RULES
OF THE
ST. CLAIR COUNTY
DRAIN COMMISSIONER
Procedures and Design Criteria
For Stormwater Drainage in Development Plans
Established Pursuant to:
The Land Division Act
Public Act No. 288 of 1967, as amended;
M.C.L. §§ 560.101 – 560.293
&
the Mobile Home Commission Act
Public Act No. 96 of 1987, as amended;
M.C.L. §§ 125.2301 – 125.2350
&
The Condominium Act
Public Act No. 59 of 1978, as amended;
M.C.L. §§ 559.101 – 559.276
&
The Michigan Drain Code
Public Act No. 40 of 1956, as amended
M.C.L. §§ 280.1 – 280.630
April 1, 2023
Robert Wiley
St. Clair County Drain Commissioner
Order of Adoption of Amendments
To the Rules of the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner
Whereas, the Land Division Act (Act 288 of 1967, as amended), M.C.L. §§ 560.101 – 560.293,
and the Mobile Home Commission Act (Act 96 of 1987), M.C.L. §§ 125.2301 –
125.2350, provide for the adoption and publication of rules and standards by the
County Drain Commissioner to govern outlet drainage and storm water facilities in
developments; and
Whereas, the Michigan Drain Code (Act 40 of 1956, as amended), M.C.L. §§ 280.1 – 280.630,
provides the general authority of Drain Commissioners and for other standards and
permitting requirements; and
Whereas, the Rules of the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner were originally adopted and
published by Drain Commissioner Thomas Donohue effective January 1, 1995, and
amended July 14, 2000, October 1, 2004, October 1, 2013, and October 1, 2018,
effective upon re-publication; and
Whereas, it has become necessary to further amend and to clarify certain of those rules;
Now, Therefore, It Is Hereby Ordered, that the Rules of the St. Clair County Drain
Commissioner are amended to read as follows and such amended rules shall take
effect immediately upon publication on the St. Clair County website, April 1, 2023.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Impacts of Development on Water Quantity
1.1.1 Examples of Changes in Watershed Hydrology and Stream Morphology
1.2 Impacts of Development on Water Quality
1.3 Framework for the Design of Storm water Management Systems
1.3.1 Source Controls
1.3.2 Site Controls
1.3.3 “Drain” and “Drainage District” Defined
1.4 Purpose of These Rules
2.0 DEVELOPMENTS REQUIRING REVIEW and SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Condition I
Condition II
Condition III
2.1 Platted Subdivisions
2.1.1 Pre-Preliminary Plats
2.1.2 Preliminary Plats
2.1.3 Construction Plans
2.1.4 Final Plats
2.2 Condominium Developments
2.2.1 Preliminary Plans
2.2.2 Construction Plans
2.3 Private Road or Land Split Developments
2.3.1 Preliminary Plans
2.3.2 Construction Plans
2.4 Manufactured Housing Communities / Mobile Home Parks
2.4.1 Preliminary Plans
2.4.2 Construction Plans
2.5 Commercial or Industrial Developments
2.5.1 Preliminary Plans
2.5.2 Construction Plans
2.6 Direct or Indirect Discharges to an Established Drain
2.7 Drain Crossings, Culverts, Tiling, and/or Enclosing an Established Drain
2.8 Drain Widening, Deepening, or Relocation
2.9 Adding or Subtracting Land to/from a Drainage District and/or Construction of a
Drain for Ascription as an Established Drain
3.0 PLAT/PLAN REQUIREMENTS and PROCEDURES
3.1 Preliminary Plat/Plan Requirements & Procedures
3.2 Construction Plan Requirements & Procedures
3.3 Final Plat Requirements & Procedures
3.3.1 Procedure for the Construction of Drainage Systems Prior to Final Plat
Approval
3.3.2 Procedure for Drainage Systems Constructed Subsequent to Final Plat
Approval
3.4 Other Permits & Requirements
3.4.1 Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control Permit
3.4.2 NPDES Permit-by-Rule
3.4.3 Other Requirements
3.5 Procedures for Appeal of Decision of Drain Commissioner
4.0 DESIGN STANDARDS for STORMWATER SYSTEMS
4.1 General Requirements
4.2 Established Drains
4.3 Storm Sewers
4.4 Open Channels
4.5 Culverts
4.6 Bioretention
4.6.1 Pre-Design Site Evaluation
4.6.2 Design Criteria
4.7 Infiltration
4.7.1 Pre-Design Site Evaluation
4.7.2 Design Criteria
4.8 Detention Storage Facilities
4.8.1 Detention Basins
4.8.2 Underground Storage
4.9 Retention Basins
4.10 Wetlands and Low Lying Areas
4.11 Oil Separators
4.12 First Flush Basins and Sediment Collection Units
4.13 Design Reference Material
APPENDIX A Application for Drain Commissioner Review
APPENDIX B Review & Permit Fees
APPENDIX C Drainage Application and Permit Form
APPENDIX D Section 433 Agreement Application: Application to Add/Subtract Land to/from
a Drainage District
APPENDIX E Example Permit Status Table
APPENDIX F Preliminary Plat/Plan Checklist
APPENDIX G Construction Plan Checklist
APPENDIX H Model Forms of Stormwater System Maintenance Agreements
APPENDIX I Example Stormwater Handling Strategies
APPENDIX J Reference Tables
APPENDIX K Example Bioretention Details
APPENDIX L Example Infiltration Details
APPENDIX M Example Detention Basin Details
APPENDIX N Example Calculations
APPENDIX O Example Oil Removal BMP’s (Best Management Practices)
APPENDIX P Glossary
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
These Rules of the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner are adopted pursuant to the general
authority granted under the Michigan Drain Code of 1956, Public Act No. 40 of 1956, as
amended, M.C.L. §§ 280.1 280.630 (hereinafter “Drain Code”) and other applicable laws, to
protect the public health, safety, and welfare in regarding drainage matters over which the Drain
Commissioner has jurisdiction. These Rules are meant to assist in maintaining the County’s
stormwater drainage systems, waterways and watersheds, focusing on the legally established
drainage districts and drains within St. Clair County. Specifically, these Rules are designed to
provide guidance in order for project design to minimize flood damage; to preserve farm
drainage; to promote best management practices relating to drainage; to protect the quality of
surface and ground waters; to protect St. Clair County residents’ natural flow rights under
common law; and to manage the County’s drains, drainage resources, and drainage districts for
multiple purposes including drainage, sustainable development, recreation, scenic beauty, and
fish and wildlife habitats. These Rules are applicable to all developments subject to review and
approval of the Drain Commissioner and over which the Drain Commissioner has jurisdiction.
These Rules provide minimum standards for developments covered under the Rules, provided,
however, that the Drain Commissioner reserves the right to deviate from the specific design
standards set forth in the Rules when, on a case-by-case basis, such deviation is appropriate or
necessary in order to accommodate the goals and purposes underlying these Rules. These rules
and their implementation are designed to promote low impact designs such as rain gardens or
other site control of stormwater. The Drain Commissioner is committed to working with those
developing projects or applying for permits to use alternate drainage methods which help meet
local landscape ordinance requirements and improve the quality of water in our environment.
The following discussion outlines basic ideas and principals of stormwater management, and
provides a conceptual foundation for the design standards contained in this document.
1.1 Impacts of Development on Water Quantity
The hydrology of a watershed changes in response to site clearing and development of the
natural landscape. A site’s existing stormwater storage capacity can be lost as vegetation is
removed, natural depressions are graded and both topsoil and wetlands are eliminated. As the
soil is compacted and resurfaced with impervious materials, rainfall may no longer penetrate into
the ground and runs off of the land. These modifications, along with the installation of drainage
facilities, alter natural drainage patterns within the area drained.
1.1.1 Examples of Changes in Watershed Hydrology and Stream Morphology
Increases in volume of runoff raise the flood stage and the frequency of severe flood
events.
Bankfull floods fill the stream channel to the top of its banks, but do not spill over into
the floodplain. Increased bankfull flooding subjects the stream channel to continual
disturbance and scour.
Increases in flow velocities are caused by the combined effect of greater discharges,
shorter times of concentration, and smoother hydraulic surfaces.
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Stream flow fluctuations increase dramatically as runoff is concentrated into more
quickly rising, higher peaks with equally abrupt returns to pre-storm level discharges.
Increased flow fluctuations may disrupt habitats and reduce the diversity of aquatic
species regardless of water quality.
If infiltration into the underlying water table is reduced, there is often a lowering of the
level of surface waterbodies that are dependent on groundwater to maintain base flows
during dry periods.
Channel widening and down-cutting contribute to increased runoff rates and flow
fluctuations.
Streambank erosion accelerates as channels are disturbed by undercutting, tree-falls and
bank slumping.
Sediment loads increase with streambank erosion and construction site runoff. These
sediments settle out and form shifting bars that often accelerate the erosion process by
deflecting runoff into sensitive bank areas.
Increased sedimentation and channel widening affect aquatic habitats. Stream structure
changes as the gradient of the stream adjusts to accommodate frequent floods. Sediment
deposition damages invertebrate habitat as well as fish spawning areas.
1.2 Impacts of Development on Water Quality
As development occurs, changes in land use may contribute new or additional pollutants to
storm-water runoff. In addition, some accompanying impervious surfaces may provide efficient
delivery of these pollutants into receiving waterways. Leaves, litter, animal droppings, exposed
soil from construction sites, fertilizer and pesticides are all washed off of the land. Vehicles and
deteriorating urban surfaces deposit trace metals, oil, and grease onto streets and parking lots.
These and other toxic substances may be carried by stormwater and conveyed through creeks,
ditches and storm drains into our rivers and lakes.
In short, the ecology of drains and waterways may be re-shaped by the shifts in hydrology,
morphology and water quality that can accompany the development process. The stresses that
these changes place on the environment are often gradual and invisible, yet they may produce
significant effects over time: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy
(EGLE) has identified streams in the urban and urbanizing areas as requiring special initiatives to
restore degraded habitats, and to improve water quality.
To mitigate drainage impacts, it is necessary to evaluate the way that stormwater and land
development are managed. The following discussion provides a framework for this evaluation,
which encompasses the entire development process from land use planning and zoning to site
design and construction.
1.3 Framework for the Design of Stormwater Management Systems
Thoughtful site planning can substantially reduce environmental and drainage impacts associated
with development. Towards this end, communities, regulatory agencies, and designers must
evaluate the impact of each individual development project over the long term, and on a
watershed scale. Such an approach requires consideration of Best Management Practices
(BMPs) that function together as a system to ensure that the volume, rate, timing and pollutant
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load of runoff remains stable and sustainable. A “BMP” is a practice or combination of practices
that prevent or reduce stormwater runoff and/or associated pollutants. This can be achieved
through a coordinated network of structural and nonstructural methods. In such a system, each
BMP by itself may not provide major benefits, but becomes very effective when combined with
others.
1.3.1 Source Controls
Source controls reduce the volume of runoff generated on-site, and eliminate initial opportunities
for pollutants to enter the drainage system. By working to prevent problems, source controls are
the best option for controlling stormwater, and include the following key practices:
Preservation of existing natural features that perform stormwater management functions,
such as depressions, wetlands, and woodland and vegetative buffers along streambanks.
The minimization of impervious surface area through site planning that makes efficient use
of paved, developed areas and maximizes open space. Encouraging flexible street and
parking standards and the use of permeable ground cover materials can also reduce
impervious surfaces.
Direction of stormwater discharges to open grassed areas such as swales and lawns rather
than allowing stormwater to run off from impervious areas directly into the stormwater
conveyance system.
Careful design and installation of erosion control mechanisms and rigorous maintenance
throughout the construction period. Effective erosion control measures include minimizing
the area and length of time that a site is cleared and graded, and the timely vegetative
stabilization of disturbed areas.
1.3.2 Site Controls
Site controls are the subject of this document. After the implementation of source controls, site
controls are then required to convey, pre-treat, and treat (e.g., detain, retain or infiltrate) the
stormwater runoff generated by development. The range of engineering and design techniques
available to achieve these objectives is to some degree dictated by site configuration, soil type,
and the receiving waterway. For example, flat or extremely steep topography may preclude the
use of grassed swales, which are otherwise preferable to curb and gutter systems. But while each
site will be unique, some universal guidelines for controlling stormwater quality and quantity can
be stated.
