Watershed - Keep Our Water Clean!

 

Commerce Township has many lakes and streams within its boundaries. As a community we are responsible for the quantity and quality of stormwater that is generated within and leaves our jurisdiction. The township is located in the Huron River Watershed which encompasses 63 communities in 7 counties and the Rouge River Watershed which includes 48 municipalities in 3 counties. 

 

A watershed consists of all the land and waterways that drain into the same body of water. Understanding how water travels across the ground surface or other intercepting feature (tree, house, parking lot) and reaches a storm drain or stream is a critical component of watershed management.

 

Individuals are the major source of pollution to our lakes and streams.  Water runs off the land and into our streams, rivers and lakes every time it rains or snow melts, or when you over water your lawn. As the water flows from fields, landscapes and impervious surfaces such as streets and driveways it picks up soil particles, fertilizers, pesticides, animal wastes, road salt, motor oil and other land borne pollutants. This type of pollution is called nonpoint source pollution. Collectively these pollutants can contaminate millions of gallons of water and cause water quality problems.

 

Storm water runoff is currently one of the largest pollution sources degrading our water resources. Many people are surprised to learn that an estimated 75% of the pollutants entering our wetlands, streams, rivers and lakes are the result of individual activities.

 

You can help protect water quality! – Clean Water Practices

 

Fertilizer, leaves, grass clippings and animal waste are all sources of phosphorus. When they are swept or washed into the nearest street or storm drain, they end up in your local lake or river. You can do your part to protect water quality by doing the following:

 

Ø      Test and pump out your septic system every 3 to 5 years.

Ø       

Follow the Commerce Township Fertilizer Ordinance.  Zero Phosphorus is allowed in normal fertilizer applications in the township and the number of applications and amount of nitrogen is limited.  The ordinance also prohibits the use of fertilizer near lakes, streams and wetlands.  You must clean up driveways, sidewalks and streets after applications.  Read More Here.

 

Ø      Apply pesticides and fungicides only when necessary and according to the instruction on the label. Don't use pesticides and fungicides within 20 feet of a wetland, stream, river, pond, lake or watercourse.

Ø      Keep leaves and lawn clippings out of gutters, streets, ditches, wetlands, lakes, rivers and ponds. Recycle grass clippings and leaves by mulching or composting.

Ø      Install buffer strips adjacent to all waterways. Landscape with deep rooted native plants.

Ø      Control soil erosion around your house. When left bare, soil is easily washed away with rain, carrying phosphorus with it. Soil erosion can be prevented by keeping soil covered with vegetation or mulch. Seed grass, install sod or plant ground cover to reduce soil erosion.

Ø      Put rain water to work for you. Border your lawn with deep-rooted flowers and shrubs to prevent water runoff. Direct down spouts into garden areas, or install rain barrels to collect water for use during dry weather.

Ø      Direct roof runoff into a grassed area. Don't connect roof drains to sanitary or storm sewer systems.

Ø      Clean automobiles, bicycles, lawn and garden equipment, and other outdoor cleaning projects on the grass, not on hard surfaces. Do not use detergents or soaps that contain phosphorus. Read More Here.

Ø      Dispose of used motor oil and antifreeze at a recycling depository (Check with local service stations or quick oil change facilities). Do not allow these pollutants to spill on the ground.

Ø      Pick up pet waste promptly. Pet waste can contain harmful bacteria as well as nutrients. Never drop pet waste into the street ditches. Most of us pick up pet waste as a courtesy to our neighbors. It is against township Ordinance to leave pet waste behind on public streets or the property of others.

Ø      Don't feed geese. It encourages them to stay at our lakes and leave feces behind.

Ø      Contact the township offices if you notice soil erosion from a construction site.

Ø      BE ACTIVE Join a civic or environmental group and let others know. Public Participation is encouraged.  The township has formed the Clean Water Education Committee (CWEC).  If you are interested in becoming a member please contact the township Supervisor for more information. Be sure to look for brochures and public education presentations at the Richardson Center. Spread the Word!

 

Subdivisions can also help keep our water clean

 

Ø      Organize a Drain Labeling Program for your subdivision.

Ø      Clean out storm drains. Subdivisions are responsible for cleaning the storm drains within their boundaries!

Ø      Promote Clean Water Practices, organize volunteers and pass subdivision rules.

 

LINKS

 

Huron River Watershed Council

http://comnet.org/hrwc/

 

Rouge River Project

http://www.rougeriver.com/

 

Friends of the Rouge River

http://www.therouge.org/

 

Oakland County Drain Commission

http://www.co.oakland.mi.us/drain/

 

Watershed Management Program
http://www.co.oakland.mi.us/drain/program_service/ws_overview.html

 

Illicit Discharge Elimination Program

The project focuses on the elimination of improper connections to the storm sewer system, as well as, the elimination of illegal dumping into storm sewers. In addition, the project focuses on minimizing the amount of seepage into the storm water system from the sanitary sewer system and from septic systems.

http://www.co.oakland.mi.us/drain/program_service/illicit_disch.html