Construction to resume along Carrier Creek this spring, Saginaw Highway to the Grand River

Work to begin as early as May 3

April 27, 2004—Delta Township, MI—Property owners along Carrier Creek between Saginaw Highway and the Grand River will see significant changes to the drain this spring. The continuation of the Carrier Creek Stormwater Management and Restoration Project is scheduled to be under way as soon as Monday, May 3, proceeding through mid-November.

The work, funded in part by a Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI) grant, seeks to repair areas of extreme erosion and stabilize the streambanks against future erosion. As a secondary goal, the work will enhance habitat for aquatic life, improve flow, and filter stormwater pollutants. Specific construction activities will include:

·        Selectively clearing trees to allow more sunlight to reach the ground surface to promote the growth of ground cover.

·        Removing or replacing storm-drain outfalls that discharge stormwater to the drain from residential developments along the drain corridor.

·        Reconstructing approximately 1,000 feet of the drain west of Willow Woods Lane, followed by wetland seeding and planting.

·        Constructing in-stream rock structures (referred to as J-hooks, cross vanes, and riffle zones), which promote better flow and help to reduce flooding.

·        Cleaning up and restoring all areas disturbed by construction activities. This will include fine grading, seeding, mulching, and installing pre-vegetated mats.

All activities will be limited to the easements obtained by the Eaton County Drain Commissioner for the project. Designated access points have also been assigned, and are limited to Old River Trail, Willow Creek Drive, Saginaw Highway, and property owned by Delta Township adjacent to Eastbury Lane.

Residents interested in reviewing the actual construction plans may visit the Eaton County Drain Commissioner’s office in Charlotte, the Delta Township Engineering and Planning offices, or the Delta Township Public Library. Specific questions should be directed to Dave Wilcox, project manager in the drain commissioner’s office: (517) 483-3829.

The Carrier Creek Restoration and Stormwater Management Project is a working partnership between the Eaton County Drain Commissioner, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Friends of Carrier Creek, Eaton County, Delta and Windsor Townships, and the businesses and residents of the Carrier Creek Watershed.

The project includes a watershed management plan, physical improvements, and educational activities, which are funded through a combination of a $1 million Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI) Grant through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Surface Water Quality Division, a Section 319 (Federal Clean Water Act) Grant, and special assessments to the drainage district.

Carrier Creek is a designated Eaton County drain, located primarily in Delta Township. It functions as a stormwater drain for approximately 11 square miles of Delta and Windsor townships, and the City of Lansing.

For more information, visit www.carriercreek.com.

#  #  #