Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
Stormwater Management Program
Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
Stormwater Management Program
*Descriptive Stormwater Links are available at the end of each section
Section 1: Why worry about Stormwater?
What is the problem with stormwater?
Many people may not realize that stormwater collected in drains located on the street curbs does not flow to their local water treatment plant.
Rather, this water remains untreated and is discharged directly into the waterways. During this journey to the waterways, stormwater collects and
carries a broad range of pollutants. Stormwater is a nonpoint source of pollution thus making it extremely difficult to address and the single
greatest threat to our water quality and watershed health. Nonpoint source pollution comes from many diffuse runoff sources, such as rainfall and
snowmelt, flowing over and through the ground, picking up pollutants as it goes.
Why worry about stormwater?
When we think of water pollution, many of us may imagine chemicals being dumped directly into our waters. As a result of the Clean Water Act
and other environmental legislation, such acts of pollution-considered “point source” pollution have been eradicated and/or stringently regulated.
Even with the unquestioned success in addressing point source pollution, more than 40 percent of our nation’s waters fail to meet designated
quality standards for recreation and drinking. Surprisingly, the single greatest threat to our water quality and watershed health nationwide is
stormwater and “nonpoint source” pollution. Nonpoint source pollution comes from runoff, such as rainfall and snowmelt, flowing over and
through the ground, picking up pollutants as it goes. Some of these pollutants occur naturally, such as nutrients from sediments, manure, or pet
wastes. Other pollutants, such as fertilizers, automotive grease, and oil, occur from our interaction with the environment. Stormwater acts as a
carrier of nonpoint source pollution and therefore is considered a major cause of water quality problems both in Michigan and nationwide.
What role does the district play in stormwater management?
The district implemented a Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMP) to reduce the discharge of pollutants from their Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System (MS4) to the Maximum Extent Practicable and protect water quality in accordance with the appropriate water quality
requirements of Michigan Act 451, Public Acts of 1994, Part 31, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the district National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
Contact Woodhaven-Brownstown School District by Phone: 734-783-3300
Contact Woodhaven-Brownstown School District by Mail: 24821 Hall Rd., Woodhaven, Michigan 481813
Contact Woodhaven-Brownstown School District by Contact Form: Click Here
LINKS:
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Watch Our Stormwater Management Video HERE
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Take Our Watershed Survey HERE
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Read Environmental News & Information on our Clean Water Chronicles page HERE
Section 2: What are we doing about the problem?
A Brief History
Historical industrialization and urbanization during the 20th century resulted in unanticipated problems related to water quality in the nation’s
watersheds. In response to increased water quality issues, the first federal legislation was passed in 1948 as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
This was updated and expanded in 1972 as the Clean Water Act. Later amendments led to the implementation of pollution controls for wastewater
plants and industry as well as water quality standards for all surface waters.
Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
Stormwater Management Program
The NPDES under the Clean Water Act essentially made it illegal to discharge pollutants directly into waterways without obtaining a permit. This
program was an overwhelming success in addressing point source pollution in our watersheds. However, it did not address the much larger and
difficult problem of nonpoint source pollution. One of the first nationwide efforts to clean up and restore a river or watershed was locally focused on
the Rouge River in Michigan.
The Rouge River and Stormwater Permitting
The Rouge River has a historic place in our understanding of both point source pollution and stormwater pollution nationwide. As a result, it has been
at the forefront of efforts to manage water pollution in general.
By the early 1960s, the Rouge River Watershed was in a severely degraded condition. The result of the same expansion of industry and urban areas
has created similar water quality issues across the nation. Both point source pollution and stormwater discharges contributed to a seriously polluted
watershed. Following the success of the NPDES, plans were implemented to address the watershed wide water quality issues associated with the
Rouge River. Among these was the first voluntary watershed-based stormwater permit, under which fifty communities participated in watershed
planning efforts. This permitting process was adopted for use statewide and became the model for the national stormwater permitting program.
