Stormwater Communities

WHAT CRWC PROVIDES

CRWC assists communities that must comply with the NPDES Phase II stormwater discharge regulations.

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Storm Water Rule, issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), required municipalities and other public bodies that operate a separate storm water drainage system within a U.S. Census-defined Urbanized Boundary to obtain a stormwater permit by March 2003. This permit program affects over 170 communities in Southeast Michigan and is administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy(EGLE).

STORMWATER RESOURCES

CRWC offers one-on-one technical assistance to individuals, businesses, and local governments on a variety of watershed management issues, including site visits, plan reviews, and permit application reviews, as our capacity allows.

CRWC provides all stormwater communities with resources to hand out and post throughout their community to help fulfill their stormwater requirements. 

STORMWATER SERVICES FOR COMMUNITIES

The Clinton River Watershed Council provides the following services to communities that opt into a Stormwater Education contract with us. These services fulfill the requirements set out in the Public Education Plan (PEP) under the State of Michigan’s MS4 requirements.  

  • Administration of the collaborative Clinton River Watershed, Anchor Bay, and Lake St. Clair Direct Drainage Public Education Plan (PEP). 

  • MS4 coordination with EGLE on PEP requirements. 

  • Biennial reporting of PEP activities to municipalities and EGLE. 

  • Facilitation of stormwater education workshops and presentations throughout CRWC service area.

  • Additional community education events focused on stormwater by request. 

  • Hosting quarterly Stormwater Management Forums.

  • Maintenance of subwatershed information sites online. 

  • Development of best management practice flyers for homeowners and businesses, as well as other educational materials. Delivery by CRWC to communities by request.

  • Digital distribution of monthly stormwater education program newsletters. 

  • Maintenance of educational displays for community reservation, and delivery by CRWC staff to communities by request. 

  • Distribution of dog waste bags and educational tip cards to communities by request. 

Stormwater Monthly

Updated September 12th, 2025

Welcome to the Stormwater Monthly page! The information provided here will be updated monthly in the spirit of our previous "Stormwater Monday" newsletters, so be sure to check near the beginning of the month for news and updates.

CRWC is excited to share the approved Clinton River Watershed Wide Public Education Plan 2025. This document is the approved watershed wide collaborative Public Education Plan (PEP). Please include this version of the Public Education Plan in your upcoming applications/submittals through MiEnviro, as requested by EGLE.

If you have questions regarding CRWC's programs, your contract with CRWC, your status as a Stormwater Education Program contact, or anything else please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email at (248)-601-0606 ext. 26 or kaleigh@crwc.org.

Best regards,
Kaleigh

KALEIGH SNODDY
Education & Stewardship Manager

THIS MONTH’S FEATURED ARTICLES & FLYERS

Please share with your community:

POOLS AND SPLASH PAD BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

(English)

DRY CLEANERS BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - UPDATED

(English)

PADDLING SAFETY TIPS

(English)

(Spanish)

(Arabic)

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FORUMS

CRWC's Stormwater Management Forums are offered to community partners as part of the Stormwater Education Program.
These forums bring decision-makers and stakeholders within our watershed together to share information and discuss relevant topics and techniques in stormwater management. These forums are free and offered as part of CRWC’s Stormwater Education program. All government and Stormwater Education Program members, elected officials, environmental consultants, urban planners, and water utility managers are encouraged to attend.

To register, please email Kaleigh Snoddy at kaleigh@crwc.org or register below via Microsoft Forms. Registration is required to receive further details on the forum.

Upcoming Forums:

September 18th, 2025 - Virtual, from 10-11am. Register via Microsoft Teams.

Join us for a presentation from EGLE staff Julia Miller and Jessica Stiles on the new progress reporting template for MS4 permittees in MiEnviro, as well as best practices for maintaining documentation for successful inspections.

November 20th 2025 - In person at the Clarkston Independence Library, from 10:30-11:30am. Register via Microsoft Forms.

Hear from Saginaw County Road Commission staff on their compliance journey, including the ways they facilitate their street sweeping program and catch basin clearance. Saginaw County Road Commission was flagged by EGLE staff as having a unique and high quality program under their MS4 permit activities.

February 19th, 2026 - Virtual

Past Forums:

July 17th, 2025: Updates from CRWC on the Public Education Plan (PPT here), contract execution, as well as activities to keep an eye out for. SEMCOG’s Bailee Pasienza also shared information about IDEP/PPGH trainings, and their MS4 Post Construction tracking tool, as well as the One Water campaign.

