Storm Water Polllution

Protecting Our Watershed

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

If you see practices that could be in violation of our storm water objective and/or could be a source of pollution, please call Canton's Public Works Division at 734/394-5150. Canton is committed to the ongoing restoration and protection of the Rouge River Watershed through its actions and programs as noted below.

Public Involvement & Education

These activities educate the public regarding storm water quality and pollution prevention:

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

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 storm water 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 6 following practices to comply with these goals.