Education
A major component of the stormwater permit is watershed-based outreach and education because stormwater pollution is the direct result of our
daily activities. Since each of us contributes to the problem, the more we learn about it, understand how we contribute to it, and what we can do
about it as a community, the more successful we will be in solving it. The only way this problem will be solved is through the collective efforts of
each one of us.
LINKS:
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Visit the Environmental Protection Agency Stormwater Program HERE
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Visit the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Program HERE
Section 3: What is a Watershed?
What is a Watershed?
We all live in a watershed. All the ground upon which we stand is in a watershed. Since water flows downhill, every place on land ultimately drains
to another. It is possible to determine a boundary around a given area within which all rainfall, surface water and underlying ground water drains to
a common outflow. This boundary defines the watershed of that outflow location. Watersheds are defined by natural geographic and geologic
boundaries and may be large or small. Larger watersheds may contain one or more smaller sub-watersheds. The two largest watersheds in the United
States are separated at the Continental Divide, along which either side drains entirely to the Atlantic or the Pacific Oceans. All watersheds in the U.S.
are sub-watersheds of one of these two.
Stormwater Pollution and Watersheds
The water quality of a watershed is affected by everything that happens anywhere above the outflow point. Detrimental inputs such as those
introduced by stormwater, occurring anywhere within the watershed, affect the entire area downstream because the water flows downstream. In
addition to the pollutants it carries, the increased flow rates associated with stormwater introduce other problems, such as channel erosion and
flooding.
Ours to protect
We in Michigan are fortunate that we live in an area where there is such a vast resource of water that adds to our enjoyment and quality of life. Each
one of us has a responsibility to help keep this water clean, so that it remains safe for us to drink and to play in. To do this, we need to understand
the things we do that make a difference for better or worse. The district is dedicated to teaching the community what choices can make a difference.
What can I do?
Recognizing the different watersheds in the area increases opportunities for participation in multiple watershed groups and related activities.
Stewardship can be fun, even when we join with groups outside of our community. Learn how different communities protect their watersheds
while enjoying kayaking, fishing, or other outings. There are numerous educational opportunities for individuals or groups. It is a great way for
children and families to become involved in their community, develop leadership skills, and have fun while helping protect our watersheds.
LINKS:
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Learn How to Protect your Waterfront Property with “The Water’s Edge” HERE
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Learn How to be a Responsible Waterfront Owner HERE
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Visit Wayne County’s Water Quality Management Division Website HERE
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Stormwater Management Program
Section 4: Combined Downriver Watershed
The Combined Downriver Watershed
The Combined Downriver Watershed is a relatively urban watershed within Wayne County in southeast Michigan. Originally, combined sewers
serviced a portion of the area leading to water quality impairments of the creeks. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)
required the separation of combined sewers in the 1980’s and improvements to the Downriver Sewage System in the 1990’s. Even after
implementation of the required improvements, the water quality of the watershed is still threatened and, in some cases, impaired by urban storm
water runoff.
The Combined Downriver Watershed is located within Wayne County, in southeast Michigan. The watershed drains an area of approximately 85.9
square miles in a relatively urbanized region (especially in the northeast and eastern half of the watershed) and has a watershed population of roughly
157,000 people. The Combined Downriver Watershed includes 14 entities.
The Combined Downriver Watershed can be subdivided into 3 main subwatersheds. These include the Blakely Drain, the Frank & Poet Drain, and
the Detroit River South. Each of the subwatersheds contains many small tributaries and some larger drains such as the Brownstown Creek in the
Blakely Drain Subwatershed and the Sutliff & Kenope Drain in the Frank & Poet Subwatershed. According to the Southeast Michigan Council of
Governments (SEMCOG), approximately 62% of the land is considered developed with only 38% remaining as open space. The urbanization of the
watershed is expected to continue with 92% of the land being developed and only 8% remaining as open space by the year 2030.
Opportunities to Get Involved
There are numerous opportunities for the public to become involved and learn more about the health and care of the watershed all while having
fun. The Alliance of Downriver Watersheds offers educational activities as well as volunteer opportunities. While stormwater management plans
define ways to address stormwater pollution, this public awareness is critical. It is only through the individual effort of each of us that the problem
can be solved.
