Governments should pass storm water ordinances that include taxes on parking lots, which have been shown to add pollutants to storm water, as well as credits for the preservation of trees and undeveloped land, both of which filter storm water. Governments should promote using on-site basins to control and treat runoff from newly built parking lots. They also should add filtering devices to older lots. The drain commissions of Oakland and Macomb counties should work together on managing storm water in sewer systems. Public works departments should identify storm sewers and drains containing excessive levels of bacteria, determine who is responsible for correcting the problems and require cleanups.
Plants reduce the discharge of solids, such as contaminated dirt, into waterways.
Builders also should be fined for leaving land bare after they complete construction. County road commissions should direct 20 percent of ditch maintenance funds to soil conservation districts, thereby spreading out the cost of controlling soil erosion. The Detroit News We welcome your comments .