Lake Michigan Basin Update
Stormwater Solutions for Milwaukee’s Rivers
By Cheryl Nenn, Milwaukee Riverkeeper
Like many other groups throughout the
Great Lakes, Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers
(FMR) is grappling with how to best
address non-point source pollution on our
local waterways – the Milwaukee,
Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic River
Watersheds, which drain to Lake Michigan. The strategies addressing
stormwater pollution must be as diverse as the sources and
types of pollutants threatening our waters. To that end, FMR is
addressing stormwater through a combination of advocacy, education,
and management.
Advocacy for Stronger Regulations: FMR has been reviewing
and commenting on both the Statewide proposed General Permits
for stormwater [construction, industrial, and municipal separate
storm sewer systems (MS4s)] as well as individual permits for MS4s
discharging into our waterways. We have also been requesting
hearings on individual permits of concern. In response to our comments,
as well as comments from several statewide and national
groups, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)
has significantly strengthened their proposed General Permit for
MS4s including new provisions that address discharges to waters
that are designated “Outstanding and Exceptional” by the state and
to impaired waters on the 303(d) list. In addition, better opportunities
for public comment have been incorporated.We anticipate that
these positive changes will be reflected in all General Permits
and Individual Permits for stormwater dischargers in the State and
Milwaukee River Basin.
On-the-Ground Education: FMR has run a storm drain
marking program for the last 2 years to educate citizens about the
connection between storm drains and our waterways – approximately
3,000 drains have been marked in 7 different communities.
FMR also regularly presents information to community groups on
ways that they can help protect water quality in their own backyards
through disconnecting roof downspouts from combined sewer
systems, and by installing rain gardens and rain barrels. Reducing
residential runoff minimizes negative effects on water quality as
well as sewer overflows resulting from insufficient sewer capacity.
Making Changes Through Restoration and
Management: In 2004, FMR planted our first rain garden at
Tonawanda Elementary School in Elm Grove. This 2,500 square foot
garden is adjacent to Underwood Creek, which is one of the flashiest
streams in Wisconsin. Students were involved in all aspects of the
project, including planning, planting, and creation of informational
signage. FMR is also working with the Village of Elm Grove on a
demonstration native planting area/rain garden in the Village Park,
as well as with the Milwaukee River Basin Partnership on a friendly
competition among several local universities to create rain gardens
and other storm water solutions on their campuses.
For more information on these projects, please contact:
Cheryl Nenn, Milwaukee Riverkeeper®
Phone: (414) 287-0207 x 29
E-mail: cheryl_nenn@mkeriverkeeper.org.
Reducing Phosphorus in
Muskegon County, MI
When the Mona Lake Watershed Council
conducted the field inventory for
their watershed management plan in
Muskegon County, MI, it quickly became
evident that many riparian landowners
were using the creeks as dump sites for
their fall leaves and summer grass clippings.
The Council began an educational
campaign aimed at residents, explaining
the results of their behavior; storm water runoff carries a slug of
decaying material into the creek, adding nutrients and organic
matter to the system, and depleting the dissolved oxygen needed
by invertebrates and fish.
In addition, the Council approached local cities and townships
about passing an ordinance that would ban the sale and use of
fertilizers that contain phosphorus. Surprised by the overwhelming
support, the Council has been encouraged to aim for a
county-wide ban. The Council is moving forward with efforts to
do just that. Less fertilizer will mean fewer grass clippings and
less nutrient runoff;we all win!
For more information:
Annoesjka Steinman, Mona Lake Watershed Council Director
Ph. 231-830-1600
E-mail: monalakewatershedcouncil@earthlink.net.
Disclaimer:
The interpretations and conclusions presented in this newsletter represent the opinions of the individual authors. They in no way represent the views of the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, the C.S. Mott Foundation, subscribers, donors, or any organization mentioned in this publication.
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