LINKS:
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Visit the Alliance of Downriver Watersheds Website HERE
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Visit the Alliance of Downriver Watersheds Facebook page HERE
Section 5: Pollutants & Illicit Discharges
Types of Pollutants
Typically, pollutants are synthetic, man-made substances that are used as part of our daily lives. Lawn fertilizers, car wash soaps, pesticides, motor
oil, household cleansers, paint, salt, and numerous other sources contribute to polluting our watersheds. However, some pollutants are natural
substances that become problematic due to the actions of humans. Sediment, which is essentially dirt carried in stormwater, is one of our most
prominent and problematic pollutants.
Sources of Stormwater Pollution
Unlike the point source pollutants generated by industry, the sources of stormwater pollution are widespread and diverse. Thus, stormwater is
considered nonpoint source pollution. Stormwater runoff, combined sewer overflows, illicit discharges, flooding, and failing septic systems are all
potential sources of stormwater pollution.
How do Pollutants cause damage?
It is relatively easy to understand how some stormwater pollutants might be a problem. Combined sewer overflows, storm sewer overflows and
leaking septic systems can introduce bacteria such as E. coli and biota into our lakes and rivers. Other sources may be less straightforward. Lawn
fertilizers and pesticides are washed off of walks and even lawn areas and into our storm sewers, eventually settling into our waters. Once there,
these pollutants create algae blooms that affect water temperature and kill fish.
What are we doing about Stormwater Pollutants?
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Stormwater Management Program
Every body of water is required to meet certain quality standards based on its designated use(s). A body might be designated for use as a public
water supply (high water quality) or for industrial purposes (lower water quality), swimming, or agriculture. Once a use is determined, the water
quality must continue to meet the level required for that use. Levels of pollutants are restricted and all parties that are potential contributors of
pollutants are limited to a fixed quantity of each. We are all potential polluters, therefore each of us is responsible for policing our watershed by
minimizing our own contributions and reporting violators.
Illicit Discharges
Illicit discharges are generally any discharge into a storm drain system that is not composed entirely of stormwater. The exceptions include water
from firefighting activities and discharges from facilities already under an NPDES permit. Illicit discharges are a problem because, unlike wastewater
which flows to a wastewater treatment plant, stormwater generally flows to waterways without any additional treatment. Illicit discharges often
include pathogens, nutrients, surfactants, and various toxic pollutants.
Phase II MS4s are required to develop a program to detect and eliminate these illicit discharges. This primarily includes developing:
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A storm sewer system map
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An ordinance prohibiting illicit discharges
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A plan to detect and address these illicit discharges
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An education program on the hazards associated with illicit discharges
Illicit Discharge Reporting
If you see an illicit discharge occurring outside of district property, please call the Pollution Emergency Alert System number listed
below.
Woodhaven-Brownstown School District Spill & Illicit Discharge Number: 734-783-0255- Call this number to report
concerns, spills, or illicit discharges to the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District Facilities & Operations
Wayne County Environmental Hotline: 888-223-2363 - Call this number to report concerns regarding storm drain related
pollution
Pollution Emergency Alert System (PEAS) Hotline: 1-800-292-4706
For non-emergency calls or inquiries call the Environmental Assistance Center: 1-800-662-9278
LINKS:
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Visit the Environmental Protection Agency- “After the Storm” document HERE
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Learn About Pollution Control on the Environmental Protection Agency Page HERE
Section 6: Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)
What are TMDLs?
The Environmental Protection Agency has published a series of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for a variety of known water body pollutants
such as E.coli, phosphorus, sediment, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solids. A TMDL represents the maximum amount of a pollutant that can
enter a water body so the water body will continue to meet the State of Michigan water quality standards. Studies are conducted on local water
bodies to assess their relative quality and if there are any known impairments. If there are impairments and they meet specific criteria, a TMDL is
issued for the water body.
What you can do to help!
