Kalkaska (AuA)	Severe	Severe
Kalkaska (KaC, KaD)	Slight for slopes 0 to 12 (KaC) and Moderate for slopes 12 to 18 percent.	Slight-Moderate; Severe on slopes of greater than 12 percent incline
Detour (DtB)	Severe	Severe
Deer Park-Roscommon (DB)	Slight	Slight
Iosco-Epoufette (Ie)	Severe	Severe
East Lake (EaB, EaC, EaD)	Slight for slopes 0 to 12 percent (EaB); moderate for slopes 12 to 18 percent (EaC); and severe for slopes 18 to 25 percent (EaD).	Slight-moderate; Severe on slopes of greater than 12 percent incline
Richter-Alcona (RaB)	Severe	Severe
Lake Bluffs (Lk)	Too variable for determination	Too variable for determination
Lake Beaches (Lb)	Too variable for determination	Too variable for determination
Hettinger (Hm)	Severe	Severe
Wallace-Kalkaska (WkC)	Moderate	Slight-Moderate
Adrian-Houghton (Ah)	Severe	Severe
Sanilac (SnB)	Severe	Severe
Deer Park (DkD)	Moderate	Slight-Moderate; Severe on slopes of greater than 12 percent incline
Source: Soil Survey of Leelanau County, US Soil Conservation Service, 1973.

Hydrological Features

Suttons Bay Township's hydrological features include bays of the Great Lakes, inland lakes, drainage courses, and wetlands. The location of these hydrological features is depicted on Map 6.

Lakes

Suttons Bay Township is bounded on the east by the Grand Traverse Bay and Suttons Bay. The bays connect to Lake Michigan. The southwest portion of the township is bounded by the eastern shore of Lake Leelanau, an inland lake.

To protect the public's right to boat, fish, swim, and enjoy inland lakes, the state regulates construction activities within inland waters under the Inland Lakes and Streams Act, Public Act 346 of 1972. This statute applies to any natural or artificial lake or pond greater than five acres and any stream or creek with defined banks and continued flow or regular occurrence of flow. Without a permit, the following activities are prohibited on the bottom lands of a lake or stream:

Ø Construction of a structure or the operation of a marina;

Ø Creation or modification of an inland lake or stream;

Ø Interference with the natural flow of a stream or lake; and

Ø Dredging or filling of a stream or lake.

Activities permitted without a permit include installing a seasonal, noncommercial dock, and the reasonable sanding of beaches.

Pollutants and the velocity of stormwater runoff affect water quality. Pollutants occur in four forms: sediment, chemicals, pathogens, and warm water. Sediment comes from bare soil, other erosion sites, and paved surfaces. It can destroy fish habitat. Sediment also carries chemical pollutants although these can be carried by stormwater runoff alone. Chemical pollutants include nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen; toxic materials such as oils, pesticides, and salts; and changed water chemistry, such as lowered or raised pH. Nutrients can increase nuisance aquatic plant growth. Toxic materials and changed water chemistry can kill animals in the water and be a human health hazard. Pathogens include bacteria and viruses that come from animal waste and untreated or improperly treated sewage from homes and businesses and can be a serious human health hazard. Warmed water, such as the stormwater runoff that travels over paved surfaces and lawns before entering lakes and streams can change the temperature of the stream, affecting aquatic life. It can also damage fish populations.

Applications of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides to watershed lands affects water quality when it runs off the land. These pollutants originate on croplands, livestock pens, orchards, golf courses, shore-side lawns and gardens.

The shoreline ecosystem is subject to damage through clearing or trampling of vegetation that holds the sand in place. The result of development in this area or of vegetative clearing could be wind erosion, structural damage or loss, damage to drives and roads, loss of wildlife habitat, and loss of scenic character.

Drainageways

There are a three major drainageways in Suttons Bay Township. Belanger Creek is located in the northern portion of the township and drains to the Grand Traverse Bay. An unnamed stream runs south along Horn Road and then west along Duck Lake Road (M-204). This stream outlets to Lake Leelanau. Leo Creek lies within a wetland area in the southern portion of the township and drains to Suttons Bay. Map 6 depicts the locations of these waterways.

The Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act, Public Act 347 of 1972, protects lakes and streams from sedimentation. The Act requires a permit for any new construction within 500 feet of a lake or stream or any major construction that will open up more than one acre of land.

Wetlands

Wetlands are complex ecological systems that function in a number of beneficial ways. Wetlands reduce flood hazards by providing additional storm water storage. Wetlands that overlay groundwater recharge areas improve groundwater quality by filtering the water as it percolates through the soil. Wetlands located along a watercourse protect surface water quality by filtering surface water run-off. Finally, wetlands are highly productive ecosystems which provide an essential habitat to much of Michigan's fish and wildlife at sometime in their life cycle.

Pockets of wetland area are found in conjunction with the township drainageways. Map 6 depicts the location of wetlands in Suttons Bay Township. A large wetland area is encircled by Pine View Road. Leo Creek flows through this wetland. Three wetland areas are found in association with Belanger Creek. The wetlands are found at the creek branch in Section 3 and at the lower reaches of its two branches. The unnamed creek has an associated wetland near its intersection with Duck Lake Road (M-204).

