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Storm Water
St. Clair County’s water resources are one of the most important assets to our community.
Creeks, streams, drains, and ditches stretch across St. Clair County and carry water
to the Black River, Pine River, Belle River, Clinton River, St. Clair River, Lake
Huron and Anchor Bay. Protection of these water resources is essential to
the public health, quality of life and economic well being of St. Clair County residents,
especially as the county’s population continues to grow. Several waterways
are already experiencing problems. Development of land and the resulting increase
in quantity and velocity of storm water can have degrading affects on water resources
if measures are not taken to protect them.
Storm water is not cleaned before
it empties into our waterways. This means that lawn care chemicals and grass clippings,
litter and pet wastes, used automotive oil and antifreeze, plus other wastes run
off lawns, driveways, roof-tops, and parking lots and enter untreated into our waterways.
Pollution and harmful bacteria go straight into our local fish habitat, swimming
areas and drinking water. But there are things individuals can do to reduce this
problem. Small changes in habits can make a big difference. It’s simple! Dump nothing
down the storm drain you wouldn't swim in or drink.
Protecting our limited water supply
is essential to life on our planet. Historically, the primary source of fresh water
on Earth was water located in rivers and lakes. Today, most of our water comes from
watersheds. Water obtained from watersheds is easily polluted. This makes
storm water pollution prevention critical to a protecting our limited supply of
clean water.
A fundamental concept of watershed
protection is cooperation across political jurisdictions in protection of land and
water resources and collaborating with many partner organizations and area governmental
bodies to achieve our water quality goals. Luckily, storm water programs across
the county have repeatedly demonstrated water quality improvements, economic advantages,
and community benefits, but input and collaboration from local communities and residents
are essential to the success of these programs.
Be a part of protecting your water
resources! Contact us with water quality questions or concerns or join us
in our planning activities. We welcome your questions and comments!
There are several components to St.
Clair County’s Storm Water Program that address water quality.
Storm Water Permit
Public Education Programs
Watershed Management Planning
Illicit Discharge Elimination Program
STORM WATER PERMIT
Storm water pollution degrades surface waters making them
unsafe for drinking, fishing, and swimming. As authorized by the Clean Water Act,
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program
controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into
waters of the United States. Individual homes do not need an NPDES permit; however,
industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges
go directly to surface waters.
The St. Clair County Health Department
is the lead applicant on this permit and is covered under the State of MI Separated
Storm Sewer System (MS4’s) General Storm Water Permit and the Federal Phase II National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) storm water permit program.
In 2003, the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) implemented Phase II of the Clean Water Act. Over
170 communities in
Southeast Michigan
are impacted by the federal Phase II Storm Water Regulations, which require these communities to obtain a permit
for their stormwater management.
Small MS4’s must obtain an NPDES permit that requires the development and implementation of
a storm water management program that includes the following six minimum control
measures:
(1) public education and outreach,
(2) public participation/involvement,
(3) illicit discharge detection and elimination,
(4) construction site runoff control,
(5) post-construction runoff control, and
(6) good housekeeping/pollution prevention for municipal operations.
Areas needing a Storm Water Permit
in St. Clair County:
Algonac
Burtchville Township
Casco Twp
ChinaTwp
Clay Twp
Clyde Twp
Cottreville Twp
East China Twp
Fort Gratiot Twp
Ira Twp
Kimball
Marine City
Marysville
Port Huron
Port Huron Twp
St. Clair and St. Clair Twp
What
is storm water?
Storm water is precipitation that flows across
the ground and pavement when it rains or when snow melts. The water seeps into the
ground or drains into storm drains or natural waterways. Storm water runoff is generated
from impervious areas such as paved streets, parking lots, sidewalks, driveways,
and rooftops. Most storm water discharges are considered point sources and
require coverage by an NPDES permit.
Why is storm water a problem?