Here are some simple steps developed by Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) that can help you reduce your impact.
Fertilization -A significant contributor to depleted dissolved oxygen in our waterways
Proper fertilization is important for a healthy lawn.
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When fertilizer is put down at the right time and in the right way it strengthens lawns. A healthy lawn protects water by holding soil and pollutants
and minimizing the need for pesticides.
Improper fertilization harms our water.
Improper fertilization causes discharge into storm drains in streets, which empty into lakes and rivers. Fertilizers in lakes and rivers cause algae to
grow, which uses oxygen that fish need creating a TMDL for dissolved oxygen.
Fertilize in the fall.
Fall is the best time for plants to absorb nutrients and develop a strong root system.
Pet Waste - A significant contributor to E. coli levels in our waterways
Dispose of it promptly and properly.
Whether in your yard or on a walk, promptly dispose of your pet’s waste in the trash or down the toilet where it will be properly treated. When pet
waste is left behind, it washes into storm drains and ditches. From there it heads straight to your local lakes and streams carrying harmful bacteria
with it.
Watch instead of feeding.
Feeding ducks and geese may seem harmless but, in fact, can be a nuisance to people and harmful to our water. Feeding waterfowl causes them to
become dependent on humans. This creates unnaturally high populations and problems in our parks and lakes. Waterfowl waste can pollute our
water with harmful bacteria.
Spread the word.
Tell others how they can help protect our lakes and streams. Also, work cooperatively with your local government to install signs, bag dispensers,
and trash cans in convenient public places to remind visitors to clean up after their pets.
LINKS:
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Learn about Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) HERE
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Read SEMCOG Fertilizing Tips HERE
Section 7: Sewer Overflows and Septic Systems
Sewer Overflows and Septic Systems
In Southeast Michigan, one of the most complex and persistent pollution issues being addressed is the introduction of sewage to our waters through
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs), malfunctioning septic systems, and illicit or illegal/ inappropriate connections
to the storm system.
Combined Sewer Overflows
A Combined Sewer System is one in which sanitary wastewater and stormwater are carried through the same pipes to a wastewater treatment plant.
When functioning within their designed capacity, these systems provide a mechanism for stormwater to be treated, along with the wastewater, prior
to being discharged into the waterways. These types of systems were typically installed prior to the rapid expansion of our built environment. The
added loads and associated increased stormwater runoff generated by massive urbanization has resulted in an overloaded system. These stresses
result in the regular occurrence of what are known as CSOs When precipitation is great enough, the combined sewer flows exceed the pipe capacity,
and the overflow exits the main pipe at interceptors, which discharge the mixed storm/sanitary flows directly into waterways without treatment.
Combined sewer systems are no longer allowed in new construction. However, identifying and eliminating all such existing systems and connections
is complex and expensive to accomplish.
Sanitary Sewer Overflows
Even areas serviced by separate sanitary and stormwater sewer systems have overflows, which affect water quality similar to CSOs. SOSs typically
result from aging infrastructure or electrical/mechanical failures. Stormwater flows find their way into sanitary sewer lines via broken lines from any
number of causes or lift station failures. This causes back flows and basement flooding as well as discharge to local waterways. This problem is equally
difficult to both diagnose and treat.
Addressing the Problem of CSOs and SSOs
Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
Stormwater Management Program
Solving the problem of CSOs and SSOs is complex and expensive. Being the focus of pioneering efforts in managing point source pollution stormwater
runoff and a national model for stormwater permitting, it is no surprise that the Rouge River is also taking the lead as a test bed for new methods of
solving the problem. The Rouge River Wet Weather Demonstration has already utilized $1 billion of a projected $2.4 billion, with the remaining
projects in various stages of development and completion. When the project is complete, it is anticipated that there will be a total reduction of 85%
in combined sewer overflows.
Septic Systems
Did you know that as a homeowner you are responsible for maintaining your septic system? Did you know that you should periodically inspect your
system and pump out your septic tank? Your septic system can, if properly designed, constructed, and maintained, provide long term effective
treatment of household wastewater. If your septic system is not maintained, you may need to replace it. This could end up costing you thousands of
dollars. A malfunctioning system can contaminate groundwater that might be a source of drinking water.
