guide to the guides - revize

Guide to the Guides:

Guide No. 1 - Protecting Water Quality

Guide No. 2 - Catch Basin Care

Guide No. 3 - Maintaining Septic Systems

Guide No. 4 - Car Care

Guide No. 5 - Stormwater Pond Maintenance

Guide No. 6 - Controlling Garden Pests

Guide No. 7 - Landscaping Near the Water’s Edge

Guide No. 8 - Rethinking Lawn Care

Guide No. 9 - Prescription Drug & Personal CareProduct Disposal

They’re Our WaterwaysDid you know that the major source of pollution toour creeks, ponds, and streams is stormwater runoff?As rain water flows over land it picks up a variety ofpollutants, including eroded soil, trash, fertilizers andpesticides. Automobile fluids, including motor oil,antifreeze, gasoline, and brake fluid, contain tracemetals and chemicals that often leak from vehiclesonto streets and parking lots. These pollutants maymake their way into storm sewers and ultimately intonearby streams and rivers.

The Rouge River, Huron River, Raisin River, PaintCreek, and Stony Creek are the major waterwaysthat flow through Washtenaw County. These riversystems and their tributary creeks lie within water-sheds—the land that drains into them.

Washtenaw County is fortunate to have many highquality waterways. If they are to stay that way, wemust all play a part; every activity on the land hasan impact on our water resources.

Protecting Water Quality

What You Can Do

The information presented in these guides is intended to in-form local homeowners and homeowners’ associations of therole they can play in pollution prevention and stream protec-tion.

Topics covered by these guides include:

Guide No. 1 ............. Protecting Water Quality

Guide No. 2 ............. Catch Basin Care

Guide No. 3 ............. Maintaining Septic Systems

Guide No. 4 ............. Car Care

Guide No. 5 ............. Storm Water Pond Maintenance

Guide No. 6 ............. Controlling Garden Pests

Guide No. 7 ............. Landscaping Near the Water’s Edge

Guide No. 8 ............. Rethinking Lawn Care

Guide No. 1

Washtenaw County is workingwith Salem, Superior, and YpsilantiTownships to protect and improvethe waters of the Rouge River.

Washtenaw County WatershedsWashtenaw County RougeWatershed

POLLUTANTS: Their Sources and Impacts

LITTER AND DEBRISSources: Grass clippings, leaves and litter generatedby careless disposal practices.

Impacts: Litter and leaves that wash into storm sew-ers can clog detention basin inlets and outlets, andeventually pollute streams and rivers. Excessiveleaves and other organic materials decompose andlower the amount of oxygen available to aquatic life.

TOXIC COMPOUNDSSources: Toxic substances include vehicle fluids,solvents, lawn herbicides and pesticides, paints andmetals such as chromium, copper and mercury.

Impacts: Toxins can accumulate in the aquatic foodchain, as one larger organism eats many smaller onesthat have been contaminated. Even in very smallconcentrations, oil and other toxic substances canharm aquatic plants and animals.

NUTRIENTS

Sources: Septic systems,lawn fertilizers, animalwaste, cleaning products,plant debris and erodedsoil.

Impacts: Phosphorous and nitrogen can over-stimu-late aquatic weed and algae growth. As they decay,excess weeds and algae use oxygen in the water,which is needed by fish and other aquatic life.

SOIL/SEDIMENT

Source: Construction sitesand other non-vegetated lands.

Impacts: Uncontrolled soil erosion can result in ex-cess sediment that clogs catch basins, storm sewersand detention basins, leading to higher maintenancecosts and flooding. As it settles, sediment can smotherfish eggs and bottom-dwelling organisms, and destroyaquatic habitat. Suspended sediment can lower thetransmission of light through water and can nega-tively affect aquatic animals.

Other pollutants can attach to soil particles. Whensediments wash off the ground into waterways theycarry these pollutants with them.

A pollutant is any substance that can harm living things. Pollutants commonly found in Washtenaw waterways include:

For additional information, contact Washtenaw County Drain Commissioner’s Office at (734) 222-6833 or (734) 222-6860.Original graphics by David Zinn.

Why be concerned?

Catch Basin Care

Catch basins are storm sewer in-lets that filter out debris such asleaves and litter. They are typi-cally located next to street curbsor in the rear yards of residentialareas.

It is important to maintain catchbasins to prevent storm sewerblockages and minimize theamount of pollutants enteringstorm sewers. Storm sewers ei-ther discharge into detention ba-sins or directly into streams.

Clogged catch basins can alsocause water to pond along streetsand in yards. This flooding canbe a nuisance to motorists andhomeowners.

Why be concerned?

GETTING HELP

Washtenaw CountyDrain Commissioner ........ (734) 222-6860

Washtenaw CountyRoad Commission ............ (734) 761-1500

Your City or Village UtilityMaintenance Dept.

Michigan Department ofEnvironmental Quality ..... (800) 662-9278

see the Washtenaw County website at

www.co.washtenaw.mi.us

Are You Responsiblefor Catch Basin Care?Your Homeowner’s Association is re-sponsible for catch basin maintenanceif you live in a subdivision, site condo-minium or attached condominiumneighborhood with private roads.Catchbasins in public roads are main-tained by the Washtenaw County RoadCommission or your City or VillagePublic Works or Utility Department.

Stormwater drainage systems are typi-cally designed to remove water from adeveloped area as quickly as possibleduring a storm. While these systemsare convenient for urban residents, theyalso carry pollutants to surface watersat a “rapid transit” pace. Contrary topopular belief, pet wastes, oil and othermaterials dumped into storm sewergrates do not go to the waste watertreatment plant, but flow directly intostreams and lakes. For example: dump-ing oil into a storm sewer grate has al-most unthinkable consequences. Whenit reaches the water, five quarts of oilcan create a slick as large as two foot-ball fields and persist on mud or plantsfor six months or more.

How are Catch BasinsMaintained?1) Remove Debris from Grates

The grates of catch basins can becomeclogged with litter or leaves, especiallyin the spring and fall. Regularly inspectthe grate and remove debris. Encour-age neighbors to adopt the catch ba-sins in front of their homes, and keepthem free of debris.

2) Remove Debris from Storage Area

Catch basins should be cleaned outbefore the storage area is half full. Oncethis level is reached, debris begins to

wash into sewer pipes. Cleaningshould be done in the spring after thefirst large snow melt, in the fall aftertrees have shed their leaves, and addi-tionally if needed.

To find out how much material has ac-cumulated in the storage area of a catchbasin, insert a long pipe or broom stickinto the storm drain grate. Noticewhere the pipe or stick hits the debrisand continue to the bottom to estimatethe depth of accumulation. Cleaningthese storage areas should be per-formed by a private contractor. Forassistance identifying suitable contrac-tors, contact one of the agencies listedunder “Getting Help.”

StencilingYourStormDrainsStenciled or applied decals that read“Dump No Waste - Drains to RougeRiver” are a good reminder that noth-ing but water belongs down a stormdrain. Contact the Drain Commission-er’s Office for more information aboutparticipating in storm drain stenciling.

Guide No. 2

This guide was prepared by the office of Washtenaw County’s Drain Commissioner, Janis Bobrin. Printing and distribution funded through a grant fromthe Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project, and by Washtenaw County. Original graphics by David Zinn.

Remember that street leaves are usually picked up on aschedule, weather permitting. Street leaf pickups maybe delayed if a City’s trucks are needed to clear streetsnow. If the leaf collection schedule is delayed, newcollection dates will be assigned. Call your local City,Village or Township Hall for leaf pickup and scheduling.