1.3.3 “Drain” and “Drainage District” Defined
The term “Drain” as used in these Rules shall have the meaning as proscribed in Section 3 of the
Drain Code as follows:
The word ‘drain’, whenever used in this act, shall include the main
stream or trunk and all tributaries or branches of any creek or river,
any watercourse or ditch, either open or closed, any covered drain,
any sanitary or any combined sanitary and storm sewer or storm
sewer or conduit composed of tile, brick, concrete, or other
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material, any structures or mechanical devices, that will properly
purify the flow of such drains, any pumping equipment necessary
to assist or relieve the flow of such drains and any levee, dike,
barrier, or a combination of any or all of same constructed, or
proposed to be constructed, for the purpose of drainage or for the
purification of the flow of such drains, but shall not include any
dam and flowage rights used in connection therewith which is used
for the generation of power by a public utility subject to regulation
by the public service commission.
The term “Drainage District” as used in these Rules shall have the following meaning:
A Drainage District is any county or inter-county drainage district
legally established pursuant to applicable provisions of the Drain
Code. Drain Code Section 5 provides that each such drainage
district is a body corporate with the power to contract, to sue and
be sued, and to hold, manage, and dispose of real property, in
addition to any other powers conferred by law. Generally, a
drainage district is comprised of all lands which drain to a legally
established Drain.
1.4 Purpose of These Rules
It is the purpose of these site development rules to establish minimum stormwater management
requirements to meet the following objectives:
Ensure that stormwater drainage systems and BMPs are adequate to address
stormwater management needs within a proposed development and protect the
drainage, property and water rights of landowners outside of the proposed
development.
Reduce artificially induced flood damage.
Minimize the degradation of existing watercourses.
Prevent an increase in non-point source pollution.
Maintain site hydrology to avoid detrimental changes in the balance between
stormwater runoff, groundwater recharge and evapo-transpiration.
Further documentation of the impacts of development on land and water resources and the
importance of stormwater management can be found in Chapter 2 of the Low Impact
Development Manual for Michigan (SEMCOG, 2008).
Low Impact Development Manual for Michigan, A Design Guide for Implementers & Reviewers
https://www.semcog.org/Reports/LID/files/assets/basic-html/page-1.html
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2. 0 DEVELOPMENTS REQUIRING REVIEW and
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Pursuant to state law, all residential or industrial subdivisions and all manufactured housing
communities or mobile home parks must conform to these Rules and design standards adopted
by the Drain Commissioner. Additionally, these Rules and design standards will be applied to,
and a permit from the Drain Commissioner (see Appendix C) may be required for, all other
developments and construction activities that affect drainage conditions or drainage patterns for
which one or more of the following conditions
1
applies:
Condition I
The proposed development will directly impact a drain, for example, by directly contributing
flow or depositing sediment or contaminants into the drain.
Condition II
County or local ordinances or other legal authority require the Drain Commissioner's evaluation.
Additionally, the Drain Commissioner may apply these standards if requested by a local
municipality or county.
Condition III
The site development is in the defined Port Huron Urbanized Area and disturbs one or more
acres, including projects less than an acre that are part of a larger common plan of development
or sale, and discharges into a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) owned by or under
the jurisdiction of the SCCDO or a municipality which has adopted these Rules.
These conditions will also apply to projects of the SCCDO and St. Clair County as long as there
is no conflict with PA 40 of 1956 (Drain Code).
Outlined below are examples of types of developments and construction activities that may be
within the jurisdiction of the Drain Commissioner that are expressly addressed in the referenced
subsections of this Section of the Rule and which may generally require a Drainage Permit from
the Drain Commissioner:
2.1 Platted Subdivisions
2.2 Condominium Developments
2.3 Private Road or Land Split Developments
2.4 Manufactured Housing Communities / Mobile Home Parks
2.5 Commercial or Industrial Developments
2.6 Direct Discharges to an Established Drain
2.7 Drain Crossings, Culverts, Tiling and/or Enclosing an Established Drain
2.8 Drain Widening, Deepening or Relocation
1
Minor development or construction activities, such as those associated with a typical single-family residence, that
are not part of a larger common plan or development may be exempt from the Drainage Permit requirement.
6
2.9 Adding or Subtracting Land to/from a Drainage District and/or Construction of a Drain
for Ascription as an Established Drain.
The types of plans to be submitted are listed for each development type. Some of the legal
sources of the Drain Commissioner's authority are also cited. Details regarding the requirements
for plats and plans can be found in the following section, Section 3.0 Plat/Plan Requirements and
Procedures.
2.1 Platted Subdivisions
Pursuant to Land Division Act, PA 288 of 1967, as amended, M.C.L. §§ 560.101 – 560.293, and
the general authority of Drain Commissioners under the Drain Code
2.1.1 Pre-Preliminary Plats
Section 107 of the Land Division Act, M.C.L. § 560.107, states that a proprietor may submit a
pre-preliminary plat to a governing body for their information and review. The pre-preliminary
plat will be reviewed by the Drain Commissioner per the same standards as a preliminary plat.
Comments on the pre-preliminary plat will be provided for the proprietor’s consideration, but
approval from the Drain Commissioner is not required to proceed with submission of the
preliminary plat. For review of a pre-preliminary plat, the Drain Commissioner may charge the
same review fees that would be applicable to a preliminary plat.
2.1.2 Preliminary Plats
Section 105 of the Land Division Act, § 560.105, states that the approval of a preliminary plat
shall be conditioned upon compliance with any published rules of a county Drain Commissioner.
A checklist of requirements for preliminary plats can be found in Appendix F. Additional
requirements for preliminary plats can be found in Section 3.1 Preliminary Plat/Plan
Requirements & Procedures. Review fees for preliminary plat apply as outlined in Appendix B.
Approval of a preliminary plat does not constitute approval of construction or engineering plans
for the proposed subdivision. Construction and engineering plans must be approved prior to the
beginning of construction and prior to final approval.
2.1.3 Construction Plans
Construction plans will be reviewed for their compliance with the requirements described in
Section 3.2 and the design standards listed in Section 4.0 Design Standards for Stormwater
Systems. The plans must be approved by the Drain Commissioner prior to any on-site
construction or grading. Additionally, a Drainage Permit must be obtained from the Drain
Commissioner if one or more of the conditions in Section 2.0 apply. The initiation of grading or
building activities before plan approvals and/or permits from the Drain Commissioner is the
basis for issuance of a Stop Work Order. In addition, the completion of projects that do not
conform to approved plan specifications will not be tolerated by the Drain Commissioner and
may entail legal enforcement and/or withholding of approval of any final plats until outstanding
issues are resolved.
7
2.1.4 Final Plats
Section 192 of the Land Division Act, M.C.L. § 560.192, states that the Drain Commissioner
shall require that the proprietor provide for adequate stormwater facilities within the lands
proposed for platting and outlets thereto. If the stormwater facilities are not installed before
approval of the final plat, some form of surety must be posted with the Drain Commissioner.
Section 192 also allows the Drain Commissioner to require the proprietor to provide adequate
stormwater retention/detention systems and an arrangement for the future maintenance of the
stormwater facilities. All these requirements must be addressed before the final plat is submitted
for review. Additional details regarding the requirements for final plat approval can be found in
Section 3.3 Final Plat Requirements & Procedures. Section 146 of the Land Division Act,
M.C.L. § 560.146, states that a certificate shall be signed and dated by the Drain Commissioner
signifying that the provisions of Section 192 have been met and that the final plat meets the
Drain Commissioner's approval.
2.2 Condominium Developments
Pursuant to the Condominium Act, PA 59 of 1978, as amended, M.C.L. §§ 559.101 559.276,
and the general authority of Drain Commissioners under the Drain Code
Section 71 of the Condominium Act, M.C.L. § 559.171, requires that written notice be provided
to the Drain Commissioner prior to taking reservations under a preliminary reservation
agreement, recording a master deed for the property, or beginning construction for a
condominium project. The Drain Commissioner will review plans and offer comments/approval
as may be within his jurisdiction. Generally, the Drain Commissioner will review and approve
condominium plans using the same criteria that apply to subdivisions. Such review shall be
completed prior to the recording of the master deed for the condominium.
2.2.1 Preliminary Plans
Preliminary plans for condominium sites will be reviewed by the Drain Commissioner as per
preliminary plats. A checklist of requirements for preliminary plats/plans can be found in
Appendix F. Requirements for preliminary plans can be found in Section 3.1 Preliminary
Plat/Plan Requirements & Procedures. Approval of a preliminary plat does not constitute
approval of construction or engineering plans for proposed subdivisions, and construction and
engineering plans must be approved prior to the beginning of any construction and prior to the
final plat approval.
2.2.2 Construction Plans
Condominium construction plans must be reviewed by, and a Drainage Permit obtained from, the
Drain Commissioner if one or more of the Conditions in Section 2.0 apply. Construction plans
will be reviewed for their compliance with the requirements described in Section 3.2 and the
design standards listed in Section 4.0 Design Standards for Stormwater Systems. The plans must
be approved by the Drain Commissioner prior to any on-site construction or grading. Only upon
their approval will permits required from the Drain Commissioner be issued. The initiation of
grading or building activities before obtaining plan approvals and/or permits from the Drain
8
Commissioner is the basis for issuance of a Stop Work Order. Condominium master deeds shall
contain a legally binding plan for long-term maintenance of the stormwater facilities. Such plans
shall be reflective of/similar to subdivision stormwater management deed restrictions. Examples
of such stormwater facility maintenance agreements can be found in Appendix H. A copy of the
stormwater maintenance plan will be submitted to the Drain Commissioner as part of the review
process. All review fees and expenses will be paid before final approval is given to proceed with
construction activities.
2.3 Private Road or Land Split Developments
The Drain Commissioner may have jurisdiction over private road developments or land split
developments depending on how the property will be used and whether the use of the property
impacts a Drain. The jurisdictional criteria are set forth in Section 2.0 above. The Drain
Commissioner strongly recommends that plans for private road developments or land split
developments be submitted for review so as to avoid the risk that a project could be delayed
because approval was required but not obtained.
2.3.1 Preliminary Plans
If preliminary plans are submitted, preliminary plans for private road and land split
developments will be reviewed by the Drain Commissioner as per preliminary plats. A checklist
of requirements for preliminary plats/plans can be found in Appendix F. Requirements for
preliminary plans can be found in Section 3.1 Preliminary Plat/Plan Requirements & Procedures.
Preliminary plans will be approved by the Drain Commissioner contingent upon review of
detailed engineering and construction plans.
2.3.2 Construction Plans
Private road and land split development construction plans must be reviewed by, and a Drainage
Permit obtained from, the Drain Commissioner if one or more of the Conditions in Section 2.0
apply. Construction plans will be reviewed for their compliance with the requirements described
in Section 3.2 and the design standards listed in Section 4.0 Design Standards for Stormwater
Systems. The plans must be approved by the Drain Commissioner prior to any on-site
construction or grading. Only upon their approval will a permit be issued for discharge to an
established drain and/or for work in a drain right-of-way. The initiation of grading or building
activities before obtaining plan approvals and/or permits from the Drain Commissioner is the
basis for issuance of a Stop Work Order. Stormwater facility maintenance must be ensured
through a deed restriction or an equivalent legally binding agreement. Examples of such
stormwater facility maintenance agreements can be found in Appendix H. A copy of the
stormwater maintenance plan must be submitted to the Drain Commissioner as part of the review
process. All review fees and expenses must be paid before final approval is given to proceed
with construction activities.
2.4 Manufactured Housing Communities / Mobile Home Parks
Pursuant to the Mobile Home Commission Act, Act No. 96 of 1987, as amended, M.C.L. §§
125.2301 – 125.2350, and the general authority of Drain Commissioners under the Drain Code
9
Section 11 of the Mobile Home Commission Act, M.C.L. § 125.2311, states that a person who
desires to develop a mobile home park shall submit a preliminary plan to the county Drain
Commissioner for preliminary approval. It also states that the preliminary plan shall not include
detailed construction plans. Subsection 3 states that the Drain Commissioner shall review and
may approve the outlet drainage, and that the Drain Commissioner shall adopt and publish
standards to implement the subsection. These standards are as published in Section 4.0 Design
Standards for Stormwater Systems. Mobile home interior drainage may be reviewed to the
extent necessary to determine that the outlet drainage meets these standards, since inadequate
interior drainage may result in overflows to the receiving watercourse.
2.4.1 Preliminary Plans
Preliminary plans will include the location, layout, general design, and general description of the
mobile home park. A checklist of requirements for preliminary plans can be found in
Appendix F. Requirements for preliminary plats can be found in Section 3.1 Preliminary
Plat/Plan Requirements & Procedures. Preliminary plan approval will be contingent upon a
review of the engineering and construction plans and all details related to and affecting outlet
drainage
2.4.2 Construction Plans
Construction plans for mobile home parks must be reviewed by the Drain Commissioner to
determine that the adequacy of the outlet drainage has been considered. Additional aspects of
the plans for mobile home parks must also be reviewed by, and a Drainage Permit obtained from,
the Drain Commissioner if one or more of the Conditions in Section 2.0 apply. Construction
plans will be reviewed for their compliance with the requirements described in Section 3.2 and
the design standards listed in Section 4.0 Design Standards for Stormwater Systems. The plans
must be approved by the Drain Commissioner prior to any on-site construction or grading. Only
upon their approval will any permits from the Drain Commissioner be issued. The initiation of
grading or building activities before obtaining plan approvals and/or permits from the Drain
Commissioner may result in issuance of a Stop Work Order. Stormwater facility maintenance
must be ensured through a deed restriction or an equivalent legally binding agreement.
Examples of such stormwater facility maintenance agreements can be found in Appendix H. A
copy of the stormwater maintenance plan must be submitted to the Drain Commissioner as part
of the review process. All review fees and expenses must be paid before final approval is given
to proceed with construction activities.
Communication with the Drain Commissioner is strongly encouraged regarding all proposed
developments.
2.5 Commercial or Industrial Developments
Pursuant to the jurisdiction of the Drain Commissioner under the Drain Code as set forth in
Section 2 above and to the extent local ordinances require a permit.
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Proposed commercial/industrial developments (e.g. shopping malls, apartments, schools, general
retail and wholesale establishments, factories, industrial complexes, etc.) or additions/
modifications to such existing developments must be reviewed by and a Drainage Permit
obtained from the Drain Commissioner if one or more of the Conditions in Section 2.0 apply or
if required by a local ordinance.
2.5.1 Preliminary Plans
If preliminary plans for proposed commercial/industrial construction activities are submitted,
they will be reviewed by the Drain Commissioner as per preliminary plats. A checklist of
requirements for preliminary plats/plans can be found in Appendix F. Requirements for
preliminary plans can be found in Section 3.1 Preliminary Plat/Plan Requirements & Procedures.
Submission of preliminary plans is encouraged, but not required. Approval of preliminary plans
by the Drain Commissioner is not required to proceed with submission of construction plans.
2.5.2 Construction Plans
Construction plans must be submitted to and a Drainage Permit obtained from the Drain
Commissioner if one or more of the Conditions in Section 2.0 apply. Construction plans will be
reviewed for their compliance with the requirements described in Section 3.2 and the design
standards listed in Section 4.0 Design Standards for Stormwater Systems. The plans must be
approved by the Drain Commissioner prior to any on-site construction or grading. Only upon
their approval will any permits from the Drain Commissioner be issued. The initiation of
grading or building activities before obtaining plan approvals and/or permits from the Drain
Commissioner is the basis for issuance of a Stop Work Order. A copy of the stormwater
maintenance plan will be submitted to the Drain Commissioner as part of the review process.
All review fees and expenses must be paid before final approval is given to proceed with
construction activities.
2.6 Direct or Indirect Discharge to an Established Drain
If point source or sheet flow drainage from any proposed development or any construction
activities are to be directed toward and/or empty into an established drain or to any watercourse
under the jurisdiction of the Drain Commissioner, compliance with these Rules and a Drainage
Permit and fees shall be required. This permit may be required in addition to approval of plats
and/or plans. Please refer to Appendix C for a Drainage Permit application: “Application and
Permit Authorizing Development or Construction Activities Affecting Drainage.” Unrestricted
discharge of stormwater from developments to an established drain or other watercourse within
the jurisdiction of the Drain Commissioner is unacceptable.
Before commencing to do any work on the site, the proprietor shall notify the Drain
Commissioner at least 48 hours in advance to provide for the inspection of the project by the
Drain Commissioner if required. The proprietor shall also notify the Drain Commissioner at the
completion of the project to provide for a final inspection by the Drain Commissioner if required.
Inspections by the Drain Commissioner shall not relieve the proprietor of his obligations. Only
upon the satisfactory completion of the project and final inspection will the Drain Commissioner
issue the Drainage Permit.
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Pursuant to Section 423 of the Drain Code, no sewage or waste matter shall be discharged into an
established drain, which is capable of producing in the drain, detrimental deposits, objectionable
odor nuisance, injury to drainage conduits or structures, or capable of producing such pollution
of the waters of the state receiving the flow from the drains as to injure livestock, destroy fish
life, or be injurious to public health.
Pursuant to Section 423 of the Drain Code, non-storm water discharges to water courses under
the jurisdiction of the Drain Commissioner are prohibited. This may include illicit discharges,
direct dumping, disposal of materials, and/or illicit connections to water courses. The following
categories of non-storm water discharges are excluded from this prohibition unless they have
been identified as significant sources of pollutants to these water courses.
Discharges or flows from firefighting activities
Water line flushing and discharges from potable water sources
Landscape irrigation runoff, lawn watering runoff, and irrigation waters
Diverted stream flows and flows from riparian habitats and wetlands
Rising groundwater and springs
Uncontaminated groundwater infiltration and seepage
Uncontaminated pumped groundwater, except for groundwater cleanups specifically
authorized by NPDES permits
Foundation drains, water from crawl space pumps, footing drains, and basement sump
pumps
Air conditioning condensation
Waters from noncommercial car washing
Street wash water
Dechlorinated swimming pool water from single, two, or three family residences.
The SCC Drain Commissioner may inspect, investigate, and monitor suspected illicit discharges
into watercourses under his/her jurisdiction, and require and enforce the elimination of these
discharges. To the maximum extent practicable, illicit discharges shall be eliminated from water
courses under the SCC Drain Commissioner’s jurisdiction within 120 days of its presence being
confirmed by the SCC Drain Commissioner or his/her staff.
2.7 Drain Crossings, Culverts, Tiling and/or Enclosing an Established
Drain
A Drainage Permit from the Drain Commissioner is required for any and all culverts, bridges,
enclosures, and utility crossings of established drains. Section 425 of the Drain Code, M.C.L. §
280.425, states that a land owner may make a written request to the Drain Commissioner for
permission to tile or enclose an open drain at his/her own expense. The Drain Commissioner
may grant the request, via a Drainage Permit, but in so doing shall prescribe the size of the
enclosure to be used. In accordance with Section 421 of the Drain Code, M.C.L. § 280.421, a
permit shall not be issued to enclose a drain if the enclosure would obstruct the established drain.
2.8 Drain Widening, Deepening or Relocation
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If the proprietor desires to perform construction activities within an existing drain right-of-way,
including, widening, deepening, or relocation of a drain, application for a Drainage Permit will
be filed with the office of the Drain Commissioner. This application will be accompanied by the
necessary release of right-of-way, in recordable form, accomplished by all owners of interest.
Preliminary and/or construction plans may be required for review as appropriate. Requirements
and procedures for preliminary plans and construction plans are described in Section 3.0.
2.9 Adding or Subtracting Land to/from a Drainage District, and/or
Construction of a Drain for Ascription as an Established Drain
If a proprietor desires to add or subtract land to/from a drainage district, and to construct a drain
for designation as an established drain, the Drain Commissioner’s approval must be obtained
prior to construction. Section 433 of the Drain Code, M.C.L. § 280.433, requires that the
proprietor enter into an agreement with the Drain Commissioner. The agreement would obligate
the proprietor to pay (or put on deposit) all costs associated with the new drain(s). The
agreement would require that a registered professional engineer prepare and certify all necessary
documents, including but not limited to:
An updated map of the drainage district showing the district boundary
A document indicating the total area (in acres) of the drainage district, the area of the
lands serviced by the new branches and/or extensions, and the total length (in miles and
fractions thereof) of all drains, branches, and/or new extensions within the district.
A current listing of all parcels partially or totally within district boundary.
Legal descriptions for each parcel partially or totally within district boundary.
For each parcel partially within district, a general description of the portion of parcel
within district and the area (in acres) of that portion.
Right-of-way documents dedicating to the drainage district all necessary easements and
right-of-ways for the new branches and/or extensions. Said documents must be in a
recordable form satisfactory to the Drain Commissioner and the County Register of
Deeds.
Covenants or Restrictions attaching to each new lot in the subdivision clearly stating that
said lot is in the drainage district and subject to periodic special assessments for drain
maintenance.
Updated special assessment roll reflecting all parcels within the district subject to drain
special assessments.
Subsequent to Drain Commissioner approval, the documents must be recorded, with the originals
returned to the Office of the Drain Commissioner.
Before commencing to do any work on the site, the proprietor shall make satisfactory
arrangements with the Commissioner to provide for the inspection of the project by the Drain
Commissioner. These arrangements shall include, among other things, the submission of three
sets of approved drainage plans, satisfactory evidence of insurance coverage, and a copy of the
signed contract between the proprietor and his Contractor covering the work to be performed.
Inspections by the Drain Commissioner shall not relieve the proprietor of his obligations. Spot
inspections by the Drain Commissioner's inspector are to verify the proper construction of the
drains in their various stages of completion. If it is necessary to retain a natural watercourse
because this watercourse serves land outside the proposed development, then recordable releases
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for said watercourse will be submitted. The contract shall show in addition to the name of the
Contractor, the items of work involved, the total cost of the project, and the proposed completion
date. At the time this information is supplied to the Drain Commissioner, inspection deposits
shall be computed and payment of same shall be made to the Commissioner prior to
commencing work. The proprietor will be held responsible for the actual inspection costs
incurred by the Drain Commissioner. Before work commences, an inspector must be assigned to
the project. The inspector may, at his discretion, request that a pre-construction meeting of all
involved parties be held.
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3.0 PLAT/PLAN REQUIREMENTS and PROCEDURES
Listed below are requirements and procedures for preliminary plats and plans, construction
plans, and final plats.
All submissions for review by the Drain Commissioner must be accompanied by an Application
for Drain Commissioner Review, which can be found in Appendix A. The application must
indicate the type of plat/plans being submitted and be signed and dated by the proprietor or the
proprietor's legal agent. The application grants permission for the Drain Commissioner or an
assigned representative to enter and inspect the site. A check, or equivalent, for the initial review
must accompany the application. Initial review fees are presented in Appendix B. These fees
are predicated upon the size of the proposed development. Plats/plans shall not be considered
"received" for review until the Application for Drain Commissioner Review is completed,
signed, and filed along with payment of initial review fees. Proprietors may be responsible for
additional fees if additional review time is necessary to perform a satisfactory review of the
plat/plans.
3.1 Preliminary Plat/Plan Requirements & Procedures
A preliminary plat is required for proposed residential and industrial subdivisions prior to
submission of construction plans. Preliminary plans are required for Manufactured Housing
Communities / Mobile Home Parks. Submission of preliminary plans is optional, but may be
required, for all other types of developments subject to review and approval of the Drain
Commissioner. If preliminary plans are submitted, they will be reviewed according to the same
requirements and standards as preliminary plats. All preliminary plat or plan approvals are
contingent upon approval of construction plans and other applicable provisions of the Rules.
With the submission of a preliminary plat or preliminary plans, the proprietor or assigned agent
must simultaneously submit to the Drain Commissioner:
five copies of the preliminary plat/plans
a letter of transmittal
the Application for Drain Commissioner Review (See Appendix A)
payment for initial review (See Appendix B)
the completed Preliminary Plat/Plan Checklist (See Appendix F)
Preliminary plats/plans shall conform to the following requirements:
A. A preliminary plat or preliminary plans shall show the layout of the area intended to be
platted or developed. The plat or plans shall be prepared under the direction of a
registered engineer or a registered land surveyor, and shall be drawn to a scale not
smaller than 1 inch equal to 100 ft.
B. The preliminary plat or preliminary plans shall give the location of the proposed
subdivision/development with reference to the section and part of section in which the
parcel is situated and the name of the township, city, or village. The plat/plans shall
show the proposed street and alley layout, lot and plat/site dimensions, all pertinent
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factors such as adjoining roads and subdivisions, rivers, railroads, high tension tower
lines or underground transmission lines, cemeteries, parks, natural watercourses,
established drains, sewers, easements, or any other feature, the existence, location, or
description of which might be of value in determining the overall requirements for the
subdivision/development. If the proposed plat/development is a part of or an addition to
an established county or inter-county drainage district, this fact shall be clearly stated and
the district boundaries shall be shown on the watershed map.
C. Easements for the public utilities shall be shown with the tentative layout. Inasmuch as
improper utility easement location can result in a change in plat/site layout, the proprietor
is advised to consult with the respective utility companies before presenting the tentative
layout for approval. Contour information shall be shown with a minimum of a 2-ft.
contour interval.
D. In the case where the proprietor wishes to develop a given area, but wishes to begin with
only a portion of the total area, the original plat/plans shall include the proposed general
layout for the entire area. The part that is proposed to be developed first shall be clearly
superimposed upon the overall plan in order to illustrate clearly the method of
development that the proprietor intends to follow. Each subsequent plat or set of
preliminary plans shall follow the same procedure until the entire area controlled by the
proprietor is subdivided. The final acceptance of a subdivision/development that is a
partial development of a larger general layout does not automatically ensure the final
acceptance of the overall layout. Each phase of the development will be required to have
adequate stormwater drainage and detention. Drainage plans for a phase of development
must not be dependent upon work planned to be performed in a future phase.
E. The names of the proprietor and engineering and/or surveying firm, with mailing
addresses and telephone numbers for each, shall be included.
F. If an established drain is involved, preliminary plats/plans shall include a note indicating
that “All work performed in the right-of-way of an established drain shall require a
permit from the Drain Commissioner.”
G. Accompanying each copy of the preliminary plat/plans shall be a copy of the site report
furnished to the Department of Health under their rule.
H. All wetlands and floodplains shall be delineated on preliminary plats or plans.
I. The seasonal high groundwater table elevation and basement floor elevations (if
applicable) shall be indicated on the preliminary plat or plans. Basement floors shall be
at least two feet above the seasonal high water table or a permanently controlled
groundwater level associated with a permanent gravity groundwater depression system.
J. The receiving watercourse to serve as the outlet for each proposed detention facility shall
be identified on the preliminary plat/plans. If the receiving watercourse identified is not
suitable to serve as the outlet, the proprietor may be required to improve the watercourse
to conditions approvable by the Drain Commissioner.
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K. Careful consideration should be given to the design of detention and/or retention basins
during preparation of the preliminary plat/plans. Although design calculations for the
volume and size of detention or retention basins are evaluated as part of the construction
plan review, unidentified problems could result in significant modifications to the design
and/or site layout. Frequently overlooked problems include:
Failure to provide adequate space for detention or retention basins, since
unrestricted discharge is not an acceptable option;
Off-site areas contributing runoff onto a subject property affecting detention or
retention pond volume requirements;
Intrusive floodplain elevations;
Depth to groundwater as a constraint to a detention/retention basin’s depth; and
Insufficient elevation change between a detention basin and its receiving
watercourse.
L. If the preliminary plat/plans have been revised and are being re-submitted, the letter of
transmittal shall indicate how the plat/plans have been revised and how each comment
from the Drain Commissioner’s previous review letter has been addressed.
M. When concentrated stormwater is proposed to be discharged over, onto, or across
property other than that owned by the proprietor, an easement or agreement between the
property owners must be executed and submitted to the Drain Commissioner in a form
acceptable to the Drain Commissioner.
N. If either the proprietor or the Drain Commissioner finds it advantageous to make changes
to a preliminary plat before the final plat is presented to the Commissioner for signature,
such changes can be made, provided that a new preliminary plat is submitted for with
each change in the layout. The proprietor is reminded that approval of a proposed
subdivision by the local governing body is also required under the Subdivision Control
Act. Changes made to obtain approval by the local governing body must be incorporated
into the layout and a new preliminary plat resubmitted even though the original layout
may have already been approved by the Drain Commissioner. If the proprietor does not
present his final plat to the Commissioner for approval within a period of two years after
receiving approval of the preliminary plat, it may be necessary that he resubmit the
preliminary plat for review in the light of new information that may have become
available during the interim.
3.2 Construction Plan Requirements and Procedures
Construction plans shall be reviewed subsequent to preliminary plat/plan reviews, if applicable.
With the submission of construction plans, the proprietor or assigned agent must simultaneously
submit the following to the Drain Commissioner:
two copies of the construction plans
a letter of transmittal
the Application for Drain Commissioner Review (See Appendix A)
payment for initial review (See Appendix B)
the completed Construction Plan Checklist (See Appendix G)
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an agreement for maintenance of the stormwater management facilities (See Appendix H)
any needed applications for permits to discharge to an established drain (Drainage
Permit) or appeals for inclusion within a drainage district (Section 433 Agreement)
an agreement between land owners if concentrated stormwater is to be discharged onto
private property other than that owned by the proprietor
a permit from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, if any construction
activities are proposed within regulated wetlands
Construction plans must meet the following requirements:
A. For developments required to submit a preliminary plat, the approved preliminary plat or
plans shall be incorporated into the constructions plans. For developments not required
to submit a preliminary plat, the construction plans shall conform to the requirements and
standards identified for preliminary plats/plans, items A-M in Section 3.1.
B. Construction plans must conform to the design standards presented in Section 4.0 Design
Standards for Stormwater Systems.
C. Except for developments that will ultimately be owned by a single proprietor (e.g.
commercial developments, mobile home parks, municipal developments), construction
plans will not be granted approval by the Drain Commissioner until a satisfactory
agreement has been submitted regarding long-term maintenance of the stormwater
management facilities, including the detention and/or retention basins. Examples of
acceptable maintenance agreements include:
Resolution of Acceptance from the municipality (e.g. township, city, or village) or
other governmental agency with taxing powers indicating that the municipality or
governmental agency is willing to accept, maintain, and operate the proposed
stormwater management facilities on a permanent basis.
Deed Restrictions for a subdivision indicating that the homeowners’ association will
accept, maintain, and operate the proposed stormwater management facilities on a
permanent basis.
Master Deed for a condominium development indicating the condominium
association will accept, maintain, and operate the proposed stormwater management
facilities on a permanent basis.
Examples of such maintenance agreements can be found in Appendix H.
D. When concentrated stormwater is proposed to be discharged over, onto, or across private
property other than that owned by the proprietor, an agreement between the land owners
must be executed relieving the Drain Commissioner and municipality of any and all
responsibility for damage that might occur. Such an agreement shall be submitted to the
Drain Commissioner and municipality prior to construction.
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3.3 Final Plat Requirements and Procedures
Final plats are required to be submitted for residential and industrial subdivision developments
only; all other types of developments are considered approved by the Drain Commissioner upon
approval of the construction plans. The Drain Commissioner's evaluation of final plats will
occur subsequent to construction plan approvals.
Five copies of the final plat shall be submitted to the Drain Commissioner. If approved, the
Drain Commissioner's signature will be affixed to the plats for execution. Six copies may be
submitted if the proprietor requests the return of a copy with the Drain Commissioner's signature.
The following requirements must be satisfied prior to final plat approval:
A. The final plat must strictly adhere to the construction plans as approved by the Drain
Commissioner.
B. The proprietor must submit a copy of the concerned municipality's approval of the
preliminary plat. The municipality’s approval shall be considered valid for two years
from the date of their approval.
C. The proprietor must submit a notarized letter in which the proprietor or assigned agent
attests to the fact that all necessary permits (e.g. Wetland, Floodplain, Inland Lakes and
Streams, Erosion Control, etc.) and required governmental approvals (e.g. Michigan
Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) Compliance Analysis
determination of adequacy, EGLE Baseline Environmental Assessment determination of
adequacy, EGLE risk assessment determination of adequacy, etc.) have been granted.
D. The proprietor's engineer shall furnish a certificate bearing a clear statement that all of the
drainage facilities within the subject plat have been constructed in accordance with the
approved construction plans and specifications (See Section 3.3.1 below), or, if the
construction has not been completed at the time of final plat submittal, the proprietor
must enter into an agreement with the Drain Commissioner and post surety for faithful
performance of the agreement (See Section 3.3.2 below).
3.3.1 Procedure for the Construction of Drainage Systems Prior to Final Plat Approval
If a drainage system is to be completed before submission of the final plat, the proprietor must
request the Drain Commissioner's inspection of the project. The Commissioner must receive an
Inspection Request Letter proposing an available time and date for inspection. Requested
inspection dates must be no less than 15 working days from the Drain Commissioner's receipt of
the request.
Approval of the final plat shall be contingent upon strict adherence to the construction plans as
approved in writing by the Drain Commissioner. The proprietor shall be responsible for cleaning
all sewers, manholes, catch basins, or other structures affected by the operations in the
development before final plat approval. The proprietor should take whatever precautions he
deems necessary in direct relations with his contractor in order to assure the work performed by
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the contractor meets the approval of the Drain Commissioner. The proprietor shall be held
totally responsible for the fulfillment of his obligations to the Drain Commissioner
notwithstanding that his contractor or consulting engineer may be at fault. The proprietor may
be required to post a nominal bond with the Drain Commissioner to guarantee repairs of any
defects, which may show up as a result of poor workmanship or defective materials within one
year after completion of the improvements. Should no defects occur within this period of one
year and should no adjustments be required, this bond will be returned to the proprietor in its
entirety.
3.3.2 Procedure for Drainage Systems Constructed Subsequent to Final Plat Approval
As required under Section 192(b) of the Land Division Act, as amended; M.C.L. § 560.192(b), if
adequate stormwater facilities within the land proposed for platting are not installed before
approval of the final plat, the proprietor shall enter into an agreement with the governing body or
county drain commissioner and shall post a cash deposit, certified check or irrevocable bank
letter of credit whichever the proprietor selects, or a surety bond acceptable to the approving
authority, in an amount sufficient for the faithful performance of the agreement. A rebate shall be
made to the proprietor, as the work progresses, of amounts of any cash deposits equal to the ratio
of the work completed to the entire project.
Prior to the final release of surety money, the proprietor's engineer shall submit a complete set of
as-built drawings showing all of the approved field changes. The as-built drawings will be kept
on file with Drain Commissioner for permanent public record.
3.4 Other Permits & Requirements
3.4.1 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Permit
The development may require a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC) Permit from the
County Enforcing Agency (St. Clair County Health Department) for Part 91, Soil Erosion &
Sedimentation Control, of the Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), Public
Act 451 of 1994, as amended.
SESC permit applications can be obtained from the St. Clair County Health Department:
St. Clair County Health Department
3415 28
th
Street
Port Huron, MI 48060
http://www.stclaircounty.org/Offices/health/SoilErosion.aspx
3.4.2 NPDES Permit-by-Rule
The development may require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
Permit-by-Rule from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE).
The (NPDES) Permit Program is the Construction Storm Water Coverage under Permit-by-Rule
under Part 31, Water Resources Protection of the Natural Resources and Environmental
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Protection Act (NREPA), Public Act 451 of 1994, as amended and the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251, et seq. (Clean Water Act)
NPDES permit applications for projects within St. Clair County should be submitted to the
following EGLE local district office:
Southeast Michigan District Office
27700 Donald Court
Warren, MI 48092
(586) 753-3700
3.4.3 Other Requirements
In any case where construction will occur within a County Drain Right of Way, the following
conditions also apply:
The facility shall be constructed at the location, elevation, and manner shown in the construction
drawings. All underground lines must be buried a minimum of 5 feet below the existing bottom
and side slopes of the drain unless a written agreement is reached between both parties stating
otherwise.
All work done in connection with the construction and the drain facility will be documented to
have been restored substantially to the working condition as designed.
Drainage shall be maintained and left unobstructed during construction so as to prevent the
backing up of water which would cause flooding of adjacent land.
The Developer assumes all liability for any loss or damage sustained by any person or property
as a result of operations performed by him and will repair any damage which it causes.
Documentation of the final condition will be provided to the St. Clair County Drain
Commissioner.
The Developer will notify the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner 48 hours prior to the
commencement of work and an inspector will be present while the work is in progress. Fees for
inspection by the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner will be the responsibility of the
Developer and the Developer agrees to pay the necessary expense of the Drain Commissioner’s
inspector. The cost of the Inspector shall be reflected in the budget for construction.
At the discretion of the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner, progress meetings may be
required for any work done within County Drain Right of Way. The Developer will prepare
agendas and publish minutes of the progress meetings to accurately record the proceedings.
An accurate record of facility construction in the form of scale drawings will be submitted to the
St. Clair County Drain Commissioner within 6 months of the completion of construction.
3.5 Procedures for Appeal of Decision of Drain Commissioner
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If a proprietor, or other person aggrieved by a decision made by the Drain Commissioner
pursuant to these Rules, wishes to appeal the decision of the Drain Commissioner, such appeal
shall be made in writing to the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner within 20 calendar days of
the decision. Examples of decisions subject to these appeal procedures include, but are not
limited to, approvals or denials relating to plats, condominium developments, mobile home
developments, or other construction and development activities subject to 425 permits. The
written appeal shall identify which aspects of the decision of the Drain Commissioner are the
subject of the appeal, and should specify in detail the basis and rationale for the appeal. The
appellant may rely on the documentation previously presented to the Drain Commissioner or
may include any additional information or documentation to be considered by the Drain
Commissioner as part of the appeal. Additionally, the appellant may request an informal hearing
with the Drain Commissioner. If an informal hearing is requested, the Drain Commissioner will
schedule the hearing within 10 calendar days from the date of having received the appeal.
At the appeal hearing, the proprietor and/or its representatives shall be allowed an opportunity to
submit additional information or re-emphasize previously submitted data supporting positions
taken in their appeal; to further explain the nature and basis for the appeal; and/or to present an
alternative disposition for the decision appealed. Following the Drain Commissioner’s review of
the information presented during the appeal process, the Drain Commissioner shall make a final
decision on the appeal within 20 days of the appeal if no hearing is requested. If a hearing is
requested and held, the final decision shall be made within 20 days of the hearing. The final
decision of the Drain Commissioner shall be mailed to the proprietor by first class mail.
Undertaking an administrative appeal pursuant to these rules shall be a prerequisite to seeking
relief by way of filing court proceedings regarding the subject of the appeal, unless different
procedures are expressly provided under the Drain Code pertaining to decisions of the Drain
Commissioner or Drain Board or other applicable state laws.
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4.0 DESIGN STANDARDS for STORMWATER
SYSTEMS
Unless otherwise noted, the following design standards and requirements apply to construction
plans submitted for review by the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner for all types of
developments or drain-related construction activities.
4.1 General Requirements
The following general stormwater management requirements apply to all new
developments and redevelopments in St. Clair County.
A. The design process shall begin by identifying sensitive areas located on the site and
laying out the site to protect the sensitive areas.
B. Best Management Practices (BMPs) that reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and
improve water quality are required and shall be designed on a site specific basis. Rate
and volume reduction BMPs shall be used to protect open channel storm drains. All
BMPs shall be included on the plans and will be subject to review and approval by
the SCCDO and EGLE as necessary for permits. BMP usage shall be monitored and
recorded in the weekly SESC reports. Areas with potential for significant pollutant
loading, as determined by the SCCDO, will require BMPs which address regulation
of the specific hazard.
The Developer/Owner shall include a long-term operation and maintenance schedule
for all permanent BMPs. A maintenance agreement between the SCCDO and the
owners, lessees, or operators is necessary for permanent BMPs which shall include
but not be limited to: inspection of structural or vegetative BMPs, performance of
maintenance and corrective actions when BMPs are neglected by the owner, and deed
restrictions. This document must be signed and have an email address so the SCCDO
can follow up as needed to ensure maintenance is being completed. There must also
be a statement that the owner will notify the SCCDO of any sale or transfer of
ownership on the property. This can also be done by the use of deed restriction
language for subdivisions or through residential and industrial condominium project
documents.
C. Onsite management of stormwater is required first and foremost, unless site
constraints preclude this approach.
D. Stormwater shall be managed using four standards: stream protection, flood control,
water quality and pre-treatment to protect both water resources and real property.
E. Stream protection (channel protection/bankfull flood) shall be provided for surface
water discharges to natural water courses (directly or through pipes or ditches) by
retaining onsite the difference in stormwater runoff volume between pre-development
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and post-development conditions for the 2-year, 24 hour storm (2.30 inches of rain).
Stream protection for redevelopments shall be provided through retention of the
difference in the 2-year 24-hour stormwater runoff volume between existing and post-
development conditions. If extended detention is considered, refer to section 1.3.1 for
Source Controls. The design engineer must consider incorporation of green
infrastructure elements and keep in mind that if extended detention is to be used, then
additional BMPs likely will be needed to maintain pre-development volume and peak
flow rate levels for all storms up to the 2-year 24 hour event. The discharge rate from
the proposed site cannot exceed 0.15 cfs/acre. The developer will need to provide
extended detention for the portion of runoff from the 2-year 24-hour storm that
cannot be removed on site and discharge at the runoff rate of 0.15 cfs/acre. Examples
of BMPs include but are not limited to green roofs, rain gardens, bio retention, bio
swales, removal of impervious area, or use of trees and various shrubs.
F. Flood control shall be provided for all sites through retention or detention. One inch
of runoff from disturbed pervious and impervious areas should be detained for
treatment and flood control. The maximum allowable detention release rate is equal
to the presettlement runoff rate for all storms up to the 100 year storm event using the
Runoff Curve Number Method to determine presettlement runoff. The maximum
allowable release rate shall be 0.15 cfs per acre. Onsite flood control may be waived
for direct discharges to large lakes and rivers if the Developer demonstrates no
negative impacts, or if provided in a regional facility with adequate upstream
infrastructure.
G. Overland flow routes and the extent of high water levels for the 100-year storm shall
be identified for all sites.
H. Water quality treatment shall be provided for all sites. A minimum treatment volume
equal to one inch of runoff from the directly contributing impervious area is required.
A minimum volume of 900 cubic feet per acre is required for directly connected
disturbed pervious areas (i.e. lawns). BMP’s shall be designed to reduce post
development solids loadings by 80% or to not exceed solids loadings of 80
milligrams per liter.
I. Pre-treatment is required for infiltration, filtration and detention BMPs for ease of
maintenance and to protect BMP integrity and preserve longevity.
J. Stormwater discharges from activities with a high risk for an accidental spill of
pollutants (stormwater hot spots) shall provide spill containment.
K. Stormwater discharges to cold water streams shall employ management strategies to
reduce stormwater runoff temperature and promote groundwater recharge.
L. The design maximum release rate, volume or concentration of stormwater discharged
from a site shall not exceed the capacity of existing infrastructure or cause
impairment to the offsite receiving area. Evaluation of the existing outlet must be
performed and an adequate outlet must be provided.
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M. The use of many decentralized Low Impact Development (LID) BMPs is not
mandated, but is encouraged on private sites.
N. Construction plans for a phased development shall show the existing and/or proposed
drainage systems for all prior phases of the development, unless the drainage system
for the current phase is entirely independent of the prior phases. Furthermore,
drainage plans for a phase of a development must not be dependent upon work
planned to be performed in a future phase.
O. Plans shall include a grading plan showing existing and proposed topographic contour
lines and proposed finish floor and basement floor elevations.
P. All existing natural or manmade watercourses shall be shown on the plans. The
proposed changes to the site must not interfere with Common Law Natural Flow
Rights. Existing watercourses must be preserved or relocated, or the flow otherwise
accommodated by the proposed plans. Provisions for the maintenance of the
watercourse must be included in the deed restriction or an equivalent legally binding
agreement. EGLE and/or the Army Corp. of Engineers may also require permits for
changes made to such watercourses.
Q. No construction activities shall be allowed without approval of the Drain
Commissioner in a 100-year floodplain as determined by the Drain Commissioner.
R. The cover sheet of the plans shall include a “Permit Status Table” indicating the
status of all permits being obtained. An example of such a table is provided in
Appendix E.
S. If an established drain is involved, construction plans shall include a note indicating
that “All work performed in the right-of-way of an established drain shall be in
accordance with the Drain Commissioner’s Rules.”
T. The engineer's seal shall be affixed to all sheets of the construction plans.
4.2 Established Drains
A. Plans shall include plans and profiles of all existing and proposed drains within road
right-of-way and drainage easements on site. These drawings shall indicate the channel
bottom, banks, base flow water elevation, and the location of the outlet from the
detention facility, if applicable.
B. Minimum right-of-way widths for proposed drains:
1. Proposed open drains shall have a minimum right-of-way of 40 feet plus top width of
channel centered on drain centerline. A consistent right-of-way width shall be
maintained along the entire reach of drain on the proposed site. A minimum width of
20 feet must be maintained from the top-of-bank to the edge of the right-of-way to
allow for maintenance of the drain.
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2. Proposed enclosed drains shall have a minimum right-of-way of 40 feet centered on
the centerline of the enclosure.
3. The above minimum widths shall govern generally; however, wider right-of-ways
may be required at the discretion of the Commissioner.
C. Where drainage is to be discharged to an established drain, either directly or through
secondary routes, the drain shall be improved to standards approved by the Drain
Commissioner when necessary for proper drainage of the proposed development. The
drain restoration can be performed by and/or at the expense of the Developer (See
Section 2.8), or by the Drain Commissioner by means of a petition to clean out the drain.
D. Where drainage is discharged to an established drain, the outlet shall be so designed as to
enter the drain at an angle of 90 degrees or less, as determined by the upstream centerline.
Preformed end sections, grouted riprap, or specially designed outlet structures will be
required.
E. If cutting and/or filling is to be performed within a drain right-of-way, a table shall be
provided indicating at one-foot elevation intervals the total cut and fill volumes below
each elevation. At each one-foot elevation interval, the total cut volume must equal or
exceed the total fill volume. (Note that additional permit(s) may be required from
EGLE).
F. Sodding, seeding, and mulching within a drain right-of-way shall be done in accordance
with the requirements of the “Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, Authorized Public
Agency Procedures Manual” of the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner, and performed
only after prior approval of the Drain Commissioner as to the time of performance and
acceptability of the finished grade. This work must be performed under the inspection of
the Drain Commissioner.
4.3 Storm Sewers
A. Plans shall show boundaries and acreages of catchment areas contributing runoff to each
proposed or existing catch basin and/or inlet. Runoff from off-site tributary areas must be
accommodated in design or rerouted.
B. The required discharge capacity for each reach of sewer shall be determined by the
Rational Method.
1. A 10-year design storm shall be used such that rainfall intensity, I = 175 / (T + 25),
where T = time of concentration in minutes.
2. The runoff coefficient, C, shall be in conformance will normal design practice. Where
a weighted average coefficient is employed, the computations shall be submitted for
review.
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C. A complete set of storm sewer design calculations shall accompany every set of
construction plans submitted for review.
1. Sewer capacities shall be based on the Manning equation.
2. Energy losses from friction shall be based on calculated design storm peak discharges
and velocities, not Manning design (i.e. full-pipe) capacities.
3. Energy losses from friction shall be based on typical Manning “n” roughness values
as shown in Table J-3.
4. Energy losses through manholes and other appurtenances shall be included in the
design calculations OR reflected in friction losses through use of conservative
Manning “n” roughness values as shown in Table J-3.
D. The storm sewer pipe shall have a minimum diameter of 12 inches when constructed in a
public right-of-way or easement.
E. Storm sewer slopes must not be flatter than the minimum slopes indicated in Table J-2.
F. Minimum allowable pipe velocity shall be 2.5 ft/sec. (except where the minimum
diameter requirement makes this unachievable.) Desirable pipe velocity range shall be 4-
8 ft/sec. Maximum allowable pipe velocity shall be 10 ft/sec.
G. Hydraulic grade lines shall be calculated and shown as a part of all storm sewer profiles.
In no case shall the hydraulic grade line exceed the elevation lying 1 foot below the rim
elevation of a manhole, catch basin or inlet. The hydraulic grade line upstream of a
detention or retention storage facility shall be calculated assuming the design high water
elevation (e.g. full detention basin).
H. The storm sewer plan and profile drawing shall show the following data:
1. Proper identification and numbering of manholes, catch basins and inlets
2. Invert and casting elevations for all structures
3. Pipe length (C/L to C/L to structures)
4. Pipe diameter
5. Pipe slope
6. Pipe class or designation
7. Detail of trench construction and type of backfill material
I. Generally, manholes shall be placed not more than 400 feet apart for sewers less than 30
inches diameter and 600 feet apart for larger sewers.
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J. The minimum inside diameter of all manholes, catch basins and inlets shall be 48 inches,
with the following exception: Inlet structures from which water will be discharged
directly into a catch basin may be 24 inches inside diameter. The depth of such inlets
shall be no greater 5.0 feet and no less than 3.5 feet from the top of frame and cover to
the invert.
K. Manholes and inlets structures may be constructed of brick, manhole block, precast
concrete (ASTM C478) or cast-in-place concrete.
L. All manhole block or brick structures shall be plastered on the outside with 1 to 2.5 mix
of portland cement mortar, ½-inch thick. No calcium chloride or other chemical shall be
added to lower the freezing point of the mortar, as the strength of the mortar may be
lessened.
M. Inlet structures in the public street right-of-way shall be spaced a maximum of 400 feet
apart (or a maximum of 400 feet on either side of a high point). The spacing and/or
number of inlet structures required to accommodate the design flows in streets and in
private drives and parking areas, shall be based on a maximum of 1 cfs per 90 square
inches of opening in an inlet or catch basin cover.
N. All storm sewer pipe, manholes, catch basins, and inlets shall meet MDOT specifications.
O. Generally, drops of over 2.0 feet at manholes, from invert of higher pipes to lower pipes,
shall be avoided.
P. Joints in concrete pipe having a diameter of 30 inches or larger shall be pointed up on
inside with mortar after backfilling has been completed.
Q. Where drainage is discharged to an established drain or natural watercourse, such outlets
shall enter the drain or watercourse at an angle of 90 degrees or less, as measured from
the upstream centerline. Preformed end sections, riprap or specially designed outlet
structures will be required.
R. Unless the storm sewers are to be owned and maintained by a single private entity (i.e.
municipal or commercial development, manufactured housing community, etc.), all storm
sewers shall be located within an easement. The minimum easement width for a storm
sewer shall be 40 feet centered on the sewer centerline.
S. All existing and proposed on-site drainage easements shall be clearly shown.
T. If any utilities are to be located within existing or proposed drainage easements within a
development, the proprietor's engineer shall present plans of such utilities to the Com-
missioner for his approval as to location. If possible, such plans should be presented at
the same time as drainage plans so that all details of construction and location may be
checked and properly oriented with each other. In order to avoid conflict, it is important
that a careful investigation be made where underground utilities are in close proximity to
proposed storm sewers, or where they cross each other.
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4.4 Open Channels
NOAA Atlas 14, “Precipitation–Frequency Atlas of the United States” (2013) is
considered the most current and comprehensive rainfall data available. The National
Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s Atlas 14 data can be accessed at:
https://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/pfds_map_cont.html
In the recent past, rainfall data compiled by Huff, F.A. and Angel, J.R. was commonly
used. See: Rainfall Frequency Atlas of the Midwest, 1992, Bulletin 71 Midwestern
Climate Center and Illinois State Water Survey. MCC Research Report 92-03, available
for free download at: http://www.sws.uiuc.edu/pubdoc/B/ISWSB-71.pdf
Long-term daily and monthly precipitation data for about 25 stations throughout
Michigan is available free from the United States Historical Climatology Network
(USHCN) at: http://cdiac.ornl.gov/epubs/ndp/ushcn/ushcn_map_interface.html
A. The peak 10-year flow in each reach of open channel shall remain within the banks of the
channel. Off-site tributary area shall be included in the design, or the off-site tributary
runoff shall be rerouted around the channel.
B. The values of Manning's "n" shall be no less than 0.040 except where the channel is
smooth and paved in which case an "n" value of 0.013 to 0.022 shall be used.
C. The maximum velocity for grass lined channels shall not exceed 5 ft/sec. Where above
velocity is exceeded, the channel shall be protected by cobble paving or other means to
prevent scour.
D. The minimum acceptable non-siltation velocity should be 1.5 ft/sec.
E. Unless the open channels are to be owned and maintained by a single private entity (i.e.
industrial/commercial development, manufactured housing community, etc.), all open
channels shall be located within an easement. Open channels shall have a minimum
right-of-way of 40 feet plus top width of channel centered on the centerline. A consistent
right-of-way width shall be maintained along the entire reach of channel on the proposed
site. A minimum width of 20 feet must be maintained from the top-of-bank to the edge
of the right-of-way to allow for maintenance. The above minimum width shall govern
generally; however, wider right-of-ways may be required at the discretion of the
Commissioner.
F. Side slopes of open channels shall normally be no steeper than 1 vertical to 3 horizontal.
Where conditions dictate steeper side slopes, consideration should be given to slope
paving and fencing. The final decision in such matters rests with the Drain
Commissioner.
G. All existing and proposed on-site drainage easements shall be clearly shown on the plans.
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4.5 Culverts
A. All culverts should be labeled on the plans as existing”, “proposed”, or “to be
extended”.
B. Plans shall show boundaries and acreages of tributary areas contributing runoff to each
proposed or existing culvert on the proposed site.
C. Proposed or extended culverts on established county drains must be approved by the
Drain Commissioner. Proposed or extended culverts may also require the approval of the
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE), the St. Clair
County Road Commission and/or the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
Copies of permits obtained from other agencies must be submitted to the St. Clair County
Drain Commissioner.
D. If the tributary area to a culvert is less than 20 acres, the Rational Method shall be used to
determine the peak design flow for the culvert. For larger tributary areas, the SCS
Method shall be used. The runoff coefficients used should be consistent with those in
Table J-1, and selected to reflect the future land use of the tributary area.
E. All culverts shall be designed for inlet and outlet control conditions. Calculations of the
10-year and 100-year headwater elevations shall accompany the final plans (see
Appendix N for Example Culvert Design Calculation).
1. The 10-year headwater elevation of each culvert shall not exceed an elevation one
foot below the road or driveway centerline elevation. The backwater shall not extend
beyond the limits of the proprietor’s property.
2. The 100-year headwater elevation of each culvert may overtop the road or driveway
centerline elevation, but must remain below proposed finish floor elevations of all
nearby existing and proposed structures.
3. The tailwater elevation assumed for each culvert should be estimated as the normal
depth of the peak flow in the downstream channel, unless the tailwater is influenced
by the headwater of another downstream culvert or the confluence of another
watercourse.
F. Wing walls, headwalls, end sections, and all other culvert extremities shall be designed to
ensure the stability of the surrounding soil, and to meet the requirements of other
governing agencies (e.g. St. Clair County Road Commission, MDOT, EGLE).
G. Roadways over culverts or bridges may be required to be paved or designed in such a
way as to prevent the erosion of road material into the established drain or watercourse.
H. The following data shall be provided for all proposed or extended culverts:
Length
Diameter
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Invert elevations
Material type
Protection for culvert ends
I. Riprap must be provided for all culverts in established drains or significant watercourses.
The rip-rap provided for the protection of culvert ends shall:
1. Extend at least one culvert diameter upstream of the culvert inlet and at least four
culvert diameters downstream of the culvert outlet;
2. Extend across the bottom of the channel and up the banks of the channel to at least
the elevation of the crown of the culvert;
3. Be inlayed such that it does not cause an obstruction in the watercourse; and
4. Have a minimum dimension no smaller than that consistent with HEC-11 Design
Guidelines for Rock Riprap and MDOT standards. (A conservative guideline for
water depths less than 3 feet would be to use 8-inch diameter riprap for flow
velocities up to 6 feet/sec, and 16-inch diameter riprap for flow velocities up to 11
feet/sec.)
J. Minimum diameter for a driveway or crossroad culvert shall be 18 inches or equivalent
pipe arch.
K. The pipe used in culverts shall meet MDOT specifications and St. Clair County Road
Commission standards.
4.6 Bioretention
A bioretention system consists of a soil bed planted with native vegetation located above an
underdrained sand layer. It can be configured as either a bioretention structure or a bioretention
swale. Stormwater runoff entering the bioretention system is filtered first through the vegetation
and then the sand/soil mixture before being conveyed downstream by the underdrain system.
Runoff storage depths above the planting bed surface are typically shallow. The adopted TSS
removal rate for bioretention systems is 90 percent.
Bioretention systems are used to remove a wide range of pollutants, such as suspended solids,
nutrients, metals, hydrocarbons, and bacteria from stormwater runoff. They can also be used to
reduce peak runoff rates and increase stormwater infiltration when designed as a multi-stage,
multi-function facility.
4.6.1 Pre-Design Site Evaluation
Each specific site proposed for development or re-development is unique due to soils, land cover,
topography, location, land use and many other variables. These unique characteristics make it
difficult, if not impossible, to develop one set of uniform storm water standards which can
accommodate all variables. Due to this parameter, additional requirements not included in these
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standards may be necessary to meet the intent of these rules. Also, waivers and variances from
certain provisions of these design standards or rules may be requested when it can be determined
that the standard cannot be feasibly accommodated. In these situations, alternatives consistent
with the overall intent of these rules may be proposed for consideration and will be subject to the
approval of the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner. For example, if there is an underdrain
sand filtration system in place to completely filter all runoff from this system, then the first flush
treatment criteria can be disregarded. During the review of the final submittal, if the design
meets applicable volume and water quality standards and any applicable discharge criteria, it can
be approved by the Drain Commissioner’s engineer or designee.
Soil borings and/or soil test pits may be required to determine the feasibility of infiltration. Also,
the design engineer must research the soils in the area of development/re-development and
determine the hydrologic soil groups (HSG - A, B, C, or D) and soil characteristics. The
majority of the Urbanized Area of St. Clair County does not have very permeable soils and the
soils are mainly type C and D soils. If the site has had previous soils borings and BMPs in place
which have functioned well in the past and can currently meet the 0.25 inches per hour
infiltration rate, or if the soils map and soil profile show an area which is conducive to
infiltration, then new soil borings may not be required. The need for soil borings will be
determined by the Drain Commissioner’s engineer or designee.
Another aspect to be cognizant of when implementing infiltration practices is the buildings on
the perimeter of a site development. The design engineer must consider basements nearby or
other buildings which may be adversely impacted by an infiltration practice being implemented
in an area with a clay layer just a few feet under the soils which prevents effective infiltration.
The bio-retention filtration collection system with its sand filtration system will slow the
discharge rates considerably and will lower the peak discharge rates. The peak discharge rate
from these systems cannot exceed the 2-yr 24-hr discharge from the site, so as to meet channel
protection standards.
For infiltration trench and structure practices, the following infiltration (K
SAT
) values shall be
used:
K
sat
≥ 0.50 inches/hour
Infiltration BMPs shall be constructed to provide the infiltration volume as calculated
using the above requirements.
0.24 inches/hour < K
sat
< 0.50 inches/hour
Install supplemental measures, which may include subsoil amendment, or an
underdrain placed at the top of the storage bed layer to ensure dewatering in the event
underlying soils fail to provide adequate drawdown/dewatering time. If underdrains
are selected, they shall be designed to allow stormwater to percolate through the soils
first, with the underdrain serving as a secondary outlet, by placing the underdrain in
the upper level of the BMP, with pipe perforations located along the underdrain
invert.
K
sat
< 0.24 inches/hour
Soils are not suitable for infiltration. Alternative methods to reduce stormwater
volume shall be used.
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Feasibility testing is to be conducted to screen unsuitable sites, and reduce testing costs. A soil
boring is not required at this stage. However, a designer or landowner may opt to engage
Concept Design Borings at his discretion, without feasibility testing.
Initial testing involves either one field test per facility, regardless of type or size, or previous
testing data, such as the following:
* on-site septic percolation testing, within 200 feet of the proposed BMP location, and on
the same contour which can establish initial rate, water table and/or depth to bedrock,
* geotechnical report on the site prepared by a qualified geotechnical consultant, or
* Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) County Soil Mapping showing an
unsuitable soil group such as a hydrologic group “D” soil in a low-lying area.
Soil information can be found at this website:
https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm
If the results of initial feasibility testing as determined by a qualified professional show that an
infiltration rate of greater than 0.24 inches per hour is probable, then the Drain Commissioner’s
engineer or designee shall make the final decision on implementation.
Once all testing is completed the design engineer must contact the St. Clair County Drain
Commissioner’s engineer to review the results for the site and determine if the proposed BMP is
a feasible practice for the development/re-development.
Technical Infeasibility
For projects where technical infeasibility exists, the design engineer must document and quantify
that stormwater strategies, such as infiltration, evapotranspiration, and harvesting and water use
have been used to the maximum extent technically feasible (METF) and that implementation of
these methods are infeasible due to site constraints. The burden of proof of technical infeasibility
lies with the design engineer. Documentation of technical infeasibility should include, but may
not be limited to, engineering calculations, geological reports, hydrological analyses and site
maps. A determination that the performance design goals cannot be achieved on the site should
include analyses that rule out the use of an adequate combination of infiltration,
evapotranspiration, and water use measures. Adequate documentation must be submitted to the
St. Clair County Drain Office for review and final determination. Examples of site conditions
that may prevent the application of stormwater BMP’s to the METF include (adapted from EPA
Section 438 Technical Guidance, December 2009):
The conditions on the site preclude the use of infiltration practices due to the presence of
shallow bedrock, hard clay horizons, contaminated soils, high ground water or other
factors, such as underground facilities, utilities or location of the development within a
wellhead protection area.
The design of the site precludes the use of soil amendments, plantings of vegetation or
other designs that can be used to infiltrate and evapotranspirate stormwater runoff.
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Water harvesting and use are not practical or possible because the volume of water used
for irrigation, toilet flushing, industrial make-up water, wash-waters, etc. is not
significant enough to warrant the design and use of water harvesting and use systems.
Modifications to an existing building to manage stormwater are not feasible due to
structural or plumbing constraints or other factors.
Site area is too small to accommodate adequate infiltration practices for the impervious
area to be served.
Soils cannot be sufficiently modified to provide reasonable infiltration rates.
Site use is inconsistent with the capture and use of stormwater or other physical
conditions on site that preclude the use of plants for evapotranspiration or bio-infiltration.
Retention and/or use of stormwater onsite or discharge of stormwater onsite by
infiltration would have an adverse effect on the site, the down gradient surface or
subsurface water or receiving watershed or water body ecological processes.
Federal, state, or local requirements or permit conditions prohibit water collection or
make it technically infeasible to apply LID practices.
4.6.2 Design Criteria
A. Storage Volume, Depth, and Duration
Bioretention systems shall be designed to treat the runoff volume generated by the
stormwater quality design storm (2 year). The maximum water depth during treatment
of the stormwater quality design storm shall be 12 inches in a bioretention structure and
18 inches in a bioretention swale. The minimum diameter of any outlet or overflow
orifice is 2.5 inches. The bottom of a bioretention system, including any underdrain
piping or gravel layer, must be a minimum of 2 feet above the seasonal high groundwater
table. The planting soil bed and underdrain system shall be designed to fully drain the
stormwater quality design storm runoff volume within 72 hours. The distance from the
bottom of the bioretention system to the seasonal high groundwater level is recommended
to be four (4) feet. Two feet is allowable, but may reduce the performance of the BMP.
B. Permeability Rates
The design permeability rate through the planting soil bed must be sufficient to fully
drain the stormwater quality design storm runoff volume within 72 hours. This
permeability rate must be determined by field or laboratory testing. Since the actual
permeability rate may vary from test results and may also decrease over time due to soil
bed consolidation or the accumulation of sediments removed from the treated stormwater,
a factor of safety of two shall be applied to the tested permeability rate to determine the
design permeability rate. Therefore, if the tested permeability rate of the soil bed material
is 4 inches/hour, the design rate would be 2 inches/hour (i.e., 4 inches per hour/2). This
design rate would then be used to compute the system’s stormwater quality design storm
drain time.
C. Planting Soil Bed
The planting soil bed provides the environment for water and nutrients to be made
available to the vegetation. The soil particles can adsorb some additional pollutants
through cation exchange, and voids within the soil particles can store a portion of the
stormwater quality design storm runoff volume. The planting soil bed material should
35
consist of 10 to 15 percent clays, a minimum 65 percent sands, with the balance as silts.
The material’s pH should range from 5.5 to 6.5. The material shall be placed in 12 to 18
inch lifts. The total depth or thickness of the planting soil bed should be a minimum of 3
feet. As noted above, the design permeability rate of the soil bed material must be
sufficient to drain the stormwater quality design storm runoff volume within 72 hours.
Filter fabric should be placed along the sides of the planting soil bed to prevent the
migration of soil particles from the adjacent soil into the planting soil bed.
D. Vegetation
The vegetation in a bioretention system removes some of the nutrients and other
pollutants in the stormwater inflow. The use of native plant material is recommended for
bioretention systems wherever possible. The goal of the planting plan should be to
simulate a forest-shrub community of primarily upland type. In general, trees should
dominate the perimeter zone that is subject to less frequent inundation. Shrubs and
herbaceous species that are adapted to moister conditions and expected pollutant loads
should be selected for the wetter zones. The number of stems per acre should average
1,000, with tree spacing of 12 feet and shrub spacing of 8 feet.
E. Sand Layer
The sand layer serves as a transition between the planting soil bed and the gravel layer
and underdrain pipes. It shall be a minimum thickness of 12 inches and consist of clean
medium aggregate sand (AASSHTO M-6/ASTM C-33 or MDOT Class II). To ensure
proper system operation, the sand layer must have a permeability rate at least twice as
fast as the design permeability rate of the planting soil bed.
F. Underdrain
The underdrain piping must be rigid Schedule 40 PVC pipe. The portion of drain piping
beneath the planting soil bed and sand layer must be perforated. All remaining underdrain
piping, including cleanouts, must be nonperforated. All joints must be secure and
watertight. The underdrain piping must connect to a downstream storm sewer manhole,
catch structure, channel, swale, or ground surface at a location that is not subject to
blockage by debris or sediment and is readily accessible for inspection and maintenance.
Blind connections to downstream storm sewers are prohibited.
G. Overflows
All bioretention systems must be able to safely convey system overflows to downstream
drainage systems. The capacity of the overflow must be consistent with the remainder of
the site’s drainage system and sufficient to provide safe, stable discharge of stormwater in
the event of an overflow.
H. Tailwater
The hydraulic design of the underdrain and overflow systems, as well as any stormwater
quantity control outlets, must consider any significant tailwater effects of downstream
waterways or facilities. This includes instances where the lowest invert in the outlet or
overflow structure is below the flood hazard area design flood elevation of a receiving
stream.
Bioretention systems must be constructed off-line from County Drains.
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I. Maintenance
The following requirements must be included in the system’s maintenance plan.
1. General Maintenance
All bioretention system components expected to receive and/or trap debris and
sediment must be inspected for clogging and excessive debris and sediment
accumulation at least four times annually as well as after every storm exceeding 1
inch of rainfall. Such components may include bottoms, trash racks, low flow
channels, outlet structures, riprap or gabion aprons, and cleanouts.
Sediment removal should take place when the structure is thoroughly dry. Disposal of
debris, trash, sediment, and other waste material should be done at suitable
disposal/recycling sites and in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal
waste regulations.
2. Vegetated Areas
Mowing and/or trimming of vegetation must be performed on a regular schedule
based on specific site conditions. Grass should be mowed at least once a month
during the growing season. Vegetated areas must be inspected at least annually for
erosion and scour. Vegetated areas should also be inspected at least annually for
unwanted growth, which should be removed with minimum disruption to the planting
soil bed and remaining vegetation.
When establishing or restoring vegetation, biweekly inspections of vegetation health
should be performed during the first growing season or until the vegetation is
established. Once established, inspections of vegetation health, density, and diversity
should be performed at least twice annually during both the growing and non-growing
seasons. The vegetative cover should be maintained at 85 percent. If vegetation has
greater than 50 percent damage, the area should be reestablished in accordance with
the original specifications and the inspection requirements presented above.
All use of fertilizers, mechanical treatments, pesticides and other means to assure
optimum vegetation health should not compromise the intended purpose of the
bioretention system. All vegetation deficiencies should be addressed without the use
of fertilizers and pesticides whenever possible.
3. Structural Components
All structural components must be inspected for cracking, subsidence, spalling,
erosion, and deterioration at least annually.
4.7 Infiltration
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An infiltration structure is a facility constructed within highly permeable soils that provides
temporary storage of stormwater runoff. An infiltration structure does not normally have a
structural outlet to discharge runoff from the stormwater quality design storm. Instead, outflow
from an infiltration structure is through the surrounding soil. An infiltration structure may also be
combined with an extended detention structure to provide additional runoff storage for both
stormwater quality and quantity management. The adopted TSS removal rate for infiltration
structures is 80 percent.
Infiltration structures are used to remove pollutants and to infiltrate stormwater back into the
ground. Such infiltration also helps to reduce increases in both the peak rate and total volume of
runoff caused by land development. Pollutant removal is achieved through filtration of the runoff
through the soil as well as biological and chemical activity within the soil.
4.7.1 Pre-Design Site Evaluation
Infiltration structures can present some practical design problems. When planning for an
infiltration structure that provides stormwater quality treatment, consideration should be given to
soil characteristics, depth to the groundwater table, sensitivity of the region, and runoff water
quality. Specifically, infiltration structures must not be used in the following locations:
Industrial and commercial areas where solvents and/or petroleum products are loaded,
unloaded, stored, or applied or pesticides are loaded, unloaded, or stored.
Areas where hazardous materials are expected to be present in greater than “reportable
quantities” as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the Code of
Federal Regulations at 40 CFR 302.4.
Areas where infiltration structure use would be inconsistent with an NJDEP-approved
remedial action work plan or landfill closure plan.
Areas with high risks for spills of toxic materials such as gas stations and vehicle
maintenance facilities.
Areas where industrial stormwater runoff is exposed to “source material.” “Source
material” means any material(s) or machinery, located at an industrial facility, that is
directly or indirectly related to process, manufacturing, or other industrial activities, that
could be a source of pollutants in any industrial stormwater discharge to groundwater.
Source materials include, but are not limited to raw materials, intermediate products, final
products, waste materials, by-products, industrial machinery and fuels, and lubricants,
solvents, and detergents that are related to process, manufacturing, or other industrial
activities that are exposed to stormwater.
Areas where their installation would create a significant risk for basement seepage or
flooding, cause surficial flooding of groundwater, or interfere with the operation of
subsurface sewage disposal systems and other subsurface structures. Such adverse
impacts must be assessed and avoided by the design engineer.
38
If any of the above mentioned conditions are present, the SCCDO will coordinate with EGLE as
appropriate in the matters regarding the site to implement infiltration BMPs to manage
stormwater on a site with contaminated soils or similar issues.
Infiltration structures must be configured and located where their construction will not compact
the soils below the structure. In addition, an infiltration structure must not be placed into
operation until the contributing drainage area is completely stabilized.
General Setback Requirements for Infiltration Structures:
Soil Absorption Systems for Title 5 Systems: 50ft.
Private wells: 100 ft.
Public wells: 150 ft.
Public reservoir, surface water sources for public water systems and their tributaries: 400
ft.
Other surface waters: 50 ft.
Property Lines: 10 feet
Building foundations: >10 to 100 ft, depending upon soil types and Infiltration Structure
type
Soils are perhaps the most important consideration for site suitability. In general, County Soil
Surveys can be used to obtain necessary soil data for the planning and preliminary design of
infiltration structures. For final design and construction, soil tests are required at the exact
location of a proposed structure in order to confirm its ability to function without failure.
Tests should include:
determination of the textural classification
permeability of the subgrade soil at and below the bottom of the proposed
infiltration structure
The recommended minimum depth for subgrade soil analysis is 5 feet below the bottom of the
structure or to the groundwater table. Soil permeability testing can be conducted in accordance
with the Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems.
4.7.2 Design Criteria
A. Storage Volume, Depth, and Duration
An infiltration structure must be designed to treat the total runoff volume generated by
the structure’s maximum design storm. This may either be the groundwater recharge or
stormwater quality design storm, depending upon the structure’s proposed use. An
infiltration structure must also fully drain this runoff volume within 72 hours. Runoff
storage for greater times can render the structure ineffective and may result in anaerobic
conditions, odor, and both water quality and mosquito breeding problems. The bottom of
the infiltration structure must be at least 2 feet above seasonal high water table or
bedrock. For surface structures, this distance must be measured from the bottom of the
sand layer. The structure bottom must be as level as possible to uniformly distribute
runoff infiltration over the subgrade soils.