LINKS:
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Learn More About Combined Sewer Overflows HERE
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Learn More About Sanitary Overflows HERE
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Learn More About Septic Systems Maintenance HERE
Section 8: Impervious Cover and Flooding
What is impervious cover?
Impervious cover is any surface that cannot effectively absorb water. Such surfaces are typically man made or the result of human input. Concrete
or asphalt roads, parking lots and walks, rooftops of all types, and compacted soil are all examples of impervious cover.
What is the problem with impervious cover?
Stormwater runoff is the greatest threat to our water quality and impervious cover is the single greatest contributor to stormwater runoff. In a
natural landscape, rainfall and any runoff are absorbed by the soil and vegetation. In this process, the flow of water is slowed as it percolates into
the soil. This replenishes the water table and ultimately restores our streams, rivers, and lakes. This slow absorption has the added benefit of naturally
filtering the runoff of any impurities.
Increased development brings with it increased areas of impervious cover and thus increased runoff. This also results in a reduced area of natural
landscape to intercept and filter runoff. As the area of impervious surfaces increases, the quantity of pollutants carried by the runoff increases. This
results in an increase in the distributed polluted runoff over a small natural area. The smaller natural area cannot properly absorb or filter the water
and runoff, and the polluted runoff ends up in our waters.
In addition to affecting water quality by allowing more pollutants to enter our waters, impervious cover directly affects the quantity of water in our
watersheds. Stormwater runoff flows much more quickly over impervious surfaces. The increased volume of runoff and increased speed of flow does
several things. First, it makes that flow more erosive, resulting in channelizing and scouring of riverbeds/banks, and depositing of slugs as the flow
reaches water bodies. Second, the increased flow combined with reduced natural area capable of absorbing the water results in increased and more
intense flooding. In fact, studies show that the size of one hundred-year floods can double in areas with as little as 20-30 percent impervious cover.
Third, because less water is able to be absorbed, water tables and wetlands are not replenished, resulting in streams and wells going dry.
What can be done about the problem?
With such a direct relationship between the amount of impervious cover as a result of development and the degree of damage caused to a
watershed, any efforts to address watershed health must focus on reducing impervious cover. Accomplishing this is a difficult task because it
encompasses a range of economic, political, social, and legislative issues. However, there are other steps that we as individuals can take to help
alleviate the problem. Minimizing our use of polluting substances and keeping them off away from impervious surfaces, practicing good
housekeeping by properly storing and disposing of household materials, and saving water are all efforts that are easily accomplished. Incorporating
elements of green infrastructure into our land is something else we can do at the community level as well as in our own homes. Green
infrastructure involves the use of native plants and earth friendly landscaping in ways that enhance the natural absorption filtration processes and
help mitigate the impact of stormwater runoff. Such elements might include rain gardens, no mow zones, buffer strips, green roofs, and grassy
swales. All are designed to increase the infiltration rate of the soil. Again, it is significantly more cost effective to prevent pollution than to
remediate the water.
LINKS:
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Learn About Environmental Protection Agency’s Urban Nonpoint Source Fact Sheet HERE
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Learn About United States Geological Survey-Stormwater Impervious Surface, and Stream Health HERE
Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
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Section 9: Riparian Zone Management
Why is Riparian Zone Management important?
Riparian zones have the capacity to buffer rivers and other waters from nonpoint source runoff from agricultural, urban and/or other land uses.
Health riparian zones can absorb sediments, chemical nutrients, and other substances contained in nonpoint source runoff. They also provide for
aquifer recharge, diverse habitats, and water storage/release. A healthy, functioning riparian zone and associated uplands dramatically increase
benefits including fish and wildlife habitat, erosion control, forage, late season stream flow and most important of all water quality.
What is Riparian Zone Management?