1 Remind children not to play in street leaves.

2 Leave one foot of space between the curb and leaves for stormwater to run into the gutter.

3 Leaves in plastic bags are not accepted.

4 Do not park vehicles over dry leaves to avoid potential fires.

5 Do not park on streets with posted tow-away signs. Cars can be ticketed and towed.

In a way, we all live on a river. Water that enters our storm drains flows directly into a stream or river untreated, along witheverything that rainwater carries away from our streets: trash, leaves, grass, fertilizers, pet wastes, etc. Reducing pollutantsfrom rainstorm runoff is one of the biggest hurdles to keeping our river clean.

During the Fall, it is especially important to keep leaves out of the storm inlets. In addition to clogging drains and causingbackups, leaves that enter the storm drains decay in the water and rob fish of vital oxygen. Follow these steps to give ourwaterways a hand; you’ll also reduce the risk of flooding on your street.

Protect Our Waterways at Leaf Collection Time

Fall Street Leaf Collection Reminders:

1. Compost yard waste. Thenext time you mow, mulch theleaves while cutting the grass.They’re the best nutrients.You can also put leaves in com-post containers for curbsidecollection.

2. Wait until the last minute.If you have your leaves pickedup by a community’s leafcollection program, rake theleaves into the street just priorto your scheduled pick-up day.Should it rain, leaves won’t en-ter the storm drain inlets andwaterways as easily if they areraked and stored on your lawnextension for as long as possible.

3. Stay out of the gutter. If your community doesallow you to sweep leaves to the street for collec-tion, be sure to keep leaves out of the gutter. Thereshould be at least a one-foot space between the curband your leaves for the stormwater to run into thegutter. This will reduce the risk of flooding in your area.

4. Keep inlets clear. Reducethe risk of flooding and helpprotect the environment by re-moving accumulated debrisfrom catch basin grates. Don’tdeposit yard or pet wastes intocatch basins.

Wastewater

Sludge Layer

Scum Layer

Inspection

(Pump Out) Ports

Tee/BaffleInlet:

Sewage

enters

from

house

Figure 2

Outlet:

Treated

wastewater

goes to

distribution

box and

drainfield

Why be concerned?

Maintaining Septic Systems

Septic systems are wastewatertreatment systems designed tocollect all wastewater from resi-dences where sanitary sewer sys-tems are not available. They aretypically designed to be effectiveover a 20-year period if properlymaintained.

Poorly maintained and failing sep-tic systems can cause seriousproblems. Sewage from over-loaded systems can pond on theground near the drainfield or backup into buildings. Inadequatelytreated septic liquids can contami-nate ditches, creeks and shallowdrinking water supplies. Animalsand people may become ill fromcontact with these polluted waters.In addition to public health con-cerns, it is costly to repair or re-place a failing system.

Do’s and Don’ts if YouAre on a Septic System

DO’s

•Learn the location of your septictank and drainfield. Keep a sketchof it handy with your maintenancerecord for service visits. Obtain acopy of your septic permit fromthe Washtenaw County Environ-mental Health Division, if possible.

•Connect laundry and kitchen waterto the septic tank.

•Divert other sources of water, likeroof drains, house footing drainsand sump pumps, to lawn areasaway from the septic system.Excessive water keeps the soil inthe drainfield saturated andprevents adequate treatment of thewaste water.

•Have your septic tank pumped outby a licensed operator every 2-3years.

•Have the operator make sure thereis a tee or baffle on the outlet ofthe septic tank. The baffle stops thescum from floating into thedrainfield.

How the Septic System WorksA septic system consists of a septic tankand a drainfield (Figure 1). Wastewa-ter flows from the house to the septictank where natural bacteria begin tobreak down the solid materials. Thisbreakdown reduces solids in the waste-water, but leaves a sludge residue be-hind in the tank that builds up andmust be removed to prevent it fromentering the drainfield and clogging thesystem.

The center liquid layer flows slowlyfrom the tank (Figure 2) into thedrainfield. The drainfield is made upof perforated pipes that equally dis-tribute the wastewater across thegravel-filled drainfield. The liquid thensoaks into the soil that acts as the finalfilter for treatment of wastewater re-ceived from the septic tank.

This guide was prepared by the Office of the Washtenaw County Drain Commissioner, Janis Bobrin. Information sources include Rouge RAP advisorycommittee and Rouge Repair Kit. Graphics by SmithGroup JJR. Printing and distribution funded by a grant from the Rouge River National Wet WeatherDemonstration Program and by Washtenaw County.

Guide No. 3

(Continued on other side)

Time of Home SaleInspection RegulationWashtenaw County has adopted a regu-lation for the inspecttion of well andseptic systems at time of property trans-fer. For more information, callWashtenaw County EnvironmentalHealth at (734) 971-4542. Downloadthe full text of the regulation at:www.co.washtenaw.mi.us/DEPTS/eis/OWSDShome.html

Septic Tank Drainfield

Figure 1

Septic

Tank Drainfield

•Check with the Washtenaw County Environmental Health Division if you are having problems. Staff can assist with operation, maintenance and design questions.

•Take leftover hazardous householdchemicals to your approved hometoxics waste collection center fordisposal.

•Use bleach, disinfectants and toiletbowl cleaners sparingly and inaccordance with product labels.Preferably use alternative cleaningproducts as recommended in theHome Toxics Guide included with

this handbook.

Limit water entering your tank:

•Use water-saving faucets, showersand toilets.

•Minimize the amount of water usedfor bathing and dishwashing.

•Drain appliances one at a time.

•Spread clothes washing over theentire week and avoid half-loads.

•Check toilets for leaks at least oncea year by putting a few drops offood coloring into the toilet tank. Ifcolored water appears in the toiletbowl, you have a leaking toilet.

Don’ts

•Don’t enter a septic tank. Toxicgases are produced by the naturaltreatment processes and can killhumans in minutes. Take extremecare when inspecting a septic tank,even when just looking into the lidopening. Better yet, leave this to aseptic system professional.

•Don’t allow heavy vehicles todrive over, or park on top of, theseptic system.

•Don’t plant trees or shrubs on, ordirectly adjacent to, the septic tankor drainfield. The roots from theplants could damage the system.

•Don’t cover the drainfield with ahard surface such as concrete,asphalt, above-ground pools ordecks. This area should have agrass cover.

•Don’t repair your septic systemwithout checking with theEnvironmental Health Division tosee if you need a permit.

•Don’t use a kitchen garbagedisposal unit. Heavy use adds largequantities of solids and shortens thelife span of the septic system.

•Don’t use commercial septic tankadditives. These products do nothelp, but may harm your system inthe long run.

•Don’t use your toilet or sink as atrash can. Pouring harsh chemicalsand cleansers down the drain cankill the beneficial bacteria thattreat your wastewater andcontaminate the groundwater.

Do not flush or wash solidsdown the drain:

• coffee grinds • dental floss• meat fat • kitty litter• grease or oil • paper towels• cigarette butts• disposable diapers• personal hygiene items

The same goes for hazardouschemicals, such as:

• paints • varnishes• paint thinners • pesticides• oils • gasoline• photographic • household solutions cleaning

products

These items can overtax or destroy thebiological digestion taking place withinyour system. In addition, the hazard-ous chemicals can contaminate yourgroundwater.

What To Do If YourSystem Is Failing

Signs that your system is failing:

• Sewage backup in drains or toilets.

