Developing a Community Based Phase Ii Watershed Organization in the Greater Lansing Michigan Area

Abstract

Michigan is unique nationally as one of the few states that have formalized their NPDES Storm Water Phase II compliance through the use of a general permit based on watershed management planning. This special permitting approach has resulted in a large majority of Michigan's regulated Phase II communities using watershed management planning as a tool to implement their Phase II Program. To date, two hundred and thirty two communities in Michigan are using this approach. This paper is intended to guide other communities in the formation of regional watershed based Phase II groups. Options for committee formation under Michigan statutes, committee structure and organization, and funding methods are provided. A case study from Lansing, Michigan is examined to show the committee's inception, participants, legal relationships, committee structure, funding allocations, evaluation, and permit application.