Riparian Zone Management, also known as “Riparian Corridor Management,” is a system that allows for the protection of water resources while still
allowing sustainable mixed use of surrounding riparian areas. It is a combination of techniques that protect and, in some cases, improves water
quality and biodiversity. These techniques include, but are not limited to:
1.
River Friendly Lawn Care - Practices from both private and public landowners can impact the health of the riparian corridor as well as water
quality. There are several techniques that can be implemented at low or no cost to protect and improve water quality, including the use of low
phosphorus fertilizers, use of native plants, and environmentally friendly weed management.
2.
Riparian Buffer Zones - Buffer zones are areas of vegetation between the river and the surrounding land use. These areas are critically
important because they absorb sediment, chemical nutrients, and other substances, provide for aquifer recharge, and dramatically increase
benefits such as fish and wildlife habitat, erosion control, and water quality. These areas can be created and maintained at low or no cost.
There are several types of buffers including, Grow Zones (often called no-mow zones), Native Plant Buffers and Forested Buffers.
3.
Stream Bank Stabilization - With increased upstream development comes an increase in impervious surfaces. This increases the flow, and
therefore causes accelerated stream bank erosion in our streams and rivers. Past practices to stabilize eroding stream banks may have done
more harm than good by shifting and concentrating problems further downstream. New techniques have been developed that are low cost,
environmentally beneficial, and can even be implemented by private citizens without heavy equipment. There are several types of methods,
which include live fascines, live stakes, and brush mattresses.
4.
Woody Debris Management - In the recent past, logjams were thought to be a significant problem and were completely removed from
stream channels. Recent studies have now shown that logjams help reduce erosion, provide habitat for wildlife, and are an important part of
the natural processes of a river system. Now it is recommended to leave most logjams in place. Woody debris management is the process of
determining what to do about wood in the river; move, remove, or add, and how best to do that work. Methods have been specifically
developed to give guidance on how to manage a logjam, while preserving the benefits they provide and minimizing the problems they can
create. Two methods that can be useful are the Clean and Open Method and Habitat and Structure Method.
5.
River Maintenance - River improvement in the past included the removal of everything in the river, logs, garbage, basketballs, and shopping
carts. Now we know that pulling those things out of the river may have done more harm than good. New ways of maintaining the river as a
natural amenity have been developed. These methods, in conjunction with the aforementioned techniques, can reduce maintenance time and
costs while improving water quality and the overall health of the riparian corridor.
LINKS:
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Learn About the Huron River Watershed Council-Riparian Corridor Protection HERE
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Learn More About Riparian Management Zones HERE
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Learn About Riparian Zone Management and Trout Streams HERE
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Learn More About Riparian Zone and Stream Restoration HERE
Section 10: Native, Non-Native & Invasive Species
What is a Native Plant?
Native plants (also called indigenous plants) are plants that have evolved over thousands of years in a particular region. They have adapted to the
geography, hydrology, and climate of that region. Native plants occur in communities, that is, they have evolved with other plants in association with
animals, parasites, and disease-causing organisms. As a result, a community of native plants provides habitat for a variety of native wildlife species
such as birds and butterflies.
What is a non-native species?
While native species occur in their natural regions without the direct or indirect activities of humans, “non-native” species occur outside that natural
range. In North America, many non-native plants were brought over for agricultural, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. Many plants were
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introduced accidentally as well. The introduction of the non-native organisms continues to be a problem today due to our increased travel and
international trade. Not all non-native plants or animals become a problem. Many non-native plants represent significant human food sources.
However, some of these plants have certain aggressive traits that make them an invasive species.
What is an invasive species?
Invasive species are those non-native species that can significantly disrupt natural communities causing environmental or economic harm. In a new
environment, invasive plants are released from the natural constraints of their native ranges. They lack the control of herbivores, parasites, diseases,
and competition that was present in their native habitats. Invasive plants exhibit both rapid growth and reproduction rates because of abundant
seed production, reproduction through vegetative clones, and/ or extended growing seasons.
Why are invasive non-native plants a concern?
