Michigan Senator urges cooperation to resolve regional water issues

Ongoing water infrastructure issues have caused conflict between Oakland and Macomb counties in Michigan. The tension centers on combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges during heavy rain events, which release stormwater and partially treated wastewater into the Red Run Drain. The drain eventually flows into Macomb County then into the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair.

Macomb County leaders suggest these discharges are causing pollution, algae, high E. coli levels and debris.

Background

Oakland County operates the George W. Kuhn (GWK) Retention Treatment Basin which stores and treats combined stormwater and sewage during peak rainfall. When full, the water is treated and released into the Red Run Drain.

Although the basin can handle a large volume of water, it can still allow partially treated water to be discharged during heavy rain events, according to a news article.

Macomb County believes these CSOs are causing its pollution problems downstream.

Senator Bayer calls for cooperation

Michigan Senator Rosemary Bayer has urged local and state officials to work together to address the root causes and improve water infrastructure in the region and around the state. Senator Bayer has worked with legislative colleagues, local government, stakeholders and residents to craft Stormwater Management Utility legislation (Michigan Senate Bill 441), that would help reduce storm-related CSOs.

“I’m particularly disappointed that the recent focus has been more on pointing fingers than resolving the core issue and want to help set the record straight,” said Senator Bayer in a press release. “Both counties had overflows that day as a result of massive rainwater from the storm, and Macomb County, Oakland County and all the surrounding areas would benefit most by cooperating and addressing the stormwater management challenge together.”

Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash stated that the county’s system meets legal requirements and the facility’s discharges comply with EGLE and federal standards.

“Water doesn’t follow lines on a map. It’s time for all counties in Southeast Michigan to get to work on managing stormwater — together,” said Senator Bayer in a press release.