Stormwater Management

Stormwater runoff is created when rain or meltwater falls on pavement, buildings, and other impervious surfaces that do not allow water to soak into the ground and recharge our local aquifers. In developed areas like Meridian Township, we limit flooding by moving this runoff from our roads, parking lots, and neighborhoods through storm drains, many of which discharge directly into rivers and streams.

Because water in our storm sewer does not get processed at a treatment plant, any contaminant on the ground can "hitch a ride" with runoff and impact our shared surface waters. Pet waste, oil, leaves, and dirty water from washing your car can enter storm drains and flow downstream, harming aquatic habitats and making water unsafe for swimming, canoeing, and other water-related activities. The Township takes steps to reduce this pollution, improving water quality and meeting state and Federal requirements. 

Per these requirements, the Township must apply for a stormwater discharge permit every five years. The application includes a description of how the Township will commit to and proceed with the development, implementation, and enforcement of practices to reduce the discharge of pollutants from its municipal separate storm sewer system to the maximum extent practicable. This documentation was formally designated as Meridian Township’s Stormwater Management Program. You can find more information by visiting the documents section at the end of this page.

If you have questions or comments regarding Meridian Township's Stormwater Management Plan, please contact Township Engineer Younes Ishraidi at 517.853.4460 or ishraidi@meridian.mi.us. 

To facilitate a regional approach to stormwater management, the Township is also a member of the Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management, a guiding body comprised of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) communities within the Greater Lansing Region. The committee has been established to guide the implementation of the stormwater program for participating communities within the Grand River, the Red Cedar River, and the Looking Glass River watersheds. Visit MyWatersheds.org to learn about upcoming events, find steps you can take to limit water pollution, and to get involved in managing our shared water resources!

When not stored, used, or disposed of properly, household hazardous waste pollutes our waters.  Household cleaners, paints, automotive fluids, and more should be recycled at a household hazardous waste event or designated collection facility.  Check out the links below to learn more about area collection events and resources to help you properly dispose of household materials!

An illicit discharge is defined as any discharge to the municipal separate storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater, except for discharges allowed under an NPDES permit or waters used for firefighting operations. Many of these non-stormwater discharges result from illegal connections to the storm drain system from commercial, residential, and other establishments.

Illicit discharges and dumping allow contaminated wastewater to flow into our local waterways without treatment.  Such activities may be intentional, but also may be unknown to the property owner.  Some examples of illicit discharges or dumping include failing septic systems, improper disposal of sewage from recreational vehicles, illicit connections of sanitary sewer lines and floor drains to the storm sewer system, or cleaning pool filters, paint brushes, and vehicles in a driveway or street.

Please help us protect the Red Cedar and Grand River Watersheds by reporting illicit discharges, connections, and dumping into the storm sewer system.  If you happen to see something entering or exiting a storm pipe, catch basin, or drainage ditch that looks, smells, or feels like something other than stormwater, please contact Meridian Township Chief Engineer Younes Ishraidi by email at ishraidi@meridian.mi.us or call 517.853.4460. You can also report polluters through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS) hotline at 800.292.4706.

There are lots of things you can do as a family to protect water quality: volunteer in a river clean-up, choose natural cleaning products, clean up spills on your driveway, and pick up and properly dispose of pet waste. Find out more information at https://www.mywatersheds.org/be-stormwater-smart.

Want to learn more about how you can protect our waterways at your home, school, or business? Check out these articles, brochures, and flyers and feel free to print and post them at your workplace or classroom! 

Visit the GLRC website at www.MyWatersheds.org for more materials like these, to discover what watershed you live in, and other pollution prevention tips!

Learn more about Ingham County’s point of sale program that identifies and addresses septic system failures, which are a major contributor of water pollution.  

There are several watershed management efforts currently underway by local watershed groups. Their mission is to improve regional water quality and management. The Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management (GLRC) collaborates on several different projects and efforts related to water quality improvements, recreational opportunities, pollution prevention and in general regional water resource management.

Learn more about the Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management at the link below:

https://www.mywatersheds.org/about

View our awareness videos at the link below:

Stormwater Management Awareness Videos

Stormwater Management Plan Documents

Staff

Younes Ishraidi
Township Engineer
ishraidi@meridian.mi.us.
517.853.4460