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The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (Metroparks) has implemented a storm water management program to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the Waters of the State within its jurisdiction. This plan has been developed to fulfill the requirements for Part I. Section B of the State of Michigan’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit (MIS049000) for Storm Water Discharges from Separate Storm Water Drainage Systems (MS4s). Although it operates under a Jurisdictional Permit, the HCMA has been participating in the watershed planning process with the Stony/Paint Creek, Lower Huron and Kent Lake Sub-watershed Groups.The Metroparks has property within both the Huron and Clinton River Watersheds and the Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) has been implemented within the requested area of coverage as determined by the urbanized areas outlined in the General Permit.
The purpose of the SWMP is to develop a program to implement the six minimum measures as required by the General Permit which include:
- Public Education Plan (PEP)
- Public Involvement and Participation Plan (PIP)
- Illicit Discharge Elimination Plan (IDEP)
- Post Construction Storm Water Management Program for New Development and Redevelopment Projects
- Construction Storm Water Runoff Control
- Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
These six minimum measures are designed to minimize the negative impacts or reduce discharge of pollutants within the storm water conveyances of the Metroparks to the Maximum Extent Possible (MEP). The MEP requirement will be met by:
- Educating the public, HCMA employees and its vendors on potential negative impacts of storm water discharge on receiving waters.
- Training appropriate HCMA staff on the investigation of illicit connections and discharges, including those from on-site disposal systems (OSDS) with emphasis on outfall observations/screenings, safety issues and natural occurring phenomenon.
- Implementing a system for identifying and eliminating illicit discharges and connections to the MS4s including outfall observations and follow-up sampling.
- Locating and accurately mapping the storm water conveyances and outfalls owned and operated by the HCMA within the requested area of coverage.
- Determining the ownership of other significant storm water conveyances in the HCMA and initiate a process to bring any “orphan” drains under proper jurisdiction.
- Working with the Drain Commissioner and County Department of Public Health in their efforts to develop and implement an OSDS inspection program.
- Coordinating HCMA IDEP efforts with other local communities and impacted County agencies.
- The identification and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to comply with the minimum measures of Part I, including cooperation with other permittees as necessary to assure compliance.
- The identification and implementation of BMPs to comply with storm water related requirements established in a corrective action plan to meet TMDLs as applicable.
- Demonstration of effectiveness or environmental benefit of the program.
The 2010 Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) is available for viewing at the Administrative Office located at 13000 High Ridge Drive, Brighton, Michigan 48114-9058, during normal business hours.
Documents are also available for downloading and viewing by clicking on the links below:
Appendix C – Boundaries of Urbanized Areas within the Metroparks (2000 Census)
Additional information about Storm Water is available from:
You can help keep our waters clean!
Protecting our environment often begins in our own backyards. Many of our everyday activities can have a negative impact on the health of our freshwater ecosystems, though we may not realize it. Here are 7 simple steps you can take at home to keep our lakes and rivers clean. Read below for some additional tips.
Reduce Runoff
Household hazardous waste: During rain events, water that flows over the surface of the soil to lakes and streams is called runoff. As runoff makes its way to its final destination in water bodies, it may pick up a variety of materials that are hazardous to the health of the public and the environment. This material may come from a number of sources, including waste that was improperly disposed of. To reduce the amount of hazardous waste reaching our lakes and streams during storm events, please dispose of your household hazardous waste (such as paint, solvents, and used motor oil) properly. Visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment's webpage for information on how to safely dispose of your waste.
Household Hazardous Waste
Pesticides and fertilizers: Runoff may also originate in lawns and agricultural fields that have been fertilized or treated with pesticides. These chemicals have the ability to harm aquatic wildlife and stimulate the growth of algae, which degrades water quality.Visit the links below to learn how you can best manage pesticides and fertilizers to reduce the amount of these chemicals that run off your property.
EPA: Pollution Prevention Management
SafeLawns
Healthy Landscapes
Car care: A final source of polluted runoff comes from an activity that is often overlooked - washing your car. When you wash your car in your driveway, the dirt you wash off may be mixed with salt, motor oil, and other road contaminants. These contaminants, along with the detergent in the soap you use, will wash down the street (possibly picking up additional pollutants) and into storm drains, which flow to rivers. For tips on ways to wash your car in a more environmentally friendly way, visit the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments' website below.
Practice Good Car Care
Maintain Your Septic System
In addition to runoff, leakage from septic systems may also contaminate our freshwater resources. Septic tanks that are improperly maintained may leak sewage, either directly into surface water, or into groundwater, which eventually runs to lakes and streams. Refer to the EPA's website to learn how you can ensure your septic system is working properly.
Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems
Guidance for Food Service Waste Disposal
Food service facilities should be especially careful when disposing of chemicals, grease, and wash water. Liquid wastes should never be poured down storm drains, and grease, fats, and oils should be collected and sent to an industrial waste hauler or disposed of using a dry method. The MDNRE's website provides further information.
Guide to Restaurant Pollution Prevention and Wastewater Reduction
Get Involved!
Volunteer efforts make a tremendous difference in protecting the health of our waters. Many organizations rely heavily on the support of volunteers to assure their continued success. Please take some time to get involved with one of the organizations below.
Volunteer at YOUR Metroparks
Volunteer with the Huron River Watershed Council
Volunteer with the Clinton River Watershed Council
Report an Illicit Discharge
Help us keep our Lakes and Streams pristine! If you see any water drainage within the Metroparks ditches, streams, ponds or lakes that does not appear normal (the water has odd odor, color, consistency, ect.), please report what you saw HERE. You should include information on location, time and any other information that will help the Metroparks investigate the area of concern. If possible, include a name and daytime phone number so we may contact you if we have any questions. If you prefer, you may call the Chief of Communications at 1-800-227-2757 during normal business hours to report the concern.
Environmentally Responsible
Click here to see how we are making your Metroparks environmentally sustainable and responsible.
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