Invasive, non-native plants displace native plants and animals, and so disrupt ecological processes, and degrade biological resources. Invasive plants
often lack the natural population controls that keep them in check in their native ecosystems. Controls existing in the new ecosystem (herbivores,
parasites, diseases, and native plants) are not adapted to make use of the non-native invaders. This disparity of population controls, in addition to
their rapid growth and reproduction, creates a situation in which the invasive plants are better competitors. They reduce the amount of sunlight,
water, nutrients, and space available to native plants, eventually competing with and replacing natives. This represents a loss in habitat and food
source for wildlife. Invasive plants have even been shown to alter hydrological patterns and soil chemistry. In the big picture, invasive plants reduce
biodiversity.
How do invasive, non-native plants get into natural areas?
Our increasing global society has transported plants worldwide at an unnaturally fast pace. Once a new species is introduced, either from another
continent, or another region of North America, its seeds may be carried by wind, water, animals, or vehicles. Seeds or vegetative structures can be
deposited miles from their original sites, allowing the species to spread at a rate that it could never accomplish on its own. Unsuspecting
homeowners may use invasive, non-native plants in their landscaping. Species may easily spread into natural areas from nearby yards and lawns.
LINKS:
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Learn More About Invasive Species Awareness HERE
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Check Out Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources Invasive Species Watch List HERE
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Learn About the Green Acres Native Vegetation Program HERE
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Check out the Green Acres Toolkit HERE
Section 11: Why use Native Plants?
Why use Native Plants?
The district encourages the use of native vegetation, wildflowers, and rain gardens at school facilities. Please contact the Facility Operations Depart-
ment at 734-783-0255 for more information.
•
Native plants do not require fertilizers. Vast amounts of fertilizers are applied to lawns. Excess phosphorus and nitrogen (the main
components of fertilizers) run off into lakes and rivers causing excess algae growth. This depletes oxygen in our waters, harms aquatic life
and interferes with recreational uses.
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Native plants require fewer pesticides than lawns. Nationally, over 70 million pounds of pesticides are applied to lawns each year.
Pesticides run off of lawns and can potentially contaminate rivers and lakes. People and pets in contact with chemically treated lawns can
be exposed to pesticides.
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Native plants require less water than lawns. The modern lawn requires significant amounts of water to thrive. In urban areas, lawn
irrigation uses as much as 30% of the water consumption on the East Coast and up to 60% on the West Coast. The deep root systems of
many native Midwestern plants increase the soil’s capacity to store water. Native plants can significantly reduce water runoff and
potential flooding.
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Native plants help reduce air pollution. Natural landscapes do not require mowing. Lawns must be mowed regularly. Gas powered garden
tools emit 5% of the nation’s air pollution. Forty million lawn mowers consume 200 million gallons of gasoline per year. One gas-powered
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lawn mower emits 11 times the air pollution of a new car for each hour of operation. Excessive carbon from the burning of fossil fuels
contributes to global warming. Native plants sequester, or remove, carbon from the air.
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Native plants provide shelter and food for wildlife. Native plants attract a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife by providing
diverse habitats and food sources. Closely mowed lawns do not benefit most wildlife.
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Native plants promote biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage. In the U.S., approximately 20 million acres of lawn are
cultivated, covering more land than any single crop. Native plants are a part of our natural heritage. Natural landscaping is an opportunity
to reestablish diverse native plants, thereby inviting the birds and butterflies back home.
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Native plants save money. A study by Applied Ecological Services (Brodhead, WI) of larger properties estimates that over a 20-year
period, the cumulative cost of maintaining a prairie or a wetland totals $3,000 per acre versus $20,000 per acre for non-native turf
grasses.
LINKS:
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Visit the Wildflower Association of Michigan HERE
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Learn About Landscaping with Native Plants HERE
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Visit a Citizen’s Guide to Native Landscaping HERE
Section 12: Household Hazardous Waste
Why is household hazardous waste disposal important?
Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be household hazardous waste.
Products such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides contain potentially hazardous ingredients that require special care during disposal
process.
