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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 17, 2023
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, JohnstonJ14@Michigan.gov, 517-231-9304
Robert Sweet, EGLE Grant Specialist, SweetR@Michigan.gov, 517-512-9765
$3.5 million in grants announced for 11 projects to control or prevent nonpoint source pollution
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced today more than $3.5 million in Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program grants. These funds will support 11 projects that will prevent, reduce, or eliminate polluted runoff and other nonpoint sources of pollution.
The purpose of these grants is to implement priority recommendations in approved watershed management plans developed to restore impaired waters and protect high-quality waters by reducing NPS loads of sediment, nutrients, bacteria, and other contaminants. These Nonpoint Pollution Control grants are funded through the Clean Michigan Initiative and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act. The projects recommended for funding will:
- Replace two misaligned and undersized road-stream crossings in the Lake Charlevoix watershed, as well as implement green infrastructure practices in East Jordan, restoring natural flow and protecting a high-quality watershed.
- Protect seven priority properties in the Paw Paw River, Boardman River, and Thornapple River watersheds with water quality-based permanent conservation easements covering 371 acres and 17,000 feet of stream and lake frontage.
- Implement agricultural best management practices and replace failing septic systems in the Bass River, Pigeon River, Deer Creek, and Rush Creek watersheds to address sources of sediment, nutrient, and coli impairments.
- Develop local ordinance recommendations to better protect wetlands and water quality in three communities in the Huron River watershed.
- Implement agricultural best management practices in the Gun River watershed to address sources of coli and phosphorus impairments.
- Stabilize 375 feet of streambank on the Clinton River to stop erosion and restore habitat.
- Reduce volumes contributing to combined sewer overflows in the Red Run watershed by installing green infrastructure at the Detroit Zoo.
- Leverage Farm Bill funding to implement agricultural best management practices, install a two-stage channel, and conduct education and outreach in Mill Creek, a coldwater tributary to the Lower Grand River.
- Install green infrastructure practices at a parking area within the Clinton River Watershed to treat storm water runoff and reduce impervious surfaces in a system with flashy hydrology.
The following Michigan-based organizations have been awarded funding:
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Allegan: Allegan Conservation District, $269,753.
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Ann Arbor: Huron River Watershed Council, $221,918.
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Clinton Township: Charter Township of Clinton, $100,000.
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Galesburg: Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, $137,726.
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Grand Haven: Ottawa Conservation District, $592,613.
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Grand Rapids: Kent Conservation District, $124,754.
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Okemos: Michigan Nature Association, $442,311.
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Petoskey: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, $323,672.
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Rochester Hills: City of Rochester Hills, $142,480.
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Royal Oak: Detroit Zoological Society, $700,000.
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Traverse City: Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, $500,000.
Nonpoint Pollution Control grants are offered via an annual request for proposals. The next opportunity to apply is later this summer at Michigan.gov/NPS. EGLE’s Nonpoint Source Program also will release separate requests for proposals supporting watershed planning efforts and conservation and educational projects by watershed councils.
Additional information is available on the Nonpoint Source Program website, Michigan.gov/NPS, or from Robert Sweet, Nonpoint Source Unit, Surface Water Assessment Section, EGLE Water Resources Division, at SweetR@Michigan.gov or 517-512-9765.
To stay up to date on EGLE news, follow us at Michigan.gov/MIEnvironment.
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