March 20th, 2025: WATCH THE RECORDING HERE, Jeffery Schiffman shares information on WaterTowns

If you have requests or suggestions for topics and guest speakers please reach out to Kaleigh Snoddy at kaleigh@crwc.org or 248-601-0606

REMINDERS

Don't forget about our ongoing stormwater education resources and services available to your community or organization: 

  • Request refills on flyers, brochures, or tip-cards.

  • Reserve a stormwater display

  • Schedule a presentation or workshop

When you fill out a request, someone from CRWC will follow up with you. 

Contact Kaleigh Snoddy at kaleigh@crwc.org, or (248)-601-0606 for additional information.

Be sure to track your community's activities via Appendix B.

UPCOMING EVENTS

All Events
Fall Rain Barrel Sale
Aug 4
Fall Rain Barrel Sale
Crafts on the Clinton
Sep 19
Dodge Park
Crafts on the Clinton
Dodge Park
Dodge Park
Native Garden Maintenance
Sep 23
Clinton River Watershed Council
Native Garden Maintenance
Clinton River Watershed Council
Clinton River Watershed Council
Adopt-A-Stream Training
Sep 23
Waterford Township Public Library
Adopt-A-Stream Training
Waterford Township Public Library
Waterford Township Public Library
CRWC Weekly Clean
Sep 24
Addison Oaks
CRWC Weekly Clean
Addison Oaks
Addison Oaks
Adopt-A-Stream Training
Sep 24
Ray Township Public Library
Adopt-A-Stream Training
Ray Township Public Library
Ray Township Public Library
Adopt-A-Stream Bug ID Training
Sep 29
Orvis
Adopt-A-Stream Bug ID Training
Orvis
Orvis
CRWC Weekly Clean
Oct 1
Macomb Corners Park
CRWC Weekly Clean
Macomb Corners Park
Macomb Corners Park
Clinton River Watershed Council
Nourished by Nature: Bat Hike
Clinton River Watershed Council
Clinton River Watershed Council
Adopt-A-Stream
Oct 4
Adopt-A-Stream
CRWC Weekly Clean
Oct 8
Woodall Park
CRWC Weekly Clean
Woodall Park
Woodall Park
Seed Collection Workshop 2025
Oct 11
Clinton River Watershed Council
Seed Collection Workshop 2025
Clinton River Watershed Council
Clinton River Watershed Council
CRWC Weekly Clean
Oct 15
Sylvan Manor Park
CRWC Weekly Clean
Sylvan Manor Park
Sylvan Manor Park
CRWC Weekly Clean
Oct 22
David H. Shepard Park
CRWC Weekly Clean
David H. Shepard Park
David H. Shepard Park
CRWC Weekly Clean
Oct 29
Maynard "Red" Aurand Memorial Park
CRWC Weekly Clean
Maynard "Red" Aurand Memorial Park
Maynard "Red" Aurand Memorial Park
Stream Leaders Student Conference
Nov 19
Macomb Intermediate School District, Main Building
Stream Leaders Student Conference
Macomb Intermediate School District, Main Building
Macomb Intermediate School District, Main Building

PARTICIPATION REQUESTED

  • Regional Stormwater Summit @ Lawrence Tech

    The Regional Stormwater Summit is a Southeast Michigan regional gathering of government, industry, and community stakeholders interested in learning and sharing the latest technologies, new rules, and collaborative efforts around stormwater issues. This year’s summit is taking place Friday, October 10th.

    For agenda, registration, and additional information, visit the Regional Stormwater Summit webpage.

  • SEMI Flood Study Virtual Meeting

    As part of the ongoing engagement for the Southeast Michigan Flood Risk Management Study, the Corps of Engineers and GLWA are hosting an upcoming virtual public meeting on October 2, from 5-6 p.m. The Corps of Engineers and GLWA study team will give an overview of the study, discuss the current efforts underway, and provide an opportunity for Q&A. Specifically, the study team’s lead economist and GLWA consultant Limnotech will discuss the ongoing economic, hydraulic, and resiliency modeling for the region.

    This meeting is taking place via Microsoft Teams (click link to join).

  • Stormwater Funding Criteria Feedback Survey - EGLE

    EGLE's Water Infrastructure Funding and Financing Section, which administers the State Revolving Fund (SRF), has shared the draft scoring criteria as well as overburdened community definition criteria.

    Visit EGLE’s SRF page to review these criteria, and to learn how to leave a public comment.

  • Great Lakes Microplastics Summit

    Registration is now open for the inaugural Great Lakes Microplastics Summit, taking place October 22. Hosted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), this free virtual one-day event will bring together researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the region to network, share insights, and explore the latest findings regarding microplastics in both surface water and drinking water.

  • Environmental Justice Conference

    The 2025 Michigan Environmental Justice Conference, hosted by the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate in the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, will take place on September 29 at the Marriott Detroit in the Renaissance Center. 