As storm
water flows over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up debris, chemicals,
dirt, and other pollutants. Storm water can flow into a storm sewer system or directly
to a lake, stream, or river. Storm water is different
than wastewater from toilets and sinks, which goes to a treatment plant before being
discharged into the river, because
anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water
bodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff
is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water.
Generally, following a heavy rainfall,
public beaches may be closed due
to polluted storm water run-off.
What is polluting our storm water?
Common pollutants include oil and grease from
roadways, pesticides and fertilizers from lawns, sediment from construction sites,
and carelessly discarded trash, such as cigarette butts, paper wrappers, and plastic
bottles. When deposited into nearby waterways through storm water sewers, these
pollutants can impair the waterways, thereby discouraging recreational use of the
resource, contaminating drinking water supplies, and interfering with the habitat
for fish and wildlife.
What can I do about storm water pollution?
Storm water pollution from point sources and
non-point sources is a challenging water quality problem. Unlike pollution from
industry or sewage treatment facilities, which is caused by a discrete number of
sources, storm water pollution is caused by the daily activities of people everywhere.
By practicing healthy household habits, homeowners can keep common pollutants like
pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids off the ground and
out of storm water. Remember to share the habits with your neighbors!
PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Because storm water pollution is caused by so many
different activities, traditional regulatory controls will only go so far. Education
and outreach are key components to our successful storm water management program,
since it helps to ensure greater support and greater compliance with the program.
There are things individuals can do
to reduce storm water pollution. Small changes in habits can make a big difference.
It’s simple! Dump nothing down the storm drain you wouldn't swim in or drink.
For more information on any of the
following programs, contact:
Sheri J. Faust, Environmental Educator
(810) 987-5306
sfaust@hd.stclaircounty.org
Pollutions Solutions!
- Classroom Program
 Pollution Solutions! is a FREE one-hour, hands-on presentation that helps students
and youth relate the water cycle and pollution sources to their daily lives. Participants
“pollute” a miniature watershed model of St. Clair County and then watch the affects
of a homemade rain storm and discuss water quality problems and solutions.
Topics covered include the value of
the Great Lakes, wastewater treatment, flooding issues, watershed planning, household
hazardous waste, non-point pollution sources, and the connection between the health
of the environment and the health of our community. This activity is appropriate
for 4th-12th grade classrooms, Boy and Girl Scout troops, fairs, festivals, and
summer recreation programs.
This program compliments your lesson
plans on environmental and water quality issues and meets the Michigan Curriculum
Framework Science Benchmarks for Earth Sciences-Geosphere and Hydrosphere.
Program availability is limited and
spaces fill up fast. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Book your program today!
This presentation can
also be combined with on-site field trips to the Port Huron Water Reclamation Facility, and the Port Huron Water Filtration Plant, Michigan State University Extension Office’s
Adopt-A-Stream Program, or a visit to the
Pine River Nature Center.
Storm Drain Marking
 The storm drain marking program involves placing a permanent marker
near storm drains to remind people that everything that goes into a storm drain
flows directly, untreated, into a freshwater stream. Door hangers are distributed
to homes in the area where drains have been marked. The door hanger explains
how to properly dispose of materials that pose a hazard to fish and water quality.
Marking storm drains alerts the public
to the fate of runoff water and the pollution carried with it from lawns and streets.
It is a practical, positive step toward public involvement and support for local
watershed education and planning efforts.
Why is storm drain marking important?
Many people mistakenly believe storm drain inlets flow to water treatment facilities,
so they pour chemicals or sweep debris directly into storm drains. This dumping
greatly increases the level of nonpoint source pollutants (leaves, soil litter,
fertilizers, pesticides, street residuals) already present in urban storm water
runoff and can contribute substantially to a decline in water quality. Storm drain
marking can change peoples' behavior towards chemicals, streams, and fish.
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What you’ll receive…
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- A storm drain marking kit,
- An informational packet about
storm water pollution, and
- Door hangers
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Who can get involved?
