Stormwater Management and Water Quality Protection in Southeast Michigan

SEMCOG is dedicated to preserving and restoring water quality in Southeast Michigan. Managing stormwater throughout the region allows for improved water quality, flooding management, and increased public health. To that end, SEMCOG offers members a variety of stormwater management services related to low impact development techniques, Phase II permit requirements, and reviewing larger stormwater management plans. 

Rainwater carrying fallen leaves into a street storm drain, highlighting the importance of effective stormwater management and debris control.

Stormwater Technical Assistance

A watershed is an area of land that captures rainwater and eventually carries it to the nearest lake, river, or stream. Michigan has numerous watersheds and subwatersheds. 

Working with local watershed groups and member governments, SEMCOG provides technical assistance on watershed management issues and regulatory requirements within their jurisdictions. Common elements of watershed plans across Southeast Michigan include goals, objectives, and actions to address water quality and water quantity (i.e., stream flashiness) challenges in addition to identifying protection and restoration opportunities.

Specifically, SEMCOG helps to ensure local governments are complying with and considering MS4 and Phase II permit specific activities in their watershed plans. More information on the Phase II program is provided through EGLE’s Municipal Program / MS4 Compliance Assistance and the Phase II permit page. 

Two municipal workers using a yellow vacuum truck to clean a storm drain on a residential street, with safety cones placed around the work area.

Public education is an important component of the Phase II permit. SEMCOG facilitates the Partners for Clean Water group, an information sharing and public education workgroup, that strives to improve water related education throughout Southeast Michigan. SEMCOG’s One Water campaign also educates the public on the value and importance of the stormwater system, and how individuals play a role in keeping stormwater fresh and flowing. 

Green Infrastructure is becoming increasingly important for managing stormwater. This type of infrastructure has the ability to reduce stormwater pollution, while improving habitat quality and quality of life for nearby residents. Many phase II permits now require green infrastructure implementation to manage and mitigate stormwater runoff, to prevent pollutant discharge. Learn more about SEMCOG’s green infrastructure work and best management practices for stormwater management. 

Southeast Michigan Partners for Clean Water

The Southeast Michigan Partners for Clean Water group is comprised of SEMCOG members, including representatives from local communities and counties, in addition to representatives from watershed councils, not-for-profit agencies,  the private sector, and water resource professionals. The purpose of the group is to facilitate information sharing, to coordinate public education, and to leverage resources on water quality, stormwater management, and green infrastructure implementation. 

SEMCOG helps to support ongoing Phase II compliance activities by summarizing annual information related to SEMCOG’s stormwater management activities, with a specific focus on communication, public education, and outreach efforts. This information helps communities and counties meet the reporting requirements associated with the federal Phase II Stormwater Regulations. The most recent report and past reports are provided here: 

Municipal Stormwater Training Materials

Many local governments in Southeast Michigan are required by their municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit to train their employees on stormwater management. To assist local governments in this training, SEMCOG offers in-person workshops and materials for to help meet state requirements. There are three main categories of training materials:

  1. Landscaping Practices for Stormwater Improvement
  2. Maintenance Garage and Storage Yard Practices
  3. Streets and Parking Lot Practices

You will find brochures, posters, presentations and other materials to help communities train their staff in these areas to help improve stormwater quality.

Below are Municipal Stormwater Training Materials from the 2024 Fall Trainings*: 

*Please note IDEP Investigator training is offered in-person only, with the next session planned for Fall/Winter 2025.

Contact Bailee Pasienza to obtain certificates for Professional Development Hours (PDHs).

If you have specific stormwater training needs, please contact the Information Center or call (313) 324-3330.