• Slow flushing toilets, sinks or drains.

• Visible liquid on the surface of theground near the septic system. Itmay or may not have an odorassociated with it.

• Lush, green grass over the drainfield,even during dry weather. Often,this indicates that an excessiveamount of liquid from the system ismoving up through the soil, insteadof downward, as it should.

• Build-up of aquatic weeds or algaein lakes or ponds adjacent to yourhome. This may indicate thatnutrient-rich septic system waste isleaching into the surface water.

• Unpleasant odors around yourhouse.

• Gurgling sounds in the sinks anddrains.

If your system exhibits one or more ofthe failure indicators, contactWashtenaw County EnvironmentalHealth staff for assistance in assessingthe situation. Sometimes the systemcan be repaired without complete re-placement. Sewage contains harmfulbacteria, so keep pets and childrenaway from the system. Limit water useuntil repairs can be made. If a newsystem or major repairs are needed, apermit is required from the WashtenawEnvironmental Health Division.

Washtenaw CountyEnvironmental Health ........... (734) 971-4542

Home Toxics Hotline(24 hrs.) ................................. (734) 971-7356

Washtenaw County Home Toxics website:www.co.washtenaw.mi.us/depts/eis/eishhw.htm

GETTING HELP

(Continued from other side)

Washing cars in your drivewaycan add pollutants to streams andrivers. Wash water that entersstorm drains often contains de-tergents, oil, grease, heavy met-als and dirt. Storm drains even-tually discharge directly to localwaterways.

Vehicle fluids dumped down astorm drain or directly into a wa-terway can cause serious prob-lems. Four quarts of oil, theamount it takes to fill anautomobile’s engine, can form aneight acre oil slick in a river. Othervehicle fluids such as antifreezeare poisonous to people, fish andwildlife. Many cats and dogs havedied from drinking sweet-tastingpuddles of antifreeze found ondriveways, in ditches or nearstorm drains.

Washing Tips• Wash your car at a commercialcar wash that uses water efficientlyand disposes of the wash waterproperly. Or, wash your car on thelawn to prevent soapy runoff fromentering storm drains or roadsideditches.

• Remove dirt around the wheelsfirst with a wire brush. Collect thesoil with a broom and dispose of itin a manner that will keep it out ofstorm drains.

• Use plain water whenever pos-sible or non-phosphate biodegrad-able detergents and mild soaps, suchas vegetable oil-based soaps.

• Wash one section of the car at atime and rinse it quickly using a pis-tol grip nozzle with high pressureand low volume.

• You may want to check with yourCity or Township to determinewhether parking your car on yourlawn for a brief period of time to ac-complish car washing is permitted.

Why be concerned?

Car Care

Guide No. 4

GETTING HELPMichigan Department ofEnvironmental Quality ................. (800) 662-9278

Washtenaw County HouseholdHazardous Waste .......................... (734) 971-7356

Home Toxics Disposal Program ..... (734) 222-6865

Car Maintenance Tips• If you change vehicle fluids like motoroil or antifreeze at home, take the wastefluids to a recycling center (see “GettingHelp”) or an oil change facility.

• Always use a drip pan under your workand use funnels when transferring fluids.Investigate using an oil change kit designedto absorb used oil.

• Never mix waste oil with gasoline,solvents or other liquids before recycling.

• Change vehicle fluids in the garagewhenever possible. If a spill occurs, pourkitty litter, sawdust or cornmeal on the spillto absorb the liquid. Place the waste ma-terial in a strong plastic bag and disposewith your trash.

• Inspect vehicles regularly for leaking oiland fluids, and make repairs immediatelyafter problems are detected.

Recreation Vehicles and theDisposal of Sanitary Waste

Currently, there are no municipal authori-ties in Washtenaw County that providesanitary waste disposal generated from rec-reation vehicles. Be certain to properlydispose of RV sanitary wastes at your camp-ground or park designated facility since itmay be difficult to locate alternative facili-ties that will accept sanitary wastes fromRVs not using their campground services.Check the telephone directory for any lo-cal campgrounds that may provide thisservice.


Why be concerned?

Stormwater Pond Maintenance

Homeowners’ Associations andbusiness owners have first lineresponsibility for maintaining theirstormwater ponds. Called deten-tion or retention basins, these fa-cilities require maintenance to en-sure that they function properly.Poorly maintained basins, regard-less of their design, lose their abil-ity both to control flooding onprivate property and prevent pol-lutants like sediments, fertilizersand pesticides from entering lo-cal creeks and streams near homesand businesses.

Stormwater ponds are included innew residential, commercial, andindustrial developments becausedevelopment replaces open landand forest with impervious sur-faces such as parking lots, roadsand roof tops. As stormwater runsoff these impervious surfaces it en-ters streams and rivers at a muchfaster rate, causing streambankerosion and possible floodingdownstream. Stormwater pondshelp to control potential floodingand improve water quality.

Guide No. 5

What Kind of Maintenance DoStormwater Ponds Require?

No matter how well designed,stormwater ponds must be maintainedregularly to prevent flooding, and toprotect property and the quality of lo-cal waterways. Litter and debris canclog inlets and outlets, accumulatedsediment can take up important stor-age capacity, and structural failures canresult. At a minimum, a homeowner’sassociation should conduct a compre-hensive annual inspection of itsstormwater ponds (and entirestormwater management system), as

well as spot inspectionafter all major storms.It’s advisable to securethe services of a pro-fessional engineer toinspect the structuralelements of the pondannually and to com-pare them to the “asbuilt” engineeringplans for the pond.The engineering de-sign plans for thestormwater ponds in

your subdivision or site condominiummay be available from the WashtenawCounty Drain Commissioner or yourmunicipality’s engineering, utility, ordevelopment department.

Obtain a Copy of YourStormwater SystemMaintenance PlanFor developments designed after 1994and reviewed by the WashtenawCounty Drain Commissioner, a main-tenance plan and budget should be onfile with that office. The plan shouldidentify the components of thestormwater system and the type andfrequency of maintenance required foreach. In addition, an estimated cost ofannual maintenance should be in-cluded. This can help homeowners’associations to budget for the neces-sary work. If a plan is not available,the Drain Commissioner’s staff will helpyour association to develop one. Gen-eral guidance for stormwater pondmaintenance is described on the fol-lowing page.

What are Stormwater Ponds?Stormwater ponds are included in new development to control the stormwaterrunoff from a developed site, to prevent downstream flooding and channel ero-sion, and to improve water quality. There are several different pond designs thatcan serve these functions. Some ponds are generally dry, holding water onlyafter rainstorms, and metering it gradually off site and down stream. Others arepermanently wet ponds, and others are a combination, with a wetland area sur-rounded by a dry area for storage of stormwater. When stormwater is held in apond, sediments and other pollutants canfilter out before water leaves the site.Ponds with wetland vegetation can pro-vide habitat as well as effective removalof many water pollutants carried instormwater. Pond outlets are designedto ensure proper storage time, andgradual release rates.

Wet Detention Basin

This guide was prepared by the office of Washtenaw County’s Drain Commissioner, Janis Bobrin. Selected source material contributed by SmithGroup JJRand Canton Township. Printing and distribution funded through a grant from the Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project, and byWashtenaw County. Original graphics by David Zinn.

Dry Detention Basin


Removeaccumulated sediment

The sediment that collects instormwater ponds should be removedevery 5-10 years, or more frequently,depending on accumulation. Profes-sional services should be secured forthis job. Most ponds have adjacentareas where sediment can be spread,seeded, and covered with mulch forstabilization. Make sure that sedimentcannot run back into the pond fromthis area. If there is no suitable com-mon area for spreading sediment, itmay have to be transported off site toan approved facility.

Newer ponds, con-structed after 1995should have a sediment“forebay,” a separateexcavated area at thepond inlet, designed tocapture sediment. Byisolating the sedimentin a smaller area, main-tenance is easier andless costly, though itmay have to be per-formed more fre-quently.

INLET PIPES direct stormwater fromdevelopments into stormwater ponds.Typically, there are two to three inletpipes in a detention basin. Check thefollowing:

• Structural integrity - Inspect thepipe to make sure it isn’t crumblingor broken.

• Rip rap - Rip rap (typically piecesof stone) is placed around the pipewhere it enters the basin to preventerosion. Check for erosion around

the pipe or missing riprap.

• Obstructions -Inspect the pipe end todetermine if sediment,dirt, or debris isobstructing the flow ofwater from the pipeinto the basin. Minoramounts of sedimentaround pipe openingscan be removed with ashovel and wheelbar-row, spread evenly onupland areas andseeded with turf grass.

• Riser pipes - Riser pipes areupright pipes located near the pondoutlet, usually surrounded by a“jacket” of small stone which filtersout sediment and debris. The pipeis perforated, and stormwater flows

through these holes to exit the pond at a controlled rate. Periodi- cally (once every several years), the pipe must be exposed to ensure that it is free-flowing and not clogged with sediment. After any sediment and debris are removed, clean stone should be replaced around the riser pipe. This job will require the services of a contractor with appropriate equipment.

If any of these problems are occurring,or if you have questions, contact theDrain Commissioner’s Office. Staff maybe able to assist you directly (if the sys-tem is a county drain) or direct you toother agencies or private contractors.

What is the Drain Commissioner’sRole in Stormwater PondMaintenance?

Many subdivisions and site condo-miniums are County Drainage Dis-tricts. This means that theWashtenaw County DrainCommissioner’s staff will performstormwater system maintenanceand charge the costs tohomeowners through special as-sessments. Maintenance, however,can often be more timely and costeffective when undertaken byproperty owner’s associations. TheDrain Commissioner will providetechnical advice to property own-ers’ associations free of charge, tohelp them plan and undertakestormwater system maintenance.You must obtain a permit from thatoffice prior to performing any ma-jor maintenance or structural repair.

General Guidelines for Stormwater Pond Maintenance

OUTLET PIPES direct stormwater froma detention basin off site to a nearbycreek or stream. Typically, there is onlyone outlet associated with a basin. Theoutlet generally consists of a single pipeor a riser pipe. Check the following:

• Structural integrity - Check thepipe to ensure that it isn’t crumblingor broken.

• Obstructions - Inspect the pipeend to determine if sediment, dirt,or debris is obstructing the flow ofwater into the pipe and preventingwater from leaving the basin. Stonearound the outlet pipe may need tobe replaced if it becomes cloggedwith sediment.

Inspect Inlet and Outlet Pipes

Inlet Pipe

Inspect for Litter and Debris

Twice each year (spring and fall) andafter a major storm, check for debrisnear the inlets, in the basin, and at theoutlet. Remove and dispose of debrisor litter.

Outlet Pipe

Riser Pipe

Examine the Side Slopes for Erosion

Twice each year (spring and fall) andafter a major storm, check for gulliesor sloughing of the banks and otherdisturbances from animals or vehicles.Any damage observed should be re-paired immediately by filling anyeroded areas with topsoil and seedingwith appropriate vegetation. It is alsoimportant to place mulch or straw overthe seed to prevent it from beingwashed into the basin. If problemscontinue, contact the WashtenawCounty Drain Commissioner or MSUExtension Office for additional guid-ance and advice.

Inspect Vegetation

In the spring and fall, inspect the veg-etation on the banks and in the basin.Maintenance activities will vary de-pending on the type of basin. If youhave a pond with wetland vegetation,dead cattails and other decomposingvegetation in the basin should be re-

moved if they are clogging pipe open-ings. Living vegetation greatly im-proves water quality by filtering out

pollutants such as fer-tilizers, pesticides, oilsand grease from thestormwater.

Late fall is a goodtime to cut down cat-tails. This will mini-mize clogging in thespring by dead veg-etation. Cut cattailsshould be disposed ofwith other compostmaterials.

Remove invasivenon-native plants likepurple loosestrife. Al-

though its brightpurple flowers arepretty, purple loos-estrife forms densecolonies, crowdingout native wetlandplants that are impor-tant sources of nutri-ents for birds andother wildlife. Theplant is such a prob-lem that it is illegal tosell it in the State ofMichigan.

Removal of purpleloosestrife should be done before theplant sets seeds in August. Remove bypulling the entire plant out of theground, including the roots. Disposeproperly with other yard waste that iscomposted.

Repair bare spots along banks with turfgrass seed, meadow grass or wildflow-ers. Native landscaping like meadow

grasses and wildflowersgrown along the banks ofthe stormwater pond willreduce long-term land-scape maintenance, filterpollutants and discouragegeese. Consult with pro-fessional landscape archi-tects and nurseries to learnmore about plantings, orconsult with the MSU Ex-tension Office for advice.

GETTING HELP

Washtenaw County DrainCommissioner’s Office ....... (734) 222-6860

Washtenaw CountyMSU Extension(for stormwater pondlandscaping questions) ...... (734) 997-1678

Erosion

Mowing

Frequency of mowing required at astormwater pond is determined bypond type and desired appearance.Maintaining a buffer of taller vegeta-tion plantings at the stormwater pondedge filters pollutants from runoff andalso discourages the nesting and visitsof geese. No lawn care chemicalsshould be used within 25 feet of thepond. Typically, a stormwater pondplanted with turf grass only needs tobe mowed two or three times a year.Basins with native grasses and wild-flower plantings should be mowed onlyonce a year in the late fall or earlyspring. More frequent mowing willprevent the wildflowers from bloom-ing and producing seed.

Record Keeping

Keep records of all inspections includ-ing the date, name of inspector or main-tenance contractor, observations, andmaintenance activities performed.Keep records of all costs for inspec-tions, such as consulting with profes-sional engineers, and repair costs.Good records will help you make ad-justments to the maintenance programas needed.

Vegetation Removal

Mowing

Storm

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Storm

water P

ond Sid

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Storm

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Con

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Stormwater Pond Maintenance Tasks and Schedule

Inspect for sediment accumulation

Remove sediment accumulation

Inspect for debris (dead vegetationand trash)

Clean debris

Inspect for erosion on banks andbottom

Reestablish permanent vegetation oneroded slopes

Rake out dead vegetation

Inspect for and remove purpleloosestrife

Replace stone rip-rap

Mowing

Inspect structural elements during wetweather and compare to as-built plans(by a professional engineer reportingto Homeowners’ Association)

Make adjustments or replacements asdetermined by annual wet weatherinspection

Keep records of all inspections andmaintenance activities

Keep records of all costs for inspec-tions, maintenance and repairs.

Perform emergency repair uponidentification of severe problems(use a professional engineer andappropriate contractor).

Storm

water P

ond Inlet

s /

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ay

Catch

Basin

Inlet

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Catch

Basin

Sumps

Storm

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COMPONENTS

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• • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Annually

Every 5-10 years as needed

Early spring, fall and aftermajor storms

As needed

Early spring, fall and aftermajor storms

As needed

Annually - early spring

Annually - July

Every 3-5 years as needed

0 to 2 times per year

Annually

As needed

Annually

Annually

As needed

Chemical pesticides are poison-ous substances. Many of themare harmful to plants, pets andchildren, and can pollute creeks,ponds, rivers and groundwaterresources. The approach of In-tegrated Pest Management (IPM)is an alternative to purely chemi-cal pest control. It provides asafer, less expensive and moreconsistent eradication of any pestover the long term.

What is Integrated PestManagement (IPM)?IPM recognizes that pests are an inte-gral part of the natural system. Thisapproach works to keep pests at toler-able levels by using cultural, mechani-cal and biological controls instead ofchemical ones, whenever possible.IPM involves paying attention to thelandscape and managing it in a waythat provides optimum growing con-ditions for those plants desired, sincehealthy plants are less susceptible topests. This includes working to elimi-nate conditions favorable to pests andpromoting natural controls such as ben-eficial insects.

Chemical Pesticides:a Last ResortIn IPM, chemicals are just one smallpart of the whole plan. If pesticidesare used, the least toxic one should bechosen and applied at the most effec-tive time in the pest’s life cycle.

Choosing PlantsChoosing the right plants is the bestway to avoid pest problems. Chooseplants that are naturally free of majorpests and diseases, and that are well-adapted to our climate, and to the spe-cific soil, light and moisture conditionson-site. Plants that require shade, forexample, are more susceptible to pestswhen grown in full sun. The pH levelof soil can also affect a plant’s abilityto withstand pests.

For help identifying the plants bestsuited for your purposes and site, con-tact the MSU Extension (see “GettingHelp”), a local nursery, or a landscapearchitect.

Keeping Plants HealthyWeeds, pests and diseases are usuallythe result of poor growing conditionsand unhealthy plants, not the cause ofthem. To keep plants healthy, use goodhorticultural techniques. Maintaininghealthy soil conditions is the founda-tion of any IPM program:

• Space, thin and prune shrubs and trees to promote air circulation.• Plant seedlings after the threat of frost and before hot weather.• Maintain a variety of plants instead of only one or two species, to minimize the spread of diseases.• Aerate and add organic matter to the soil.• Water and fertilize plants only as needed.• Mow grass as high as possible and leave clippings on the lawn.

Controlling Garden Pests

Why be concerned?

Guide No. 6



Protecting Sensitive AreasConsider whether the site is near a water body, stormwater pond, vegetablegarden, children’s play area, or public place. If it is, select a pest managementtechnique that minimizes harm to these sensitive areas. The wise use of pesti-cides protects water quality in ponds and streams. If used near lakeshores orstreambanks – even in modest amounts – lawn chemicals may quickly find theirway into the water.

Washtenaw CountyMSU Extension ................... (734) 997-1678

GETTING HELP

The Secrets of Chemical-Free Pest Control

Use methods of pest control that are the least disruptive to human healthand the environment.

Select disease- and pest-resistant plant varieties. Consult with the MSUExtension Office or a professional landscape architect or nursery for helpin plant selection.

Simple methods to control pests include:

- removing weeds by pulling or hoeing;

- covering planting areas with 2"-3" of mulch to prevent weed germination;

- removing pest-infested plant residue in the fall; and

- removing insect eggs, larvae, cocoons, and adults from plants by hand.

Retain and Promote Natural Pest Controls

Many organisms feed on, or infect, pests. These natural enemies frequentlyprevent the pest population from reaching damaging levels. Naturalenemies include insect and non-insect predators, parasites, and bacterial,fungal and viral pathogens. Contact the MSU Extension Office for moreinformation (see “Getting Help”).

(Continued from other side) Managing Gypsy MothsGypsy moth outbreaks have been iden-tified in Washtenaw County. There isno need for alarm, however, since themoths can be managed and do nottypically kill trees. Homeowners areencouraged to learn more about thispest. For more information, contactthe MSU Extension Office (see “Get-ting Help” below).

Natural EnemiesCommon garden pests include grubs,aphids, scale insects, mealybugs andwhiteflies. Populations of these insectsmay be kept in control by natural en-emies such as predatory bugs andother animals. Lady beetles (or “lady-bugs”) and lacewings, for example,feed on aphids. Robber fly larvae cansubstantially reduce grub populationsin the soil. Garden spiders captureinsects in their webs and kill their preyby injecting them with venom. Birds,frogs, and toads, and small mammalssuch as mice, shrews and moles alsohelp control insect populations.

You can help encourage these naturalenemies of garden pests by minimiz-ing or avoiding use of chemicals thatare poisonous to all insects and insectfeeding animals.

Plant Selection

Low Cost / Simple Control Methods

Landscaping Near theWater’s Edge

A zone of trees and other plantsgrowing at the water’s edge helpkeep water pure, cool and clean.Vegetative buffers, or riparian ar-eas, provide shade, filter pollut-ants, prevent erosion and reducesedimentation.

In contrast, grassy buffers offerlittle protection to shorelines andstream banks. Their compara-tively shallow roots are less ef-fective at infiltrating runoff andpreventing erosion - both majorproblems locally.

Why be concerned?

Landscaping designs next to waterwaysand stormwater ponds protect andenhance riparian vegetation to benefithomeowners, wildlife and waterquality. When thinking about re-landscaping riparian areas, considerthese factors:

• Planned use of the landscape

• Aesthetics

• Long-term maintenance.

Use - Typically, the backyard is the mostactively used outdoor area at home.Often the total area available for differ-ent uses is relatively small, and wiseuse of space is a necessity.

What’s “Native”?

According to the Ann Arbor City ParksNatural Areas Preservation Program,‘native’ refers to plant communitiesthat were here before Europeanssettled Michigan in the 1700’s. Sincethen, thousands of plants have beenintroduced and have become natu-ralized in North America at an un-precedented rate and scale.

‘Naturalized’ refers to non-native, oralien species, that have been intro-duced over time. Once introduced,some non-natives are difficult to con-trol because they have no natural en-emies.

Approximately 30% of the 2,600plant species growing in Michi-gan are non-natives that havebecome naturalized, largely overthe last hundred years.

Guide No. 7

This guide was prepared by the office of Washtenaw County’s Drain Commissioner, Janis Bobrin. Information developed by SmithGroup JJR, City of AnnArbor Parks and Recreation, The University of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources. Printing and distribution funded through a grantfrom the Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project, and by Washtenaw County. Original graphics by David Zinn.

Adding Vegetationto the BanksPlanting a variety of shrubs and wild-flowers along the banks of streams andstormwater ponds can promote birdhabitat and provide seasonal color andinterest. Many varieties of wetlandshrubs and wildflowers grow well indamp soil. Several native trees havealso adapted to grow near water.

As an alternative to cattails, wetlandplants such as softstem and hardstembulrush, blue flag iris, woolgrass, wa-ter plantain, pickerel weed and arrow-head can be planted in stormwaterpond areas. (If landscaping near astormwater basin, please remember toleave room for maintenance vehicles.Contact the Washtenaw County DrainCommissioner’s Office for information.)

Lastly, riparian areas providewonderful backyard habitat, anddiscourage nuisance geese. Formore information, see the Na-tional Wildlife Federation andWisconsin DNR web sites in the“Getting Help” section.

Landscaping Near the Water’s EdgeAesthetics - Views from the homeand backyard are another factor toconsider in landscape design. Manypeople value the views of an adja-cent stream and want access to thewater's edge. Views can be directedby sensitive placement of trees andshrubs in relationship to viewingpoints, such as windows, outdoorpaths and patios.

Maintenance - Traditional grasslawns provide an ideal surface formany outdoor activities and permitopen views, but they also requireregular maintenance with corre-spondingly little benefit to the envi-ronment.


Landscape ZonesA Landscape Zone plan can be drawnin a simple way to visualize how a resi-dential property that borders a water-way can be designed by use, views anddesired maintenance levels. The ex-ample below illustrates how a varietyof uses and scenic views of the adja-cent stream can be accommodatedwhile maintaining or enhancing the ri-parian buffer zone.

Trees: green ash, swamp white oak, tuliptree, black walnut, sycamore,silver maple and red maple.

Understory Trees and Large Shrubs: alternate-leaf dogwood, redbud,serviceberry, nannyberry viburnum, American hazelnut and black choke-berry.

Shrubs: red-osier dogwood, silky dogwood, buttonbush, common elderand black raspberry.

Wildflowers and Groundcovers for Shade: blue cohosh, mayapple,wild ginger, bloodroot, jack-in-the-pulpit, trillium, wild geranium, wood-land phlox, marsh marigold and Dutchman's breeches.

Wildflowers for Sunny Wet Areas: New England aster, joe-pye-weed,boneset, ironweed, cardinal flower, and swamp milkweed.

Wildflowers for Sunny Dry Areas: blazing-star, beebalm, black-eyedsusan, yellow coneflower, stiff goldenrod, showy goldenrod, wild straw-berry, turtlehead, and Michigan lily.

A number of native ferns, grasses, rushes and sedges should be also beconsidered for the riparian zone. See “Getting Help” for more information.

Planting Tips forRiparian Buffers• Retain existing or plant new native trees,shrubs, grasses and wildflowers along thewater’s edge.

• The width of the vegetated buffer zoneis likely to be influenced by many factors;ideally, the zone should be at least 25 feetin width.

• Many communities have adopted ordi-nances and regulations requiring buffer zonesof varying widths. Contact township or cityofficials for more information.

• Choose plants that are compatible with siteconditions (soil type, pH, sun exposure, etc.)

• Avoid selecting non-native plants becausethey typically require more chemical use tosustain their health.

GETTING HELPWashtenaw CountyDrain Commissioner ................................ (734) 222-6833Washtenaw County MSU Extension ........ (734) 997-1678

Web Sites:

Washtenaw County ................www.co.washtenaw.mi.us

Wild Ones ............................ www.for-wild.net/annarbor

National WildlifeFederation ................. www.nwf.org/habitats/index.html

Wisconsin DNR ..... www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/fhp/fish/pubs/thewatersedge.pdf

Nurseries that specialize in wetlandplants are increasing in number. Formore information, contact the MSUExtension Office for Washtenaw Countyor Wild Ones in the “Getting Help”section.

(Continued from other side)Native Michigan Plants to Consider Planting Near Water

Rethinking Yard Care

Why be concerned?

The amount of space taken upby lawns in the U.S. is about thesize of Pennsylvania. Mowed,manicured and irrigated lawns,unlike native prairies, are notnatural. This is why it takes somuch energy to keep them alive.

Yard care may be a very reward-ing pastime for some, but anunwanted chore for others. Inaddition to the time commitment,many homeowners frequentlyrely on chemical products tomaintain their lawns andgrounds. These products canwork well if applied correctly,but too much can be unsafe forchildren, animals, and fish.

Reducing lawn size, using lawncare products carefully, and con-serving water will help maintainthe look, while promoting a safeand healthy environment.

Guide No. 8


The Natural ProcessesEver since the lawnmower was invented, lawns have become the ‘accepted look’that says a neighborhood is safe, tidy and cared for. However, there are manyimportant reasons to have as small a mowed lawn as possible.

An estimated 70 percent of pesticide use in the United States occurs on ournation’s lawns. Lawns provide little wildlife benefit, are a source of water pollu-tion (erosion and chemicals), and can be visually bland.

Manicured, irrigated, and vitamin enriched lawns do not take advantage of thenatural processes that we associate with the great outdoors. In nature, soilorganisms decompose leaves and vegetation; plants then recycle these nutrientsto produce new growth. Over time, leaf litter builds up in the top layer of soil.This organic matter moderates temperature, retains water and nutrients moreefficiently, and reduces polluted runoff.

We cannot expect these processes to be duplicated everywhere, but if you enjoyworking outdoors, there are many ways to reintroduce nature’s magic into toyour landscape.

Does your lawn have an area that often seems wet? Often these spots can berestored to a wet meadow or wildlife pond. Throughout the yard, landscapingthat includes shrubs, wildflowers, and prairie grasses can add beauty and im-prove water quality. This is especially important for waterfront property.

If you have ‘wild’ areas onyour property, considermaintaining this naturalstate instesd of convertingthem to lawn. Naturallandscapes often requireless time and money thanformal landscapes.

How much lawn youneed depends on the size,shape, and uses of yourproperty. If you needspace for playing ball orexercising a dog, a longrectangular area may suf-fice. However, if the onlyactivity on portions ofyour lawn is mowing,consider converting thoseareas to wildflowers, orlocally occuring plants,which are better rootedin the natural world.

This guide was prepared by the Office of Washtenaw County’s Drain Commissioner, Janis Bobrin, with material adapted from the University of Wiscon-sin, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Michigan Deparment of Natural Resources. Printing and distribution funded through agrant from the Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project, and by Washtenaw County. Original graphics by David Zinn.

Incorporating Natural Areas in Your Yard

(Continued from other side)

Beware of the “Dangerous Diet”!Use of yard care chemicals has become so routine that a "healthy respect" for theirproper application has diminished. Even well-intentioned use of fertilizer and pesticidescan do more harm than good.

When confronted by lengthy directions and warnings in fine print, it’s tempting to skip theinstructions on chemical labels and just "get the job done." Remember the suffix "icide"means "to kill." While more target-specific and improved products are continually developed,the fact remains that pesticides sometimes kill things other than their targets.

When using pesticides, a careful diagnosis of the problem and conservative application procedures are critical. Diagnose theproblem, follow application directions and resist the urge for a quick chemical solution. The key is an understanding of thetargeted pests and the chemicals you plan to use. If you need help, there are several sources of information in the "GettingHelp" section. Also, consider the use of more natural alternatives. Informed homeowners can select safe and reliablechemical treatments for specific yard care problems.

1. Test Soil Compaction - Compacted soils are unhealthy for plants and can generate as much runoff aspavement. Try sinking a screwdriver into the ground. If it doesn’t penetrate easily, consider aerating your lawn.

2. Leave Grass Clippings on the Lawn - Clippings left on the lawn provide important moisture and nutrients.Up to half the nitrogen needed by your lawn can actually be provided by these clippings. If your lawn growsquickly, consider collecting some of the clippings to use as mulch or in compost.

3. Compost Yard Waste - Composting keeps yard waste and other decomposable materials out of landfills.Composting also creates a rich material that can be used in flowerbeds or on the lawn to aid in growth.

4. Fertilizers and Pesticides

• Before applying any fertilizer to your lawn, have your soil tested by Washtenaw County MSU Extension or yourlandscape contractor. Based on the results, you will know the exact type and amount of fertilizer your soil needs.

• Knowing the size of your lawn will help in correctly applying the recommended amount of fertilizer.

• One Fall application of low phosphorus fertilizer is adequate to promote a green flush next spring.

