Sterling Relief Project

The Sterling Relief drain was constructed during the 1970s and is found within the Red Run Subwatershed. Due to the Red Run’s population density and high percentage of developed areas, stormwater runoff and pollution are an issue.

By daylighting 2,000 feet of a formerly enclosed drain this project allowed an open and more traditional stream habitat to be established. Along the drain, a native vegetated corridor was also created.

These improvements provide 156.5 million gallons/year captured and infiltrated stormwater runoff, 17.77 million gallons of stormwater capacity added, 3,488 lbs of nitrogen avoided annually, 616 lbs of phosphorus avoided annually, and 233,317 lbs of sediment avoided annually.

Cost: $1.85 million ($1.25 million in PAC funding)

Fiduciary: Macomb County Public Works

• Drain daylighting along approx. 2.5 miles of open native vegetated corridor

• 156.5 million gallons/year stormwater runoff capture and infiltrated

• 17.77 million gallons of stormwater capacity added

• 3,488 lbs of Nitrogen avoided annually

• 616 lbs of Phosphorus avoided annually

• 233,317 lbs of sediment avoided annually

Project Partners: Macomb County Public Works Office, Sterling Relief Drain Drainage District, Clinton River Watershed Council, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, Hubbell, Roth & Clark, and Pieperzak