An ambitious new project at William Woods University aims to monitor chemical pollutant levels along the majority of Stinson Creek.
"I'll keep this going until I retire," said Joe Kyger, an assistant professor of chemistry and mathematics at the college.
Right now, Fulton is spending millions of dollars on improving the wastewater treatment plant due to Stinson Creek's classification as an impaired (that is, pollution-damaged) waterway. The city may be penalized by the Department of Natural Resources if it fails.
"Round two of improvements could be in the $20 million range," City Engineer Kyle Bruemmer said.
But the pollutants might not be coming from within city limits. Right now, the city has no way of knowing the sources of most of the pollutants.
"The goal of the study is to assist (the Fulton Stream Team) in understanding the quality of the water and help build a defense so that Fulton isn't blamed for what isn't their fault," Kyger said.
He and a team of students will take regular samples at randomized points along the creek.
"We're not targeting anyone," said Scott Carlson, Fulton stormwater inspector and Stream Team member.
Then, they'll used specialized equipment to look for a long list of chemicals in the water. Chris Halsey, a chemistry professor at Westminster College, has volunteered to help confirm the results.
"We're looking for specific organic compounds, like steroids and hormones," Kyger said.
These chemicals harm the small animals like insect larvae that live in the water, and are ones the government targets to assess waterway health. The DNR will look at the diversity of animals in the stream to figure out whether or not the city's efforts have cleaned up Stinson Creek.
"Near where land bridges are along the creek, you can see where the sediment has settled out and built up, and the lack of macroinvertebrates (like snails) living there," said William Woods student Drew Olson, who will be part of the study.
Some chemicals are specific to certain industries. By looking at where the chemicals enter the waterway - for instance, they're present at one point but not a mile upstream, meaning they're entering somewhere in between - and what the chemicals are, the Stream Team may be able to pinpoint the source.
"We plan on taking a positive attitude," Carlson said. "We're looking for behavior changes."
Rather than immediately penalizing businesses or individuals that might be responsible for polluting, the Stream Team and the city plan on educating people about how to prevent the pollution.
Olson said the study team will research which chemicals have most potential to harm life in the stream, which will help narrow the focus of the study.
"We're very excited you guys are doing this," Bruemmer said.