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EPA
reclassifies Southeast Michigan to marginal nonattainment for air quality On September 16, 2004, the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced that it had granted the request made by SEMCOG and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to reclassify Southeast Michigan to a marginal nonattainment area for ozone air pollution (smog) from a moderate nonattainment area. Marginal areas have more flexibility than moderate nonattainment areas, but must comply with the tough, new air quality standards by 2007 rather than 2010. Vehicle emissions testing, while automatic for moderate nonattainment areas, will still be an option, along with others such as reformulated fuels, to be considered in Southeast Michigan's marginal nonattainment status. The ruling gives Southeast Michigan the flexibility it needs and also commits the area to achieving clean air sooner, which, in turn, will have a positive effect on the region's environment and economy. SEMCOG and MDEQ must now move quickly. Southeast Michigan will need to identify a plan to achieve cleaner air by June 2005, then seek adoption of the laws and rules necessary to implement the plan by June 2006. The goal is to get into compliance as soon as possible and again be declared a clean air area. The reclassification is the result of a strong partnership between SEMCOG and MDEQ, support from the entire Michigan Congressional delegation, the "Big Four" leadership in Southeast Michigan, and the private sector, as well as careful consideration of the appeal by the EPA. Contact: Chuck Hersey, SEMCOG Environmental Programs Manager.
Executive Committee meets September 24 SEMCOG's Executive Committee will meet on Friday, September 24, 2004, in SEMCOG's downtown Detroit office. Rocco Delvecchio, Canadian Consul General, will discuss the links between Southeast Michigan and Canada, specifically efforts to improve our border crossings and protect air and water quality. Several action
items will be considered including approving and recommending adoption
of the 2030 Regional Transportation Plan for Southeast Michigan by SEMCOG's
General Assembly. The plan is defined by broad-based policies, specific
initiatives, and more that $41 billion in transportation projects for FY
2005-2030.
SEMCOG's Rain Gauge Network confirms May's heavy precipitation in Southeast Michigan Precipitation in Southeast Michigan in May 2004 was more than double the average rainfall for that month according to SEMCOG's Rain Gauge Network. May 2004 precipitation in SEMCOG's network recorded a high of 10.14 inches in Allen Park (Outer Drive and Allen Road). Average May rainfall at this location is 2.91 inches, meaning that the May 2004 rainfall was nearly three-and-a-half times the average. The low was 5.40 inches in Sterling Heights (Mound and 18 Mile) but that was still nearly double the average rainfall at that location. Seven other locations recorded precipitation of more than nine inches in May. Those locations were:
For over 40 years, SEMCOG has maintained a Rain Gauge Network covering much of Southeast Michigan. In partnership with Wayne County, Macomb County, Livingston County, and the City of Detroit, the network covers Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Livingston Counties, and parts of Washtenaw County. Data are collected by independent observers from approximately 65 precipitation gauges. Selected historical data and statistics can be accessed on the Michigan State University Web site, climate.geo.msu.edu, or via a link on SEMCOG's Web site — www.semcog.org. Contact: Anne Ordiway, SEMCOG Rain Gauge Analyst, (517) 394-0007.
Freeway Courtesy Patrol celebrates 10 years During the week of September 27-October 1, Southeast Michigan's Freeway Courtesy Patrol (FCP) will celebrate 10 years of service in the region. Begun in 1994 with two drivers patrolling I-75 in Detroit, the goal of the FCP was to enhance motorist safety and security while reducing traffic congestion that is so often associated with vehicle breakdowns and crashes on Detroit area freeways. In the years since, the Freeway Courtesy Patrol has expanded to 34 vehicles patrolling 12 Metro Detroit freeways. During that 10-year period, the patrol has made over 125,000 vehicle stops. Of the total stops, nearly 76,000 (or almost 61 percent) were to help stranded motorists. More than 45,000 stops were to detect and mark unoccupied vehicles and nearly 4,000 stops were to remove debris from the freeway. The 32 drivers will be honored at a luncheon on September 30, 2004. The Michigan Department of Transportation currently administers the Freeway Courtesy Patrol. SEMCOG has been involved with the FCP since its inception. Contact: Chade Saghir, SEMCOG Transportation Planner.
SEMCOG joint public services survey on Web SEMCOG member governments and partners are invited to share information on innovative partnerships being used to efficiency and effectively provide governmental services in Southeast Michigan. Information about the Joint Public Services program, the new database being developed, and the survey form are available on SEMCOG's Web site at www.semcog.org. Look for the link on the home page. Contact: Naheed Huq, Senior Planner, SEMCOG Community and Economic Development.
DWSD to discuss new rates The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) will hold a series of meetings with its wholesale water and sewer customers over the next several months as part of the process of establishing water and sewer rates for FY05-06. The first of these meetings will be held on October 20, 2004 at SEMCOG. Preliminary data on water and wastewater flows and projected revenue requirements will be discussed at this first meeting. All of DWSD's wholesale customers are urged to participate in these meetings. More information, including agendas and data to be presented, will be posted on the DWSD Web site — www.dwsd.org. Contact: Ted Starbuck, Senior Planner, SEMCOG Environmental Programs.
Public meetings on Ann Arbor to Detroit transit study scheduled The Federal Transit Administration and SEMCOG announce the beginning of the scoping process for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Ann Arbor to Detroit transit study. Public meetings to discuss the process are listed below:
More information is available on the project Web site æ www.annarbordetroitrapidtransitstudy.com.
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