Environmental and Water Quality Information

 

In 2001, Macomb County (County) received its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Voluntary Watershed Permit.  The voluntary permit required the County to prepare a Public Education Plan (PEP) to educate staff, residents and visitors on nonpoint source water quality impacts.  An Illicit Discharge Elimination Plan (IDEP) was also required for eliminating E.coli from county owned storm sewer outfalls and waters of the state.

 

In March 2003, the County’s permit was no longer voluntary.   Macomb County and most of its communities and school districts were required to apply for a NPDES Phase 2 Watershed Permit.  Many of the school districts chose to be covered under the County's permit as a 'Nested Jurisdiction'.  This allowed both the County and the school districts to share resources and save money.

 

On November 1, 2004, a revised PEP and IDEP were required.  By November 1, 2006, Macomb County and its Nested Jurisdictions had met another permit requirement by completing the development of Watershed Management Plans (WMPs) for the Anchor Bay, Clinton River East, Lake Saint Clair Direct Drainage, Stony Creek and Red Run Subwatersheds.  These plans outlined the goals, objectives and actions needed to improve water quality throughout the subwatersheds.  Input was received from local officials, municipal staff and the public. 

 

Finally, a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Initiative (SWPPI) was submitted on May 1, 2007.  The SWPPI outlined all the actions that Macomb County and its Nested Jurisdictions would take over the permit period to meet the goals and objectives set forth in the WMPs.  On July 31, 2007, the MDEQ granted its approval of the document and its outlined actions.

 

Every year an Annual Report is submitted to MDEQ outlining the work the County and its Nested Jurisdictions have done to meet its permit requirements.  A copy of the 2008 report is included below.  Also, the Macomb County Public Works Office has included several tips for the public to assist with protecting stormwater, as well as links to other websites that provide valuable environmental information.  Remember, all the little things we do, taken together, make a big difference.

  Remember, it all drains to our lakes and rivers.

Did you know we all live on a lake or stream? It’s true -- we might not be able to see it from our window, but it’s there. It might be a small stream or ditch or even the storm drain in the street. All of these lead to a river or lake. So it’s important to remember that what we do at home affects our rivers and lakes! 

Here are some simple steps you can take to help keep our water clean. Give them a try. A few simple changes can make a big difference! Plus, you’ll save time and money in the process.

Help keep pollution out of storm drains

1. Fertilize sparingly and caringly
2. Carefully store and dispose of household cleaners, chemicals, and oil
3. Clean up after your pet
4. Practice good car care
5. Choose earth friendly landscaping
6. Save water  

                   

                      Help keep pollution out of storm drains

What’s the issue?

Storm drains lead directly to our lakes and streams. So, any oil, pet waste, leaves, or dirty water from washing your car that enters a storm drain gets into our lakes and streams. With almost five million people living in Southeast Michigan, we all need to be aware of what goes into our storm drains. Remember, only rain in the drain!

What are some helpful tips?

Here are some simple steps you can take to help keep pollutants out of storm drains and keep our water clean. Give them a try. A few simple changes can make a big difference!

Sweep it. Do you have extra fertilizer, grass clippings, or dirt on your driveway? Sweep it back onto your lawn. Hosing your driveway sends these pollutants into storm drains that lead to our lakes and streams.

Keep it clean. Whether in the street or in your yard, remember to keep leaves, grass clippings, trash, and fertilizers out of storm drains.

Only rain in the drain. Never dump motor oil, chemicals, pet waste, dirty or soapy water, or anything else down the storm drain. All of these materials pollute our lakes and streams.

Label it. Volunteer to label storm drains in your neighborhood to inform residents that storm drains flow directly to our lakes and streams. Encourage citizens to contact their local community for more information on storm drain stenciling programs.

 

Click here for the NPDES Phase 2 Watershed Permit Annual Report

 

Information about Clinton River water quality

Southeast Michigan Council of Governments

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality