The leading cause of pollution to our lakes, stream and rivers comes from contaminated stormwater runoff. Every time it rains or the snow melts, pollutants on the land can get washed into nearby storm drains. These drains empty into the nearest waterway without any prior treatment. Polluted stormwater runoff can decrease the quality of our lakes, streams and rivers for things like fishing, swimming and boating. Common pollutants on the land may include sediment, grease/oil, road salt, excess nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen and harmful pathogens and bacteria.

We all play a part in protecting our waterways from pollution, including businesses such as commercial and industrial properties, as well as institutions such as schools, churches and universities. Below are informational flyers to learn about simple steps you can take for a particular sector to help keep our waterways clean.

Remember, “Only Rain in the Drain!”

• Machine Shop Best Management Practices
• Food Services Best Management Practices
• Composting Facility Best Management Practices
• Concrete Washout Best Management Practices
• Clean Boating Best Management Practices
• Commercial Car Wash Best Management Practices
• Landscaping & Lawn Care Best Management Practices
• Auto Care Best Management Practices
• School Property Best Management Practices
• Homeowner’s Association Best Management Practices
• Best Management Practices for Businesses - General

For copies of any of these informational flyers, reach out to the WRC Environmental Team at envreq@oakgov.com.

Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) at WRC

To protect our wastewater system and the environment, the Industrial Pretreatment Program at WRC requires some industrial dischargers to use treatment techniques and management practices to reduce or eliminate the types of contaminants that could be harmful to sanitary sewers. The Industrial Pretreatment Program is an essential part of the Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Water Resource Recovery Facilities are authorized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) to administratively monitor and enforce rules and regulations in the areas tributary to their system.

• Learn more about the Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) at the WRC!