Letter from the Desk of Senator Kevin Hertel 

In the Michigan Senate, I have the honor of representing the entire United States shoreline of Lake St. Clair. From Grosse Pointe to Harsens Island — Lake St. Clair binds each and every one of our communities together, serving as the foundation of our economy while providing fresh drinking water and unmatched recreational opportunities. Protecting the lake for current and future generations is a responsibility I take seriously. 

As we see an increasing number of extreme weather events that strain the capabilities of our aging infrastructure and send pollution into the water, it’s important for all of us to work together to ensure the health of Lake St. Clair. That’s why, throughout my time in the Legislature, I worked to secure nearly $100 million to build up our region’s crumbling water infrastructure. Learn more about these efforts below. 

Sincerely, 

Letter from the Desk of Senator Kevin Hertel 

In the Michigan Senate, I have the honor of representing the entire United States shoreline of Lake St. Clair. From Grosse Pointe to Harsens Island — Lake St. Clair binds each and every one of our communities together, serving as the foundation of our economy while providing fresh drinking water and unmatched recreational opportunities. Protecting the lake for current and future generations is a responsibility I take seriously. 

As we see an increasing number of extreme weather events that strain the capabilities of our aging infrastructure and send pollution into the water, it’s important for all of us to work together to ensure the health of Lake St. Clair. That’s why, throughout my time in the Legislature, I worked to secure nearly $100 million to build up our region’s crumbling water infrastructure. Learn more about these efforts below. 

Sincerely, 

Kevin Hertel
State Senator
District 12 

Nearly $100 Million Secured 

for Clean Water Infrastructure Projects 

Investment Spotlights 

Currently during heavy rain events, our infrastructure cannot handle all of the stormwater we receive. As a result, we have been discharging combined sewer overflows, or CSOs, into Lake St. Clair. CSOs may include wastewater from residential and commercial spaces, rainwater runoff, or snowmelt — and when discharged into the lake, they contribute to the production of harmful algae blooms that threaten the health of the lake.    

That’s why I worked with Macomb County Works Commissioner Candice Miller to secure $72 million to construct additional system storage at the Chapaton Retention Basin in St. Clair Shores. This expansion will ultimately allow us to reduce CSOs into Lake St. Clair by 40%. 

In the 2024 State Budget, I secured $2 million for Clay Township to construct a new wastewater treatment plant on Harsens Island. This investment is transformational for the area and will help protect waterways, improve residents’ quality of life, and allow small businesses in the Sans Souci community to thrive. 

The plant will utilize Algaewheel technology which operates as a self-sustaining ecosystem that uses daylight, algae, and bacteria to consume 90% less energy than conventional systems. This project will deliver substantial energy reductions to the community and help revitalize the San Souci district, ultimately making the area more attractive to new businesses. 

Finding Solutions to the Muck on the Lake 

The exponential growth of muck along the shoreline of Lake St. Clair is not simply an eyesore — it’s having a real impact on the families and small businesses who depend on the lake. After a two-year study into what this muck is, it’s time to turn that knowledge into action and begin cleaning up our waterfront. That’s why I fought to include funding in the 2026 State Budget for Macomb County to conduct a three-year field trial to test strategies to manage and remove the muck. 

Hear what Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller has to say about the funding:

“Macomb County has taken this as far as we can. State government needs to engage on this issue because Lake St. Clair is so vital economically and to the quality of life in Michigan. Cleanup of the muck from the shore and finding ways to eradicate it out in the lake are still to be determined. We are very appreciative that Senator Hertel is pushing the Legislature for funding to develop and implement those strategies, and we’re hoping that legislators will respond favorably.” 

“Macomb County has taken this as far as we can. State government needs to engage on this issue because Lake St. Clair is so vital economically and to the quality of life in Michigan. Cleanup of the muck from the shore and finding ways to eradicate it out in the lake are still to be determined. We are very appreciative that Senator Hertel is pushing the Legislature for funding to develop and implement those strategies, and we’re hoping that legislators will respond favorably.” 

Clean Water Newsroom