Implementing a Model Watershed Approach Through a State General Storm Water NPDES Permit

Environment, has expanded from a program to build and evaluate alternative approaches to control combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to a comprehensive watershed based pollution abatement initiative. The Rouge River Remedial Action Plan (RAP) identified the importance of controlling pollution emanating from diffuse storm water and non-point sources. A storm water management strategy was initiated for the watershed that culminated in a new regulatory framework centered around a watershed based general storm water permit. All 48 Rouge Watershed communities had the opportunity to participate in the design of the permit and reached consensus with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) on the required permit elements. The permit requires permitees to participate in watershed management planning for a self-determined subwatershed unit. The watershed management plan will form the basis for implementing watershed goals and objectives that will result in improved water quality and pollution control. Several factors are key to the success of the watershed management plan. These factors are: size of the watershed management area; permit coverage; enforcement and accountability; minimum application requirements; permit requirements; integrating and coordinating plans within a watershed; and plans for future watershed management