New plan provides framework for protecting region’s water resources

In recognition of Great Lakes and Water Week, this entry features excerpts from the Spring 2018 Semscope, SEMCOG’s quarterly magazine, which highlighted the Water Resources Plan for Southeast Michigan.

The people of Southeast Michigan benefit from a connected, thriving region of small towns, dynamic urban centers, active waterfronts, diverse neighborhoods, premiere educational institutions, and abundant agricultural, recreational, and natural areas.

This vision was an important consideration as SEMCOG developed the Water Resources Plan for Southeast Michigan, which was adopted this spring. Water resources are necessary for drinking and bathing, recreation and tourism, and to support the region’s diverse economy. From agriculture to mining and manufacturing, and electric utilities, water resources are vital for successful economic development in the region.

Southeast Michigan’s water resource network, which is essential to the region’s environment, economy, and quality of life features:

• over 4,000 miles of rivers and streams,
• over 340,000 acres of wetlands,
• over 800 inland lakes greater than 10 acres, and
• 400 miles of shoreline that define the region’s extensive water resource network and its identity as part of the Great Lakes State.

These resources provide recreational opportunities to residents and visitors, essential habitat for fish and wildlife, assets to support economic development, and drinking water for the 4.7 million residents in Southeast Michigan.

SEMCOG’s early efforts in water planning focused on reducing water pollution caused by discharges from municipal wastewater treatment plants and industry, known as point sources. With major improvements in reducing point sources, efforts then focused on nonpoint source water pollution; for example, runoff of sediment, fertilizers, oil, and grease that rainwater picks up as it flows overland. New in this plan is consideration of the role of water in the economy and tourism and greater recognition that many organizations and all of the region’s residents have a role to play in protecting and managing water resources.

This integrated water resources management approach sets the framework for 28 regional policies. Addressing the core challenges in the region while supporting ongoing activities. To protect and restore Southeast Michigan’s water resources. These regional policies will be incorporated SEMCOG planning efforts. At the local level, these regional strategies serve as guidance for future planning and implementation efforts.

Next Steps

After 18 months of plan development guided by the Water Resources Task Force, the focus now turns to implementation. While several recent projects have already begun to improve water quality in the region, a number of initiatives are primed to maintain momentum.

Asset management – SEMCOG’s work on the governor’s pilot underground infrastructure mapping project has been completed, including a report with recommendations to map infrastructure statewide. Work to coordinate public and private infrastructure improvements has begun with the goal of reducing costs and minimizing disruptions to the public.

Water trail visual mapping – This year, 360-degree images of water and hiking trails will be captured, enabling Southeast Michigan’s parks providers and partners to further promote recreation assets. Akin to Google Street View, these panoramic views will allow users to preview access points and potential obstacles. These images will be incorporated into Southeast Michigan ParkFinder.

Drinking water monitoring – The majority of the region’s drinking water comes from the Huron to Erie Corridor, which includes 14 water treatment plants that monitor source water at intakes and distributes clean drinking water. Recently, SEMCOG was awarded $375,000 to work with these plants to purchase new equipment and enhance the real-time monitoring network with the goal of developing a long-term sustainable framework.

Wetlands mapping – SEMCOG is partnering with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Ducks Unlimited to update the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) for the entire seven-county region. This inventory will help communities identify and prioritize wetland preservation, restoration and mitigation.

One Water – The One Water Partnership aims to address issues like charges, contracts, and system planning in a collaborative effort between the Great Lakes Water Authority, member communities, and regional partners like SEMCOG and MDOT. This effort has already paid dividends, as the region has spoken strongly in one voice about the importance of comprehensive lead abatement programs in response to proposed lead and copper rules. Going forward, the partnership will also focus on developing system-wide standards and comprehensive training to ensure an effective water workforce.

Integrated climate resiliency analysis – To enhance community readiness and identify vulnerable infrastructure assets, SEMCOG is working with the Michigan Department of Transportation on a climate resiliency and flooding study. This analysis will identify assets most likely to be impacted by extreme rain events, including the development of a flood risk assessment along state routes and a framework to resolve roadway flooding challenges.