Stormwater
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) and the Storm Water Management Program
OVERVIEWPolluted stormwater runoff is commonly transported through Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s), from which it is often discharged untreated into Muskegon Lake and Bear Lake. To prevent harmful pollutants from being washed or dumped into the storm sewers, the City of North Muskegon obtains a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and has developed a stormwater management program.
This program is included in a Federal Mandate, and enforced locally by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE). Initiated in 1990, Large and Medium sized communities were required to enact certain testing, education and water quality standards. In 1999, “Phase II” communities were included in the program. North Muskegon is included in the Phase II classification.
What does all of this mean? The City North Muskegon is working with watershed groups, the MDNRE, transportation agencies, citizens and the schools to keep stormwater clean and where needed construct improvements to improve water quality.
Keeping our water clean requires us to be observant of our actions and what goes into our storm drains. If you see “questionable run-off” draining into our storm sewers, lakes or streams, please let us know. The City offices are staffed week days during normal office hours. If there is no one available to take your call please leave a message. All information is confidential. Leave the location of the problem, time, date and characteristics observed.
If there is a fire, explosion, or release of hazardous waste that threatens human health or the environment, or the release has reached the surface water or groundwater, immediately call 800-292-4706. This is the State of Michigan contact center.
If a release could threaten human health outside of the generator’s site, immediately call 800-424-8802 to report the incident. This is the national emergency response center.
Links
- Seven Simple Steps to clean stormwater.
- Muskegon County’s hazardous waste collection.
- Muskegon County Env. Coord. Council.
- Water Quality via MDNRE Beach report.
- Proper Car Wash Guidelines.
- City of North Muskegon Stormwater Ordinance.
Links to other agencies with a common storm water goals:
