Protecting Our Water
City EffortsWellhead Protection Plan
What is the Wellhead Protection Plan?
In Michigan, nearly half of the state’s population derives drinking water from a groundwater source. Groundwater is also used for irrigation and industrial purposes. In an effort to protect public water supply systems (PWSS) from contamination, the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was amended in 1986 to include wellhead protection. Michigan implemented a voluntary, statewide wellhead protection plan which is comprised of a set of guidelines that help communities protect their drinking water by identifying source of drinking water to PWSS wells, identifying sources of contamination within that area, and developing methods to cooperatively manage the area and minimize the threat to PWSS.
The City of Battle Creek initiated wellhead protection activities in 1989, making it a pioneer in Michigan wellhead protection activities. For over three decades, the City has implemented activities identified in its Wellhead Protection Plan (WHPP), along with numerous other groundwater and surface water protection activities. The City applies for an annual wellhead protection grant from the State of Michigan to fund groundwater protection efforts. The funding goes toward projects such as: Children’s Water Festival, Annual Calhoun County Calendar, risk assessments, industrial site visits, plan updates, public education and more.
The City of Battle Creek Wellhead Protection Plan (WHPP)
Residents interested in viewing the city’s Wellhead Protection Plan can view a PDF of the plan online.
Click the link for additional information on the Wellhead/Source Water Protection Plan in Michigan.
Battle Creek’s Sustainability Plan
Residents interested in viewing the city’s Sustainability Plan can click here to download a PDF of the plan.
City of Battle Creek Environmental Sustainability Plan
What’s in the Sustainability Plan?
In 2007, the City of Battle Creek formed the Environmental Policy Study Committee with a purpose to increase the City’s efforts to incorporate environmentally-responsible policies in the management of its facilities and services including the initiatives outlined in the “Climate Protection Act Policy” adopted in August 2006, and 15% by 2015 renewable energy policy. This Committee broadened its environmental approach in 2013, and was renamed Sustainable BC (Battle Creek) Committee and updated their purpose to “increasing the City’s efforts to incorporate environmentally-responsible, cost-effective policy in the planning, administration, and economic development of its built infrastructure and natural resources.” The Sustainable BC Committee reviews and recommends policies to the City Commission, and serves as a local resource on sustainability issues. The Committee members represent local businesses, policymakers, City staff, and engaged citizens of the community.
The creation of this plan pulled together the Sustainable BC Committee, representatives from various City Departments, and City Commissioners. Throughout this plan the Sustainable Battle Creek Committee is referred as Sustainable BC. Also, throughout this plan the City of Battle Creek or City means the City government agency, unless otherwise stated.
The City of Battle Creek provides many community-wide sustainable efforts such as hosting annual rain barrel sales, upgrading external lighting, providing educational events about the importance of drinking water, and facilitating new stormwater infrastructure, to name a few. This plan demonstrates that the City continues to explore new sustainable efforts. Past and ongoing sustainable efforts are listed in the Appendix of this plan.
The City of Battle Creek’s Storm Water Management Program (SWMP)
Residents interesting in viewing the city’s Storm Water Management Program may come to the City’s Department of Public Works located at 150 S. Kendall St. There will be a PDF version published online once the plan has been updated.
Click the link for additional information on the MS4 program in Michigan.
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
What is an MS4?
Many municipalities, including the City of Battle Creek, have a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) that collects polluted stormwater runoff and discharges it, untreated, into local water bodies. Storm drains serve as an effort to avoid potential flooding in an area, which is why stormwater is untreated before it drains to local bodies of water. To prevent harmful pollutants from entering an MS4, certain operators (including the City of Battle Creek) are required to obtain National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and develop stormwater management programs (SWMPs). The SWMP describes the practices that will be implemented in a community consistent with permit requirements to minimize the discharge of pollutants from the sewer system.
The City of Battle Creek’s Storm Water Management Program (SWMP)
Residents interesting in viewing the city’s Storm Water Management Program may come to the City’s Department of Public Works located at 150 S. Kendall St. There will be a PDF version published online once the plan has been updated.
Click the link for additional information on the MS4 program in Michigan.
Stormwater Technical Reference Manual
What is the Technical Reference Manual?
This Technical Reference Manual (TRM) is intended to be used by the communities in Calhoun County to protect surface water and groundwater, with an increased emphasis on water quality and environmental sustainability. These rules focus on specific controls which first provide filtration and/or infiltration of stormwater then address flood control with detention basins. This level of control not only allows the reviewing agency to meet its permit obligations with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), but will also have a positive impact on the quality of surface waters by controlling runoff volumes and pollutant concentrations, and protecting streambanks from excessive erosion.
Calhoun County and City of Battle Creek Stormwater Technical Reference Manual (TRM)
Residents interested in viewing the Technical Reference Manual can download a PDF of the plan.
What is Groundwater Guardian?
From the Groundwater Foundation
The City of Battle Creek has been designated a Groundwater Guardian community since 2001. Groundwater Guardian is a program of The Groundwater Foundation that provides support and encouragement for communities and teams of all types (cities, counties, watersheds, organizations, agencies, schools, etc.) to begin groundwater awareness activities, motivation to continue these efforts, and recognition for their achievements. Check out: www.groundwater.org for more information.
Contact
Questions or comments about this web site, general comments or questions, or to report polluting activities: beploeg@battlecreekmi.gov or pjhoch@battlecreekmi.gov
Battle Creek
Department of Public Works
269.966.3355
All messages sent to us by e-mail will be read by Battle Creek Department of Public Works personnel, who will forward it to the proper person or organization.
Contact
Questions or comments about this web site, general comments or questions, or to report polluting activities: beploeg@battlecreekmi.gov or pjhoch@battlecreekmi.gov
Battle Creek
Department of Public Works
269.966.3355
All messages sent to us by e-mail will be read by Battle Creek Department of Public Works personnel, who will forward it to the proper person or organization.