Public Stormwater System Facilities Maintenance
The Village of Lake Orion maintains the storm sewer system facilities located on village-owned streets and properties and complies with state and federal regulations governing stormwater collection and discharge systems.
Stormwater
Stormwater can be generally defined as the runoff of rain or snowmelt from a site that is not absorbed into the ground. This runoff comes from the impervious or hard surfaces such as roofs, driveways, streets and parking areas. It is captured through storm drains and pipes, creeks and basins, where it is released over time to mimic the release prior to development. Runoff can pick up pollutants as it travels to the storm system, such as lawn fertilizers, oils from cars, pet waste, eroded soils and any trash. Storm water is not treated so it is important to all of us that we try and keep these waters as clean as possible. Wherever you live or work, you are in a watershed and we need to keep our watersheds healthy for today and into the future.
What is Stormwater runoff?
Runoff is the rain or snowmelt that flows off a property rather than being absorbed into the ground. This runoff is the result from the addition of driveways, parking lots, a building roof or any other impervious surface.
What is an impervious surface?
An impervious surface does not let water become absorbed into the ground like it did before the property was developed. The original grassy or wooded property that absorbed the water is replaced with different surfaces that act as a barrier to absorption. These surfaces can be buildings, driveways, streets, sidewalks or parking lots. As the impervious surface generates greater runoff than the natural property, this additional runoff requires some type of storage to limit the impacts downstream. Most subdivisions have a required stormwater basin for this reason.
Why is it important to manage Stormwater runoff?
Stormwater picks up pollutants as it travels to the storm system and creeks. There is no treatment to remove these pollutants, so it is important to keep the waters clean. Most public water supply systems are downstream of urban runoff areas. Types of pollutants can include fertilizers, car wash soaps and oils as well as pet waste.
About Lake Orion's Stormwater management program
Lake Orion is located within the Detroit Urbanized Area of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) regulations. The Village of Lake Orion is part of the Stony/Paint Creek Subwatershed of the Clinton River Watershed system and covered by the subwatershed's management plan. As part of NPDES regulatory compliance, the village does the following:
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Applies for and maintains a NPDES Phase II MS4 permit through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
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Contracts with the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC) to administer the village's storm water education program in compliance with the village's MS4 permit requirements
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Periodically designs, installs, maintains, inspects, rehabilitates, and replaces municipal storm sewer facilities as needed
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Identifies and takes action to eliminate illicit discharges to the municipal storm sewer system
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Coordinates with the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's Office (OCWRC) to ensure that private property owners install proper storm water facilities and comply with storm water collection and discharge regulations
Below please find web links and copies of important documents related to the Village of Lake Orion's comprehensive stormwater management and public education program.