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Kalamazoo
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Kalamazoo
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The control of soil erosion and sedimentation has been a key mission of the Kalamazoo Conservation District since the District was organized in 1947. Many people were concerned at that time that soil loss through poor farming practices could destroy the nation's capacity to raise crops and maintain pastures. Since its formation, KCD has worked tirelessly to promote agricultural practices which minimize the loss of soil through wind and water erosion.
The control of soil erosion become an even greater public concern when the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality completed its "Section 305b report" on water quality. This biennial report (as required under the federal clear water act) says that sediment is the number one pollutant by volume to the surface waters of the state. Soil erosion and sedimentation into our lakes and streams degrades the habitat of aquatic organisms and fish, decreases recreational values, and promotes the growth of nuisance weeds and algae. Stream bank erosion, urban drains and construction site erosion are major, non-agricultural, contributors to this shared problem.
For this reason, KCD has broadened its mission, and begun to work closely with state and local officials to improve the control of soil erosion and sedimentation in urban and other non-agricultural areas. A partnership approach was initiated, because the responsibility for the control soil erosion and sedimentation during land development, earth moving activities, and drainage design is specifically delegated to local governments under Part 91 of Act 451 of 1994, the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act.
To better address a county-wide concern for improved soil erosion control, KCD formed a partnership in 1997 with the River Partners Program of The Forum of Greater Kalamazoo, the Davis Creek Watershed Steering Committee, and other concerned citizens. This partnership convened a meeting among responsible public officials representing the eleven local agencies in Kalamazoo County which have enforcement responsibility under the Part 91 statute. Participants were allowed to discuss their concerns, describe their perceived needs, and to jointly identify opportunities to participate in a cooperative work program.
This meeting gave birth to their first voluntary, cooperative work effort -- a joint effort which resulted in the recent publication of a Guide for Environmental Permit Coordination in Kalamazoo County. This voluntary guide was prepared to help private property owners and developers navigate a confusing array of questions related to environmental permitting during land development. The purpose of the voluntary guide and checklist is to assure better communication among all parties throughout the development review process. Equally important, this improved dialogue will help identify opportunities for environmental enhancements, and will promote creative partnerships among land developers, planners and permitting officials.
The Guide for Environmental Permit Coordination is Kalamazoo County is available for download in Adobe Acrobat format.
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