• Slow release fertilizers will last longer and reduce polluted runoff. Look for Water Insoluble Nitrates (WIN) inthe list of ingredients.

• Buy only what you need. Time and freezing garage temperatures can render stored products less effectivewithout reducing their hazardous qualities. As yard care chemicals pile up, proper storage and disposal can bedifficult. Curious children and pets may also be at risk.

• Chemicals spilled on pavement during mixing and loading will wash off into local waterways with the nextrainstorm. Mixing and loading away from pavement greatly reduces this risk.

• Many of the rates recommended on labels are generous and designed so that products remain effective underless optimal conditions. Do not exceed recommended application rates.

• Under-application of yard care chemicals can also create problems. Remember that pest populations subjectedto non-lethal doses may begin to develop resistance to the chemicals designed to kill them.

• Do not apply chemicals within the last few feet of grass along a driveway, sidewalk or swale. The next rainfallwill wash a good portion of these pellets into the nearest creek.

TIPS FOR A SAFER LAWN

Ideas for Around Your Home

It really doesn’t matter where you live or whether you havea little or a lot of time and money to invest in your yard;there are many things you can do to conserve water andimprove water quality. Conserving water saves money, pro-tects watersheds, and helps keep groundwater tables high.The ideas found on this and the following page highlightsome of the ways that you can contribute to clean water anda healthy environment.

An Old Idea ReconsideredDo you remember the rain barrel from years ago? Considerits simple purpose: to collect rainfall from a roof and store itto water flowers and garden plants when the weather turnsdry.

Gardeners of past years knew from experience what chem-istry teaches us today: rainwater can be better for plantsthan water pumped from the ground or from a municipalsource since it is not chlorinated, fluoridatedor loaded with dissolved salts. Also, rainwa-ter is mildly acidic, which helps plants ab-sorb important minerals from the soil.

The rain barrel you choose should beequipped with a drain spigot compatible withgarden hose threading so that rainwater maybe directed to drip irrigation systems. Anoverflow outlet for the barrel is necessary toprovide bypass runoff during major rain-storms. It is important to note that your rainbarrel must be designed with a removable,child resistant cover and mosquito screeningon water entry holes. Remember that waterfrom rain barrels is not potable.

The rain barrel can be attractively includedin landscaping plans for patio and deckdesigns.

Other Water Saving TipsLawns generally need an inch of water perweek. A rain gauge (or tuna fish can) canhelp keep track.

Water lawns during the early morning hourswhen temperatures and wind speed are thelowest.

Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are excel-lent water -efficient irrigation methods.

If you have an automated sprinkler sys-tem, install a rain sensor that shuts itoff after a .25 inch rain.

Native Plants of MichiganCOMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME SITE/SOIL SUN AVAILABILITY OTHER NOTES

American Elderberry Sambucus canadensis Mesic woodlands; savanna grasses Native shrubare often part of this community.

American Hazelnut Corylus americana Oak savanna site. Native shrub

Basswood Tilia americana Mesic woodlands; savanna grasses Native treeare often part of this community.

Big Bluestem Grass Andropogon gerardii All textures of soils except organic; Full sun grass Woodland Communityall drainage conditions.

Black Oak Quercus velutina Oak savanna site. Native tree

Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis Best for shaded areas Native perennial; suitablefor use as groundcover.

Bottle Brush Grass Hystrix patula Full sun/part shade area Native grass

Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa Oak savanna site or mesic Native treewoodlands where savanna grassesare often part of the community

Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa Full sun/part shade area Native perennial

Canadian Wild Rye Elymus canadensis All textures of soils except organic; Full sun/part shade area Native grassall drainage conditions.

Dark-green Bullrush Scirpus atrovirens Organic soils; somewhat poorly Best suited for marshydrained or poorly-drained soils soils which provide wetwithout artificial drainage conditions.

Dutchman’s Breeches Dicentra cucullaria Best for shaded areas Native perennial

Grey Dogwood Cornus racemosa Mesic woodlands where savannagrasses are often part of the community

Hackberry Celtis occidentalis Floodplain forest area Native tree

Indian Grass Sorghastrum nutans Sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, loam, Full sun grass Native grasssilt loam, and clay loam textures; welland moderately well drained soils.

Junegrass Koeleria macrantha oak savanna community Native grass

Little Bluestem Grass Andropogon scoparius oak savanna community Full sun grass Native grass

May Apple Podophyllum peltatum Best for shaded areas Native perennial

New Jersey Tea Ceanothus americanus Oak savanna community Native shrub

Pennsylvania Sedge Carex pennsylvanica Sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, Native sedge; suitableloam, silt loam, and clay loam for use as groundcovertextures; well and moderatelywell drained soils.

Prairie Cord Grass Spartina pectinata Wet conditions are favorable; Full sun grass Native grassusually found in wet prairie

Purple Love Grass Eragrostis spectabillis Oak savanna community Native grass

Red Oak Quercus rubra Mesic woodlands where savanna Native treegrasses are abundant

Rough Blazing Star Liatris aspera Oak savanna community Native perennial

Shagbark hickory Carya ovata Mesic woodlands where savanna Native treegrasses are often found; oak savanna.

Silver Maple Acer saccharinum Floodplain forest Native tree

Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor Mesic woodlands where savannagrasses are abundant

Switchgrass Panicum virgatum Sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, loam, Full sun grass Native grasssilt loam and clay loam textures; welland moderately well-drained soils

Trillium Trillium grandiflorum Best for shaded areas Native perennial;suitable for use as

groundcover

White Oak Quercus alba Oak savanna; Mesic woodlands Native treewhere savanna grasses are often abundant

Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum Best for shaded areas Native perennial

Wild Ginger Asarum canadense Best for shaded areas Native perennial

Native Wetland Plants of MichiganCOMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME SITE/SOIL SUN AVAILABILITY OTHER NOTES

Beggar-Ticks Bidens frondosa Moist, open ground, stream banks Provides food andand roadsides cover for ducks.

Button Bush Cephalanthus occidentalis Low wet ground, swamps, bogs, Good source of nectarand lake edges.

Common Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum Soil provides generally wet conditions Native perennialoften marshy area.

False Solomon’s Seal Smilacina racemosa Woods and shaded edges; moist soil Partial to full shade Decorative

Golden Alexanders Zizia aurea Wooded bottomland, stream banks,moist meadows, and floodplains.

Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris Calcareous wet soil communities; fens. Native perennial

Nannyberry Viburnum lentago Woods, swamps, roadsides.

Northern Arrow-Wood Viburnum recognitum Swamps, boggy woods, swampyViburnum pastures and stream banks

Obedient Plant or Physostegia virginiana Full sun/part shade forb Native perennialFalse Dragonhead

Red-Osier Dogwood Cornus stolonifera Swamps, moist fields and thickets

Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum Moist woods, meadows, old fields, Fruit are an excellentand swamps. source of food for wildlife

Smooth Aster Aster laevis Full sun/part shade forb Native perennial

Solomon’s Seal Polygonatum pubescens Wooded slopes and stream banks Decorative plant

Southern Arrow- Viburnum dentatum Swamps, wet woods, and open wetlands.Wood Viburnum

Spiderwort Tradescantia ohiensis Full sun/part shade forb Native perennial

Spotted Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium maculatum Generally marshy, wet conditions Native perennial

Sugar Maple Acer saccharum Mesic woodlands where savanna Native treegrasses are abundant

Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata Marshy, wet conditions Native perennial

Turtlehead Chelone glabra Calcareous wet soil communities; fens. Native perennial

Tussock Sedge Carex stricta Sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, loam, Native sedge; generallysilt loam and clay loam textures; found in wet conditions.well and moderately well-drained soils

Virginia Wild Rye Elymus virginicus All textures of soils except organic; Full sun/part shade grass Native grassall drainage conditions

Wild Bergamot/ Monarda fistulosa/ Full sun/part shade forb Native perennialBee-balm didyma

Winterberry Ilex verticillata Swamps, bogs, moist woods, andwet shores.

