Beginning in 2005, with funding provided by the Joyce Foundation, Onsite Wastewater of NW MI contracted with Northwest Michigan Council of Governments to undertake a survey and assessment of the condition of both municipal and onsite wastewater systems within a 17 county region.
The intent was to enable a comprehensive view of the condition, cost of operation, cost of predicted repairs and future projection of how the watersheds and communities of northwest Michigan could best be served by wastewater infrastructure.
In addition, survey and assessment results would be shown as an overlay map of critical impact areas i.e. wetlands, sensitive and hydric soils, slopes >15%. The current report phase has concluded with the Board now conducting a review for the next phase.
We are surrounded by, live on or near, or depend for drinking water on ground and surface water resources.We cannot consider water and wastewater as separate issues.
The following pages and Resource Appendices will be updated as information becomes available. We would welcome assistance to keep this information current and to extend the scope and data uses for this project.
The following segments are available for download as stand alone PDF Chapters. As there are many web references - please let us know if you find a link that has changed or is no longer available.
Table of Contents
III. Wastewater Collection and Treatment Systems:
Wastewater System Categories | Small Community Systems | Publications | Estimated Number of Onsite Systems
Methodology and rationale for survey of onsite systems.
IV. Regional Survey of Sewer and Stormwater Infrastructure Results
V. Data Methodology and Maps:
Collection of Data Population | Density Map | Topography Maps by County | Well Data Base | Sewer Service Area Maps by County
Critical Impact Area Maps by County | Failed/Replaced Maps by County
VI. Decentralized Treatment, Responsible Management and Municipal Planning
VII. Regulatory and Education Information:
Regulation of Onsite Wastewater Systems
Local Agencies In OnsiteWastewater of NW MI Region
Increasing the Favorability of the Regulatory Climate for Decentralized Systems
Training and Certification
State Sanitary Code Versus A 'Model Code'.
VIII. Recommendations and Funding
Only by regional collaboration and education can we fulfill our shared role of community stewardship.
We invite you or your organization to support us or become a partner. Board List and Annual Reports
Please contact us if you would like further information about helping to underwrite or sponsor our educational activities.
Chair: Scott J. Kendzierski, M.S., R.E.H.S.
For more information contact Executive Director Dendra J. Best. info@wastewatereducation.org
TEL: (231) 233-1806
© 2009 OWNWMI
© 2010 WasteWater Education