Storm drain marking is an opportunity for interested
individuals, Neighborhood Associations, Boy and Girl Scout troops, youth groups,
or community service groups to help prevent pollution by marking storm drains in
their community. This volunteer activity can be performed as an independent activity
or as part of the County’s Storm Water Program. Getting involved is easy. To help
organize a storm drain marking project in your neighborhood or to get students or
adults involved, please contact the Environmental Educator, (810) 987-5306.
“Our Actions” Display
 The St. Clair
County Health Department is concerned about educating all people about storm water.
As a result we have developed a display that can be taken to local fairs, festivals, home and garden shows,
libraries and township halls. In addition we have activity books, magnets,
and stickers that you can distribute.
Reserve the display now! Please leave your full contact information,
your target audience, where the display will be left, the topic you prefer, and
indicate the length the time you prefer to have the display.
A display can cover
any of the following topics: |
- Watershed Awareness
and Water Pollution Prevention
- Proper disposal
of household hazardous waste
- Impacts of Imperviousness
- Septic System Care
and Maintenance
- Public Bathing
Beach Water Quality Monitoring Program
- Proper Lawn and
Garden Maintenance
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Speakers Bureau
The St. Clair County Storm Water Program
can come to you organization, club, or association to make a presentation on a variety
of topics that are appropriate to your group.
Inquire now!
Newsletter Articles
The St. Clair County Storm Water Program
has provided examples of articles that can be used to inform the public on actions
they can take to protect their watershed. Contact information can be inserted on
each article. Please contact the Environmental Educator to acquire a hard or digital
copy of the article for inclusion in your newsletter. The types of articles are
listed below:
Maintaining your vehicle
Washing your vehicle
Seven Simple Steps to Clean Water
Fertilize Sparingly and Caringly
Help Keep Pollution out of Storm Drains
Carefully Store and Dispose of Household Hazardous Cleaners, Chemicals, and Oil
Clean up After Your Pet
Choose Earth Friendly Landscaping
Conserve Water
Tributary – Road
Crossing Signs
 Watershed and River Crossing signs are now available for order
through the St. Clair County Health Department.
New signs are being added to county
roadways to mark the boundaries and river crossings of the Black, Mill Creek, Pine,
and Belle River watersheds. These signs will help to build continued awareness of
the watershed within the counties and local communities.
The signs identify both the watershed
and the name of the waterway. Not only will the waterways naming project promote
stewardship, it will fulfill a public education component of the NPDES Storm Water
Permit and the federal Clean Water Act.
Road signs are made of durable metal
construction, reflective and are 24“ x 36“. Your municipality is responsible for
all installation, permits, maintenance and any other additional cost or requirements.
To order signs for your community, please complete and return the order form
below.
Water Quality Hotline
(810) 987-7253
(877) 504-SWIM
Available 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week so you can: |
- Report sewage on the ground
- Report illegal dumping in drains,
ditches, ponds, lakes or streams
- Report strong sewage odor
- Report septic system failures
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Be prepared to give the following
information: |
- Location of the sewage -
Complete address
- Responsible party, if known
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WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLANNING
Graphic: St. Clair County Watersheds
There is a growing emphasis in St.
Clair County to manage our surface waters on a watershed basis, rather than the
traditional governmental boundary unit. This shift in approach is referred to as
Watershed Management and recognizes that working with the natural
structure and function of resources, as opposed to strictly political or social
boundaries, will provide more successful results.
Watershed Planning helps
St. Clair County and local communities create a plan to address, correct, and prevent
water pollution problems within a waterway’s natural drainage basin. Watershed planning
is a joint program between the St. Clair County Health Department and the St. Clair
County Metropolitan Planning Commission. We are working to ensure that communities
are using tools to manage residential growth so that they do not contribute to water
pollution.
St. Clair County has embraced
Watershed Management Planning with several watershed initiatives recently.
These communities have all begun to understand the importance of cooperation and
coordination in cross-boundary issues.