The following publications may be helpful regarding wetlands plantings and are available fromthe Washtenaw County MSU Extension (734) 971-0079:

“Water Front Buffer Zones”, MSU Cooperative Extension Service.

“Working with Wet Areas in the Landscape”, Harold Davidson, Department of Horticulture, MSU.

“Shoreline Plants and Landscaping”, A series of water quality fact sheets for residential areas,University of Wisconsin Extension in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Washtenaw County Drain Commissioner’s Office ...... (734) 222-6860

Washtenaw County MSU Extension ............................. (734) 997-1678

Ann Arbor City Parks NaturalAreas Preservation Program ......................................... (734) 996-3266

MDNR website: .................................................. www.dnr.state.mi.us/

GETTING HELP

More Ideas for Around Your Home:

• Mow often enough to leave grassclippings on the lawn. Mow the lawnhigh – at least three inches. Alterna-tively, use clippings as mulch or com-post them along with leaves that mightotherwise end up fertilizing localwaters.

• Keep fallen leaves out of thestreetside gutter or swale. Considerusing a “mulching” mower and usingthe mulch around the yard.

• Plant that extra tree for many envi-ronmental benefits, especially whereit becomes part of a planting bed or“naturalized” landscape area that re-cycles leaves, twigs, and other yard“wastes.”

• Consider native plants when plan-ning landscaping purchases.

• Seed bare soil and cover it with amulch as soon as possible to mini-mize erosion. Disturb no more soilthan necessary for a project and con-sider native grown covers instead oflawn turf while preserving existingvegetation.

• Direct roof downspouts away fromfoundations and driveways to plant-ing beds or lawns where water cansafely soak into the ground. Considerusing a rain barrel if practical.

• Use lawn and garden chemicalscarefully and sparingly. Pesticides,including weed killers, should be con-sidered as a last resort – use other,more natural controls first.

• Limit the use of toxic or hazardousproducts in general, especially keep-ing them away from storm drains,lakes and streams.

• Collect used oil and other automo-tive products for recycling.

• Wash cars on the lawn, wherecleaning products can’t quickly runtoward the nearest storm sewer, pick-ing up other pollutants as they go.Wash your car with plain water.

• Keep cars and equipment tunedup and in good operating condition.Check for drips and repair leaks im-mediately to keep nuisance oils andfluids off pavement.

• For waterfront property, grow a“buffer strip” of dense, natural veg-etation along the water’s edge as alast defense to filter pollutants fromthe water and stabilize the shoreline.

• If using a septic tank system, main-tain it properly through regular pro-fessional inspections and licensedpumping.

• Plan your landscape with environ-mental health in mind, reducing thearea that requires extensive mainte-nance.

• Clean up pet wastes. Otherwise,nutrients and bacteria could bewashed into lakes and streams.

• Use deicers conservatively inwinter.

• Contract services who agree toprovide maintenance services inkeeping with water quality protectionpractices.

Why be concerned?

Prescription Drug and PersonalCare Product Disposal

Increasing amounts of prescrip-tion drugs and personal care prod-ucts (PPCPs) are being detectedin U.S. rivers, waterways, andgroundwater.

Wastewater treatment facilities arenot equipped to “filter out” thesechemicals, so drugs like choles-terol reducers, blood pressuremedication, sleeping pills,hypnotics, hormone replacementtherapy, and antibiotics are be-ing detected in drinking watersupplies.

These medications endangeraquatic life in waterways all acrossthe country. The risk to humansand animals of long-term expo-sure to these contaminants indrinking water is unknown.

Why be concerned?

Guide No. 9

This guide was prepared by the Office of Washtenaw County’s Drain Commissioner, Janis A. Bobrin with the assistance of the Washtenaw County HomeToxics Reduction Program. Information sources include USGS Fact Sheet FS-027-02 and an MSNBC report. Original graphics by David Zinn.

In the United States there isno national guidance forthe proper disposal ofPPCPs. However, thereare measures you cantake at home to prevent

the contamination ofwaterways from unused

medication and personal careproducts.

Source of the ProblemThe United States Geological Surveyfound that 80% of the watersheds theysampled nationally contained atleast one type ofpharmaceutical chemical,with half of the streamscontaining seven ormore. While most of theeffects of these productsare unknown, increasedconcentrations of antibioticshave produced “super bugs,”bacteria that are resistant toantibiotics.

Human excretion isresponsible for the majority

of pharmaceutical pollutionin our waterways. Animalfeedlots also releaseantibiotics from wasteoutflows after storms.

Antibiotics fromcleaning products end

up in local streams as well. However,a significant portion of the pollution isa result of the improper disposal ofunused drugs and personal careproducts.

Previous information campaignsencouraged consumers to “flush” excesspharmaceuticals because of thepotential harm they posed to childrenwhen left in the home or placed inhousehold trash.

STEPS FOR SAFE DISPOSAL OF PPCPs

Washtenaw County Drain Commissioner’s Office.......(734) 222-6833or (734) 994-2525

Washtenaw County Home Toxics Program.................(734) 222-3950

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.........(800) 662-9278

See the Washtenaw County website at www.ewashtenaw.org

• Secure the cap on the bottle.

• Cover top with duct tape, fully sealing thecontainer to prevent breaking or leakage.

• Double wrap the sealed containers in opaque plastic bags.Tightly tie or secure the bags to prevent leackage andplace in trash.

If you are instructed to do so by your physician, finish the prescription. For any unused portions,follow the steps below. Remember to first remove or black-out any personal information on thelabel to protect privacy, but ensure the drug name is still visible.

• Do not open or alter theoriginal contents if possible.

• Call the Washtenaw County24 hour home toxics hotline(734) 222-3950 for informationand drop off hours at 705 N. ZeebRoad. Also check the TurningTrash to Treasure guide onwww.ewashtenaw.org for apharmacy drop off locationnear you.

• Residents outside Washtenaw Countyshould call their Solid Waste Departmentor Waste Hauling Services for instructionson proper disposal.

• At present there are few, if any“take back” programs forprescription drugs.

• Call your local pharmacy toconfirm information on thedisposal of prescription drugs.

• Seal the container with duct tape to preventleaks and breakage.

• Double bag in opaque plastic bags and place inthe trash. Carefully seal the bag to prevent leakage.

• To take further precautions, add salt, a pungent spice suchas nutmeg or mustard, or a bitter tasting additive. Kittylitter, sawdust or an absorbing agent can also be added tothe liquid to repel animals. Then double bag in a tightlysealed opaque plastic bag and place in the trash.

• Wrap package with several layers of duct tape,allowing visibility of the product name. Thiswill prevent blister packs from breakage.

• Double bag the sealed packs in opaque plastic bags.Secure the bags to prevent leackage and place in trash.

GETTING HELP

Capsules and Tablets in Containers

Blister-Packaged Capsules and Tablets

Liquid PPCPs

Prescription Drugs

Ampules, Vials, and Needles

guide to the guides - revize

Documents