Canton Township
Stormwater Pollution

Canton is required by the state of Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) to obtain coverage under a permit for any stormwater discharged to the water of the State.

Currently, Canton has coverage under a “Jurisdictional General Permit” that was issued by the State in 2003.

Canton recognizes that storm water discharges are a major source of water pollution in the Rouge River Watershed. As such, Canton has been one of the lead communities in the Alliance of Rouge Communities (ARC) since its inception. Canton is the largest township in the watershed.

Canton is committed to the ongoing restoration and protection of the Rouge River Watershed through its actions and programs as noted below.

Public Involvement and Education

These activities educate the public regarding stormwater quality and pollution prevention:

• Annual River Day Event
• Household Hazardous Waster Round-up
• Benthic Monitoring
• Homeowner Association Presentations

Illicit Discharge Elimination Program (IDEP)

These activities help in identifying and eliminating discharges to drains, creeks and rivers within the portion of the Rouge River Watershed in Canton:

• Annual Outfall Inspections
• Point-of-Sale Septic System Inspection Program

Post Construction Run-Off Control

These efforts and best management practices (BMP) aid in reducing the impact of stormwater discharges from new development and existing developments in Canton.

• Soil Erosion Inspection Program
• Structural Controls/BMPS

Pollution Prevention Activities & Good Housekeeping Practices

The State of Michigan DNRE mandates certain activities to prevent harmful run-off from municipal facilities. Canton has embraced the six following practices to comply with these goals.

• Quarterly Inspections
• Employee Training
• Good Housekeeping Practices
• Structural Controls
• BMP Maintenance Procedures
• Spill Notification Procedures