The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s office has been informed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) that they will be announcing the approval of our NPDES permit renewal and that an official announcement from EGLE is coming soon. What this means is that the George W. Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin (GWK RTB) can continue operating as it was designed. We collaborated with EGLE on new permit requirements related to a feasibility study to potentially add de-chlorination technology to our operations. In addition, new permit language was added to study potential physical infrastructure improvements within the area of the drainage district. The permit also includes standard language allowing the state to make future modifications. We look forward to continuing to uphold the GWK RTB’s excellent NPDES compliance record.
The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s office operates both combined stormwater and sanitary systems and separated sanitary systems. The GWK RTB is part of a combined system that requires an NPDES permit from EGLE.
Separate from the NPDES permit renewal, we will be meeting later this month with EGLE to discuss issues related to the Dequindre Interceptor, which is part of a separated system. Like many systems in the tri-county area, the Dequindre Interceptor has experienced Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) during extreme rain events that occurred in Southeast Michigan within the past ten years. We received notice that EGLE may take regulatory compliance action for two SSOs that occurred within the past ten years. While we respect EGLE’s oversight role and are eager to work with them on facilitating a regional solution, we strongly believe that Oakland County should not be singled out and held solely responsible for region-wide problems that occur during extreme weather events. While SSOs are rare and a relatively recent issue, Oakland County, along with other regional partners, have been actively engaged for years to address this issue. The state is a welcome partner in developing solutions that protect all communities.
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