Development cannot occur without modification of the natural environment, but the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) is committed to ensuring that “modification” does not become “degradation”. The WCRC recognizes that its decisions and policies set in motion long term processes that could threaten natural resources without adequate mitigation measures.
As a show of commitment to the environment, the Washtenaw County Road Commission has been recognized by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) as an Authorized Public Agency. This which means that the WCRC employs certified staff who are authorized to oversee our soil erosion and storm management programs related to the Washtenaw County Road Commission projects. Also, the WCRC is recognized by the MDEQ to be qualified and responsible for a Phase II Federal Stormwater Permit. As part of that permit, the WCRC has an adopted Storm Water Pollution Prevention Initiative (SWPPI). The SWPPI brings into one document the goals and actions from the various county Watershed Management Plans (WMP), as well as the Illicit Discharge Elimination Plan (IDEP), and the Public Education Plan (PEP).
The SWPPI contains the Washtenaw County Road Commission commitment to abide by the above mentioned plans and to reduce the current and potential discharges of pollutants from the road right of ways to the extent practicable. The SWPPI includes actions that the Road Commission expects to implement over the term of the permit.
It should also be noted that Washtenaw County has developed a great deal of programs and materials that have been designed for the Townships’ use, which will not be listed in detail in the Road Commission SWPPI, as they will be covered in the Washtenaw County SWPPI. Projects such as the Drain Commissioner's Community Partners for Clean Streams, the creation of the Rural Living Handbook, the offer of presentations to land use decision makers, and many others programs and projects from which the Road Commission directly benefits. In addition to those tasks and activities listed below, Road Commission is committed to continuing to work collaboratively with Washtenaw County and other partners.