NEWS

  • STATE OF THE GREAT LAKE REPORT

    Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has released the 2024 Michigan State of the Great Lakes Report. The report explores major accomplishments, issues, initiatives, and challenges related to the health and sustainability of our Great Lakes—the world’s greatest surface freshwater system.

  • SOUTHEAST MI FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STUDY

    The Great Lakes Water Authority and the US Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District have received authorization and federal funding from Congress to study flooding across the region and identify actions to help mitigate its impacts on our communities. Find more information on meetings via the USACE website.

WEBINARS

GRANTS

SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN RESILIENCE FUND

The Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund is live for 2025! The Fund will award grants to help increase the resilience of communities and natural resources in Southeast Michigan by reducing the impact of stormwater, improving water quality, enhancing habitat, and increasing the usability of public space and natural areas. Grants will be awarded in three categories: 1) expanding nature-based solutions and access to nature, 2) improving habitat quality and connectivity, 3) activating restored habitats and natural areas. Full proposals must be submitted by Thursday, October 16th. Learn more at NFWF.org.

DART STORMWATER FILTRATION GRANT

Thanks to funding from the Michigan-based Dart Container Corporation, the Council of the Great Lakes Region is offering a grant to help communities purchase, install and monitor innovative stormwater filtration systems designed to capture and prevent land-based plastic litter, oil and sediment from entering our waterways and ultimately the Great Lakes, such as the LittaTrap™ and the Gutter Bin®. Apply for funding here.

CIRCULAR GREAT LAKES CAPTURE AND CLEAN UP GRANT

Through funding by Dart Container Corporation, Circular Great Lakes is offering grants for the installation of stormwater filtration to help keep sediment, litter, and other pollutants out of storm sewer systems. Learn more and apply for a grant at circulargreatlakes.org/captureandcleanup

RESOURCES

  • STORMWATER STANDARDS

    The latest stormwater standards for watershed communities can be found below.

    Oakland County
    Macomb County
    Wayne County

  • EGLE'S MICHIGAN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE MAPPING AND SCREENING TOOL

    The Michigan Environmental Justice Mapping and Screening Tool (MiEJScreen) allows users to explore environmental, health, and socio-economic indicators. These indicators are guides to help identify where populations are more vulnerable, what challenges communities face, and provide data to move toward environmental equity. View the tool at michigan.gov/egle/maps-data/miejscreen

  • STATE REVOLVING FUND ADVOCACY TOOL KIT

    River Network has developed a tool kit to support state and local advocates interested in water infrastructure investment who are seeking to better understand the State Revolving Fund (SRF) process. This toolkit aims to build the capacity of advocates to influence, improve, and access the process of securing funding for communities who need it most and have historically not been able to access SRF dollars. Access the tool kit at rivernetwork.org/connect-learn/resources/state-revolving-fund-advocacy-toolkit

  • TREES AVAILABLE FOR PROJECTS IN MACOMB COUNTY

    Green Macomb is seeking communities interested in planting trees to restore the urban canopy of Macomb County. If you are interested in receiving trees, please fill out the form found here.

  • CLEAN WATER ACT SELF-PACED TRAINING SERIES

    This 9-Part training series is an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the Clean Water Act, dive deep into each of the Act’s program areas, and discover ways you can use the tools of the Act - and your local knowledge - to advocate for your streams and rivers.

    Learn more and register via River Network.

  • RISC TOOLKITS ON SCALING GSI, CLIMATE CHANGE PREPAREDNESS, AND MORE

    Resilient Infrastructure & Sustainable Communities (RISC) is a cluster of public and private sector professionals focused on climate resiliency via delivery and finance of market-based green stormwater infrastructure across the Great Lakes region. View their toolkits and reports, including key takeaways, via their website.

  • WATCH THE FOREVER CHEMICALS ON GREAT LAKES NOW

    It’s a curious acronym — PFAS — and it stands for a family of chemicals that’s in most homes and being detected in an increasing number of people’s water systems in Michigan and other states and provinces. Learn more.

  • WATER FINANCE CLEARINGHOUSE

    The EPA's Water Finance Clearinghouse is an easily navigable web-based portal to help communities locate information and resources that will assist them in making informed decisions for their drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure needs. Learn more.

  • OFFICE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PUBLIC ADVOCATE

    Created by Governor Whitmer's Executive Order 2019-06 to serve as an external and internal advocate and catalyst for ensuring Environmental Justice throughout the state. Led by the Environmental Justice Public Advocate, the Office works collaboratively across state government to advance Environmental Justice and equity in Michigan, as well as addressing environmental justice concerns and complaints. Learn more.

OTHER RESOURCES