Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that are both widespread and are very persistent in the environment and human body – meaning that PFAS chemicals don’t breakdown and can accumulate over time. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to negative health effects.

With the adoption of Michigan’s PFAS Rule, the North Ottawa Water System (NOWS) treatment plant has begun quarterly monitoring of seven (7) PFAS compounds. The results are consistent and show that PFAS chemicals are “Not Detectable”.  

PFAS was also not detected at the Grand Rapids water treatment plant. (It is noted that portions of the southwest quadrant of the Township receive municipal water from the Grand Rapids water treatment plant.)

Oak trees have a reputation for being mighty, but if these majestic trees are pruned or wounded from early spring to early summer, they are susceptible to the spread of a microscopic killer.

From April 15th to July 15th, oak trees are at high risk for oak wilt, a serious fungal disease that can weaken white oaks and kill red oak trees within weeks of infection. During this time of year, flying beetles can carry oak wilt fungus spores from tree to tree and the fungus can infect trees through wounds left by pruning or storm damage.

The fungus can move from an infected oak to neighboring oaks through root grafts. Depending on tree size, adjacent oaks may be connected to other trees, or grafted, through root systems. Roots of large trees can reach 100 or more feet. Left untreated, oak wilt will continue to move from tree to tree, killing more oak over an increasingly larger area. As more trees die from oak wilt, more fungal spores are produced, which allows the beetle to carry infection to new locations. 

Symptoms most often appear from late June through September. Affected trees will suddenly begin to wilt from the top down, rapidly dropping leaves, which can be green, brown or a combination of both colors.

If you have a tree that gets damaged during the risk period from April 15th to July 15th, immediately cover all wounds with tree-wound paint or latex-based paint.

If you suspect oak wilt:

Would you like the convenience of receiving your water/sewer bill via email? If so, simply contact Kristi Walsh at kwalsh@ght.org to get signed up.

Please provide your property address, account name, phone number and your email address. The information will be added to your account and you will receive a verification email. Once you have responded to the verification email, your future utility bills will be paperless.

In addition, if you would like to authorize the Township to deduct payment for your utility bill from your bank account on the day the bill is due, you can complete the application on our website ght.org

Go to Forms, Treasurer, Water & Sewer – Direct Payment (you may also request ACH for your taxes) and print the form. The form will need to be completed and returned to the Township with a voided check. If you are not able to obtain the form through our website, please email utilitybilling@ght.org and a form will be emailed to you.

Staff from the Township reviewed the Buchanan Street road end on April 9th.  

The good news is that the lake level has dropped – about one foot and a shoreline is developing.

The bad news is that the “drop-off” has moved further east and is about 20± feet in height. (If anyone went over the cliff, they would not be able to get back up without trespassing on neighboring properties.)  

Based upon the steep drop-off, the road end remains unsuitable for the public and, if opened, would be a clear public safety hazard. The road end will remain closed and will be re-evaluated in early July.

That said, because the road end is not a protected dune area, the Township will discuss the possibility of transporting beach sand to this location and receive cost estimates to remove the “hazard” by creating a slope that could be traversed by the public to the water’s edge.  

The City of Grand Haven and Grand Haven Charter Township share the cost of the July 4th Fireworks.

Unfortunately, due the COVID-19 pandemic, the fireworks have been cancelled for a second year.

If you have specific questions about Township operations, please send an email to bcargo@ght.org .