WATER TEST:
Matthew Maples, along with Ben Barrack, investigated this complaint on 10/08/24: Physical characteristics via Hydrolab and two e. Coli samples from near the shore of Deer Track Lake, two from Rain Cloud Lake by boat, and three from Thunderbird Lake by boat were obtained. All three lakes were below the overflow spillway between them as well as to the unnamed outflow creek leading to Arkabutla Lake. A map with the sample locations, along with e. Coli and physical characteristic data is attached. The samples were analyzed at MDEQ's North Regional Office lab. The highest measured e. Coli count in each lake was 70 CFU per lO0mL in Deer Track Lake, 73 in Rain Cloud Lake, and 26 in Thunderbird Lake.
These results are below the EPA standard for swimming beaches of 88 CFU/100 ml. Nothing in the sample results or Hydrolab data indicates heavy sewage contamination in the lakes checked. I consider this matter resolved. A copy of the report was sent to the complainant on 10/11/2024.