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State Rep. Alicia St. Germaine backs $800K field trial to combat Microseira wollei mats choking Lake St. Clair’s ecology and boating.
$800K Grant Seeks to Curb ‘Muck’ Invasion in Lake St. Clair
State Rep. Alicia St.?Germaine (R?Harrison Township) testified July?31 before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity in support of an $800,000 grant. The funds would finance a three?year field trial run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with Macomb County Public Works, aiming to remove and manage Microseira wollei—benthic algae known locally as “muck”—that has formed thick mats along the lakebed threatening Michigan’s ecology, economy, and recreation.
Invasive Algae Undermines Boating, Fish Habitat, Local Economy
St.?Germaine described Lake St.?Clair as a valued resource for Michigan. She warned that the muck damages fish habitat, impedes boating, and risks safety—comparing the mats to quicksand. She said, “If someone falls in it… you would be a goner.”
Macomb County supports over 50 marinas and thousands of boat slips tied to tourism, small business, and property values. Boaters are already struggling with algae buildup at launch sites, and continued spread could restrict access and harm local economies.
Science, Prior Research, and Strategic Planning Underpin the Request
According to a detailed appropriations request filed in April 2025, an earlier $400,000 two?year study by Macomb County and USACE confirmed the muck’s widespread presence and increasing dominance. The study recommended a three?year trial to test scalable removal methods and sediment treatments while studying regrowth patterns and effectiveness.
The report also explained that unlike floating algae blooms, M.?wollei forms along the lakebed, displacing submerged vegetation essential for the region’s highly productive sport fishery. It degrades ecological structure and undermines recreational use.
Research indicates that environmental drivers include legacy phosphorus in sediments and inputs from tributaries like the Clinton River, suggesting the need for integrated watershed management alongside direct control measures.
Regional Impact: Economic Stakes and Scope of Problem
Lake St. Clair delivers significant value. According to Senator Kevin Hertel, the lake serves 4 million residents, supports 18,000 jobs, and generates $1.6?billion in economic activity annually. The muck threatens not only recreation but also water quality, human health, and the broader regional economy.
Balancing Action and Knowledge: Toward Informed Mitigation
This pilot aligns with Michigan’s broader Aquatic Invasive Species strategy and reflects growing recognition that effective control must combine research, practical intervention, and watershed-level change.
Related Coverage
- “Hertel Continues Push to Protect Lake St.?Clair, Address Growing Muck Problem” – Michigan Senate Democrats
- “Rep. St. Germaine proposes bill to clean up the muck in the lakes” – Michigan House Republicans
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