Improper disposal of household hazardous wastes can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases
putting them out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes
can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health. Many communities in the United States offer a variety of options for conveniently
and safely managing household hazardous waste.
How can you reduce your household hazardous waste at home?
Consider reducing your purchase of products that contain hazardous ingredients and learn about the uses of alternative methods or products, without
hazardous ingredients, for some common household needs. To avoid the potential risks associated with household hazardous wastes, it is important
that people always monitor the use, storage, and disposal of products with potentially hazardous substances in their homes.
How can you reduce, reuse, recycle and dispose of waste in your community?
The options of reduction, reuse, recycling, and disposal, listed in order of the Environmental Protection Agency’s preferred waste management
hierarchy, are all important tools to help safely manage and mitigate household hazardous waste. The links displayed along the right side of the
page include information that can help you determine the best ways to reduce, reuse, or dispose of common household products that may contain
hazardous ingredients.
LINKS:
•
Visit Wayne County Household Hazardous Waste Info HERE
•
Visit the Resource Recovery and Recycling Authority of Southwest Oakland County Household Hazardous Waste Events
HERE
•
Learn More About the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Household Hazardous Waste Information HERE
Section 13: Good Housekeeping
Why is Good Housekeeping/Pollution Prevention Necessary?
Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
Stormwater Management Program
The district conducts numerous activities that can have an impact on water quality if practices and procedures are not in place to prevent
pollutants from entering nearby municipal sewer systems (MS4s) and/or nearby lakes, streams, and rivers. These activities include bus and vehicle
fleet maintenance, minor road repairs, landscaping, construction activities, and building maintenance. The district also conducts activities, such as
parking lot and street sweeping, which remove pollutants from the MS4 when performed properly. Finally, the district can be a source of
stormwater pollutants if Best Management Practices (BMPs) are not in place to contain spills, manage trash, and manage non stormwater
discharges.
The district has trained staff on ways to protect stormwater, to maintain MS4 infrastructure, and performing daily municipal activities such as park
and open space maintenance, fleet and building maintenance, new construction, and land disturbances, and stormwater system maintenance. This
includes:
•
Development of inspection and maintenance and schedules for stormwater BMPs
•
Implementing BMPs to treat pollutants from transportation
•
Infrastructure, maintenance areas, storage yards, sand and salt storage areas and waste transfer stations
•
Procedures for properly disposing of pollutants from the MS4s
•
Identification of ways to incorporate water quality controls into new and existing flood management projects
LINKS:
•
Learn about the Environmental Protection Agency’s Best Stormwater Management Practices HERE.
•
Learn about Michigan’s Water Strategy HERE.
Section 14: SEMCOG “Seven Simple Steps”
Contributors to Stormwater Pollution:
•
Washing cars in the drive and letting soapy/dirty water run to the storm drain.
•
Leaving pet waste on lawns and other areas.
•
Improperly using, storing, or disposing of household cleaners.
•
Fertilizing more than required and leaving it on the sidewalk.
•
Allowing grass clippings and leaves to sit on walks and drives.
SEMCOG offers technical support on a number of issues including effective stormwater management. SEMCOG has developed a series of simple
steps each of us can take to help decrease our impact on our watersheds. These “Seven Simple Steps” offer practical, real-world tips on ways we can
keep our water clean. Click the headings below for more information.
Save Water
The Great Lakes are the largest system of fresh water on earth and contain almost 85 percent of North America’s supply. Each one of us uses about
77 gallons of water each day. That is a lot of water. Overuse wastes water, money, and adds to pollution.
Practice good car care
There are over 68 million automobiles in the U.S., and almost half of them leak some sort of hazardous fluids. Combined with the used fluids that are
improperly disposed of, and the substances used to keep them clean, our cars are a major contributor to the pollution of our waters. Proper care of
them is crucial.
Choose earth friendly landscaping
Many of us take pride in our lawns and gardens for the curb appeal we think they provide yet the way we maintain them is a major contributor to
the pollution of our waters. There are better alternatives.
Help keep pollution out of the storm drains