The Plan
The Watershed Management Plan is due two years after the certificate of coverage
is issued to the applicant. As a minimum, the Watershed Management Plans shall contain:
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- an assessment of the nature and
status of the watershed ecosystem to the extent necessary to achieve the purpose
of the watershed management plan,
- definition of the short-term
goals for the watershed,
- definition of the long-term goals
for the watershed, which shall include protection of designated uses of the receiving
waters as defined in Michigan's Water Quality Standards,
- determination of the actions
needed to achieve the short-term goals for the watershed,
- determination of the actions
needed to achieve the long-term goals for the watershed,
- assessment of both the benefits
and costs of the actions identified above (a "cost/benefit analysis" is not required),
- commitments, identified by specific
permittee or others as appropriate, to implement actions by specified dates necessary
to achieve the short-term goals,
- commitments, identified by specific
permittee or others as appropriate, to implement actions by specified dates necessary
to initiate achievement of the long-term goals, and
- methods for evaluation of progress,
which may include chemical or biological indicators
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St. Clair County is made up of 8 different
watersheds:
Anchor Bay – access the
Anchor Bay Watershed Plan
St. Clair River Direct Drainage
Pine River
Belle River
Lake Huron Direct Drainage
Lower Black River
Mill Creek
Black River
To be added to our mailing list or
to attend the next watershed planning committee in your area, contact:
Kristen O’Reilly, Storm Water Coordinator,
(810) 987-5306 or koreilly@hd.stclaircounty.org.
Michigan General Storm Water
Michigan's Storm Water Program Overview
Southeast MI Phase II Storm Water Information Clearinghouse
ILLICIT DISCHARGE ELIMIATION
PROGRAM
The goal of this program is to identify
and eliminate sources of bacteria contamination in our waterways by tracking down
the sources of E. coli through systematic sampling and testing of the natural
waterways, road ditches, and drains. The first step to eliminating these sources
is finding the sources of bacteria, which can be illegal sanitary sewer connections,
malfunctioning septic systems, and animal waste.
What is an Illicit Discharge?
An illicit discharge is the release of untreated
wastewater entering a storm drain, waterway or ditch. An illicit connection is when
a pipe intended for a sanitary sewer ends up in a storm drain. An illicit
connection creates an illicit discharge.
Examples of Illicit Discharges:
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- Failing septic systems
- Illegal dumping of oil or grass
clippings
- Washing machine and dish washing
water
- Sanitary sewer connected to a
storm drain
- Commercial or industrial chemical
discharge
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Are illicit discharges a problem?
Illicit discharges may contaminate
our waterways with chemicals, communicable diseases and bacteria that harm fish,
wildlife and people when they contact the affected water. Many children like to
play in small waterways where many illicit discharges begin and the public swims
at beaches where illicit discharges drain and accumulate. Discharges most commonly
drain during and after a rainstorm commonly leading to summertime beach closures.
How will St. Clair
County find Illicit Discharges?
In
May of 2002, teams of inspectors began walking storm drains and waterways looking
for illicit discharges. Inspectors are photographing and testing each outlet that
drains into these waterways for E.coli and other chemical characteristics.
Waterways and outlets indicating the presence of an illicit discharge will be followed
upstream until a suspected source is located. Further tests may be required to confirm
the exact location.
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- If it isn’t raining,
the storm drain should be dry
- If it looks or
smells polluted, it probably is
- Streaks of lush
green grass during a drought suggests that something is amiss
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Who is responsible for correction of illicit
discharges?
Responsibility for fixing illicit discharges may fall upon local units of government,
a County agency, or an individual resident. St. Clair County has responsibility
and authority to ensure that corrections are made through the Environmental Health
Code and the Drain Code, which make these discharges illegal.
We need your help!
Be an alert observer! Report
suspicious discharges! Call our Water Quality Information Line! The quicker
we find these problems, the more efficiently we move toward cleaner water for everyone
to enjoy. Help us - help you.
24-Hour Water Quality Hotline
1-877-504-SWIM
810-987-7253
Report illicit discharges
Report failing or malfunctioning septic systems
Report suspicious or illegal dumping into a storm drain or waterway
Call with water quality
questions or concerns
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