Baldwin Township residents struggle with flooding
BALDWIN TWP, Mich.– Ausable Point Road residents say Spencer Lake used to drain into Lake Huron through a canal dug in the 1950s. Now the canal’s obstructed with natural debris, and they believe the lake’s water table is rising.
According to resident Ben Turel, the water has backed up septic systems for many residents, making everyday activities difficult.
“People are having problems just trying to flush the toilet, take a shower, wash the dishes because there’s no room left in the septic tank.”
Floods and septic backups now happen regularly on Turel’s land, attracting pests and killing trees. Locals say the road has flooded several times, sinkholes keep forming, and some fire hydrants are almost underwater.
Another resident, Debra White, saw her cottage ruined during May’s heavy rain.
“Last May, we had a flood in our cottage. We had, like, four to six inches of standing water in our cottage. And we had to pretty much gut it.”
The Whites say they can’t start on repairs because water keeps getting into the house.
Resident Carmen Nasello sums up the community’s general mood.
“We’re feeling left out here with no support. And when we voice our concerns, we get nothing in return.”
The residents have reached out to multiple organizations for help, including the governor’s office.