The Goemaere-Anderson Wetland Protection Act, Public Act 203 of 1979, as amended, was enacted to protect wetlands by restricting their use to certain activities (such as fishing, farming, among others) while permitting other activities only after permission and approval by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). Permits are approved based on a review of an environmental assessment filed by the petitioner and upon the finding that the activity is in the public interest. Under the Wetland Protection Act, the following wetlands are protected:

Ø Those that are contiguous to an inland lake, pond, river, stream or similar natural watercourses, or one of the Great Lakes; and,

Ø Those that are five acres or larger in area and located in counties which contain a population of at least 100,000 people.

Development within wetland areas should be avoided. The filling of wetlands as part of development plans should also be avoided, or at least minimized. Ideally, structures should be set back from wetlands and a natural vegetative buffer strip maintained within the setback area.

Woodlands

Woodlands in Suttons Bay Township were mapped based on information gleaned from the USGS topographic survey and the Michigan Resource Information System (MIRIS) maps. Map 6 depicts the location of woodlots. As depicted on the map, large tracts of woodland cover the township. The township's woodland areas are dominated by deciduous cover types. Coniferous woodlands are primarily found south of the village and within the Stony Point area. Other patches of coniferous cover are scattered through the midsection of the township and along the shore of Lake Leelanau.

Woodlands in Suttons Bay Township consist predominantly of upland hardwoods such as Sugar Maple, American Beech, Basswood, White Ash, Red Maple and Birch. Large tracts are found throughout the township. Along low-lying areas primarily along the Suttons Bay shoreline there are small tree stands of jack pine, white pine, red pine, norway spruce, soft maple, aspen and juniper.

Woodland areas are complex ecological systems and, consequently, provide multiple benefits to the environment and its wildlife and human inhabitants. Woodlands play a role in flood protection by slowing the flow of surface run-off to allow for greater storm water infiltration. Woodlands also reduce air pollutants by absorbing certain air borne pollutants. In addition to providing wildlife habitants, forest vegetation moderates the effects of winds and temperatures while stabilizing and enriching the soil. For human inhabitants, forested areas offer a visual and audio barrier which is considered aesthetically pleasing and offer unique opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

Woodland resources contribute greatly to the Township's environmental quality. The conservation of woodlots will play a positive role in maintaining and enhancing the future environmental character of the township. Woodland areas should be conserved, as possible. Trees which are removed through development actions should be replaced. Of special concern will be the fragmentation of woodland areas through parcel divisions in and adjacent to wooded areas.

Special Natural Features

The Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) database is part of the Natural Heritage Program of the MDNR-Wildlife Division. The MNFI inventories the location of special natural features such as Michigan's endangered or threatened plant and animal species or special natural plant communities. The MNFI identified the Common Loon (Gavia Immer) as a state threatened species that is known to nest on Sutton's Bay. No other special feature is presently known.

The presence of listed species does not necessarily preclude development but may require a development plan which is sensitive to the conservation of the feature. However, if an endangered species is to be taken or harmed, a permit is required from the state.

Because the MNFI database is still undergoing development, it is likely that there are gaps in the data. A lack of information should not be interpreted as a lack of special features. In some cases, the best means for determining the status of natural features will be to have a biological survey completed. Finally, it is also expected that the MNFI database information will need to be revised and updated as plant and animal communities evolve and change. Periodic reviews of local database information is recommended.

Environmental hazards

A database search was conducted by EcoSearch Environmental Resources to provide the location and type of environmental hazards which may exist in Suttons Bay Township. EcoSearch Environmental Resources searches specified governmental databases to screen for sites with potential or existing environmental liabilities within a given geography. Figure 4 shows the location of site identified by the database search. Two important notes. One, the database search includes village property, as the village is technically a part of the township. Two, depicted sites may be the address of a regulatory permit holder rather than a site of environmental contamination. The detailed information generated by the database may be used to distinguish sites. This data is provided for informational use only. The map and database search includes sites that are outside Suttons Bay Township.

Federal database sites

One Suttons Bay Township site location was identified in the federal database search. Frigid Foods is classified as a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) site, as well as a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) site.

RCRA sites cover both treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSD) and large and small quantity generators. The generators database, which identified Frigid Foods, is a subset of the complete national Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System (RECRIS) which includes hazardous waste generators which create more than 100kg of hazardous waste per month or meet other requirements of RCRA.

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) maintains information on over 15,000 sites nationally identified as hazardous or potentially hazardous which may require action. These sites are currently being investigated or an investigation has been completed regarding the release of hazardous substances. Frigid Foods was also matched in this database system.

State database sites

Two Suttons Bay Township sites were located in state databases. The Village of Suttons Bay and S.S.I. hold property that is contained in the Michigan Solid Waste Facilities database. This state database lists known active and inactive solid waste disposal (part 115) sites in the State of Michigan. It is released bi-annually by the MDEQ.

Radon hazards

Radon is an invisible, odorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by decaying uranium in the ground. Radon (which is suspected of causing lung cancer) can enter a structure through foundation cracks or well water. Though radon occurs naturally, exposure to radon has only recently become a concern. Radon may accumulate in tightly sealed structures that have limited fresh air exchanges such as newer, energy efficient homes. Dangerous levels of accumulated radon pose a health risk on par with one or two packs of cigarettes a day. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) considers radon concentrations below 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) safe.

Area radon information, which is tabulated by county, has been collected by the USEPA for radon zones in Michigan during the winters of 1986-1988. Ninety-five percent of homes sampled in Leelanau County are within acceptable range of radon concentration (less than 4 pCi/L).