39
To enhance safety by minimizing standing water depths, the vertical distance between the
structure bottom and the maximum design storm water surface in surface infiltration
structures should be no greater than 2 feet. Construction of an infiltration structure must
be done without compacting the structure’s subgrade soils. Excavation must be
performed by equipment placed outside the structure whenever possible. This
requirement should be considered when designing the dimensions and total storage
volume of an infiltration structure. It is important to note that the use of infiltration
structures is recommended only for the stormwater quality design storm and smaller
storm events. Use of infiltration structures for larger storm events and the requirements
by which such structures are to be designed, constructed, and maintained should be
reviewed and approved by all applicable reviewing agencies.
B. Permeability Rates
The minimum design permeability rate of the soils below an infiltration structure will
depend upon the structure’s location and maximum design storm. The use of infiltration
structures for stormwater quality control is feasible only where soil is sufficiently
permeable to allow a reasonable rate of infiltration. Therefore, infiltration structures
designed for storms greater than the groundwater recharge storm can be constructed only
in areas with Hydrologic Soil Group A and B soils.
Maximum Design Structure Location Minimum Design Permeability Rate
(Inches/Hour)
Groundwater Recharge Subsurface 0.2
Groundwater Recharge Surface 0.5
Stormwater Quality Surface and Subsurface 0.5
In addition to the above, the design permeability rate of the soil must be sufficient to fully
drain the infiltration structure’s maximum design storm runoff volume within 72 hours.
This design permeability rate must be determined by field testing (See Bioretention Pre
Design). Since the actual permeability rate may vary from test results and may also
decrease over time due to soil bed consolidation or the accumulation of sediments
removed from the treated stormwater, a factor of safety of two must be applied to the
tested permeability rate to determine the design permeability rate. Therefore, if the tested
permeability rate of the soils is 4 inches/hour, the design rate would be 2 inches/hour
(i.e., 4 inches per hour/2). This design rate would then be used to compute the structure’s
maximum design storm drain time.
C. Bottom Sand Layer
To help ensure maintenance of the design permeability rate over time, a 6 inch layer of
sand must be placed on the bottom of an infiltration structure. This sand layer can
intercept silt, sediment, and debris that could otherwise clog the top layer of the soil
below the structure. The sand layer will also facilitate silt, sediment, and debris removal
from the structure and can be readily restored following removal operations. The sand
layer must meet the specifications of MDOT Class II sand. This must be certified by a
certified testing lab.
D. Overflows
40
All infiltration structures must be able to convey overflows to downstream drainage
systems in a safe and stable manner. The capacity of the overflow must be consistent
with the remainder of the site’s drainage system and sufficient to provide safe, stable
discharge of stormwater in the event of an overflow.
E. Subsurface Infiltration Structures
A subsurface infiltration structure is located entirely below the ground surface. It may
consist of a vault, perforated pipe, and/or stone bed. However, due to the greater
difficulty in removing silt, sediment, and debris, all runoff to a subsurface infiltration
structure must be pretreated. This pretreatment must remove 80 percent of the TSS in the
runoff from the structure’s maximum design storm.
Infiltration Structures must be constructed off-line from County Drains.
F. Basis of Design
The design of an infiltration basin is based upon Darcy's Law:
Q = KIA
where:
Q = the rate of infiltration in cubic feet per second (cfs)
K = the hydraulic conductivity of the soil in feet per second (fps)
I = the hydraulic gradient
A = the area of infiltration in square feet (sf)
From the variables shown in the Figure below:
Average Hydraulic Gradient = D
avg
/d
Minimum Hydraulic Gradient = D
1
/d
Maximum Hydraulic Gradient = D
2
/d
G. Maintenance
The following requirements must be included in the system’s maintenance plan.
41
General Maintenance
All infiltration structure components expected to receive and/or trap debris and sediment
must be inspected for clogging and excessive debris and sediment accumulation at least
four times annually as well as after every storm exceeding 1 inch of rainfall. Such
components may include bottoms, riprap or gabion aprons, and inflow points. This
applies to both surface and subsurface infiltration structures. Sediment removal should
take place when the structure is thoroughly dry. Disposal of debris, trash, sediment, and
other waste material should be done at suitable disposal/recycling sites and in compliance
with all applicable local, state, and federal waste regulations.
4.8 Detention Storage Facilities
Detention storage facilities are designed to detain runoff for a short period of time and then
release it to a watercourse where it returns to the hydrologic cycle. The objective of detention
storage is to regulate the released runoff rate and to reduce the impact on downstream drainage
systems. Detention storage should not be confused with retention storage (i.e. retention basins),
a facility with no engineered outlet (other than an emergency-type outlet) designed to hold runoff
for a considerable length of time. The water in a retention basin is not discharged to surface
water, although it may infiltrate in to the ground, evaporate, or be consumed by plants.
In keeping with Common Law Natural Flow Rights and the Michigan Drain Code, concentrated
discharges of stormwater (such as the outflow from a detention facility) or increased surface
water runoff over property owned by others must be pursuant to a valid right-of-way, easement,
or other written permission from all property owners affected. The outflow from a detention
facility is considered to be such a concentrated discharge of stormwater.
All forms of detention storage shall meet the following criteria:
A. On-site detention (or retention See Section 4.9 Retention Basins) of stormwater is
required of all new developments or redevelopments to maintain the peak outflow to a
rate similar to the pre-development runoff rate. The maximum allowable release rate
shall be 0.15 cfs per acre, but not to exceed the pre-development runoff rate from the 2-yr
/ 24 hr storm event, or a discharge rate approved by the St. Clair County Drain
Commissioner. In no case shall the outflow from a site exceed the capacity of the
receiving watercourse to accept the flow.
B. Detention requirements may be more stringent in certain watersheds according to local
ordinances or policies of the drainage district. In the Crapaud Creek watershed, the peak
allowable discharge rate is limited to 0.1 cfs/acre.
C. The detention basin volume shall be determined for the 100-year flood volume from all
tributary area, including off-site area.
1. The tributary area shall include all acreage contributing runoff to the detention
storage facility, including any off-site tributary area in its existing state, whether
developed or undeveloped.
42
2. The following equations shall be used to determine the 100-year detention volume:
Q
a
= Allowable release rate, cfs
Q
o
= Q
a
/ (A C), where A = Tributary area in acres, C = weighted runoff coefficient
Detention time in minutes, T = -25 + sqrt(10,312.5 / Q
o
)
Storage volume per impervious acre, V
s
= 16,500 T / (T + 25) – 40 Q
o
T
Required detention volume in cubic feet, V = V
s
x A x C
D. If the site is located near the downstream end of a watercourse or drainage district, the
Drain Commissioner may require that the proprietor (or his engineer) generate and
submit hydrographs of the outflow from the existing site and from the proposed site (i.e.
detention facility) and a hydrograph of the flow in the receiving watercourse to verify that
the detained outflow would not result in an increase in the peak flow in the receiving
watercourse. If the detained outflow would result in an increase in the peak flow in the
receiving watercourse, then stormwater detention is not an acceptable stormwater
management option. Retention of stormwater or other stormwater management design
approved by the Drain Commissioner must be provided. See Sections 4.6, 4.7 and 4.9 for
design requirements. The St. Clair County Drain Commissioner’s office may be able to
assist in the determination of the required hydrographs, if needed.
E. All developed areas shall drain to detention basins. However, portions of the developing
site may be allowed to drain unrestricted (i.e. not through a detention facility) if either of
the following conditions are met:
1. The areas draining unrestricted are not being disturbed or altered by the construction,
such that they will maintain their existing drainage characteristics and patterns.
2. The areas draining unrestricted are being disturbed or altered but will be permanently
stabilized to prevent erosion and will not contain any impervious surface post-
construction. In this case, the unrestricted flow must be draining to a receiving
watercourse with valid rights-of-way, or else written agreement from the affected
property owners would have to be obtained per Common Law Natural Flow Rights
and the Michigan Drain Code. In addition, the post-construction peak 100-year flow
from these areas should be calculated and deducted from the total allowable peak
flow from the detention facility (Q
a
). The detention outlet(s) should be designed to
restrict the basin outflow(s) to this reduced allowable peak flow rate.
F. Where the detention facility is to be equipped with a pump discharge, the St. Clair
County Drain Commissioner may require the proprietor to furnish design data on
pump(s) and discharge force main so that the capacity of the system can be verified.
These data will include system curve calculations, the pump performance curves, and a
profile of the system piping. The pumping station should be able to release the first flush
volume over approximately 24 hours, the bankfull flood volume over 24-48 hours, and
the 100-year flood volume at a rate not to exceed 0.15 cfs/ac of tributary area. A back-up
generator will be required to ensure the operation of the pumping station in the event of
43
power loss. The Drain Commissioner discourages the use of pumped outlets, and will not
accept responsibility for damages due to power failure, pump malfunction, or Acts of
God that result in storm conditions that exceed the design conditions of the pump station.
G. An agreement for acceptance and maintenance of the detention facility, if executed by the
proprietor, shall be submitted to the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner prior to plat
approval. The agreement both as form and content shall be subject to the approval of the
Drain Commissioner's legal counsel.
H. Under no conditions shall a detention facility be located within the 100-year flood plain
of a stream, creek or lake, as determined by the Drain Commissioner.
I. In-line detention (i.e. detention along the drain) will not be permitted unless it can be
proven beneficial to the drainage district as a whole.
4.8.1 Detention Basins
A detention basin is a form of detention storage where the stormwater is detained above
ground as surface water. An example of a typical detention basin cross section can be found
in Appendix M.
In addition to the general requirements indicated above in Section 4.8, detention basins shall
meet the following requirements:
J. Detention volume in a gravity-outlet detention basin must be located:
1. Above the invert of the lowest row of orifices in the outlet standpipe,
2. Above the elevation of the dry weather base flow in the receiving watercourse,
3. Above the elevation of the groundwater table. Soil boring data used to determine the
groundwater table elevation shall be submitted with the plans.
K. The detention basin outlet shall consist of a vertical standpipe with multi-level orifices.
(See example Standpipe Details in Appendix M.)
1. The standpipe shall not be less than 36 inches in diameter.
2. The standpipe shall contain multiple rows of orifices (i.e. holes) to control the release
of the first flush runoff volume, the bankfull flood volume, and the 100-year flood
volume.
First flush orifices shall be located at the elevation of the basin floor (or
permanent pool water level, if a wet basin),
Additional bankfull flood (stream protection) orifices shall be at the elevation of
the first flush volume in the basin, where the first flush volume is calculated as the
first one inch of runoff over the site, or
V
ff
(cf) = 3630 x A(acres) x C, where C is the runoff coefficient
44
Additional 100-year flood control orifices shall be located at the elevation of the
bankfull flood (stream protection) volume in the basin, where the bankfull flood
volume is calculated as the runoff from a 2-year 24-hr storm event (2.30 inches
per NOAA Atlas 14, volume 8, version 2, or
V
bf
(cf)
= 8349 x A(acres) x C
To promote improved filtering of runoff sediment from smaller, more frequent storm
events, the bankfull flood and first flush volumes shall be based on the developing
tributary site area only, and not include off-site tributary area.
3. Orifices should not be less than 1 inch in diameter or greater than 4 inches in
diameter.
4. The top of the standpipe shall consist of a grating at or above the design (high) water
level to serve as an overflow mechanism, in addition to the overflow spillway/berm.
5. The standpipe shall be encased in stone extending to the design (high) water level to
allow for filtering of the stormwater prior to discharge from the basin. The
encasement stone size shall be large enough so as not to plug or pass through the
orifices in the standpipe.
6. The standpipe shall contain a sediment sump with a depth of at least one foot.
7. Double standpipes (e.g. a 36-inch diameter inner standpipe within a 48-inch diameter
outer standpipe) are encouraged. Double standpipes are believed to be less prone to
blockages of the control orifices, and therefore require less maintenance. The inner
standpipe should contain the appropriate number and configuration of orifices to
provide the controlled release of the first flush volume, the bankfull flood (stream
protection) volume, and the 100-year flood volume. The outer standpipe should
contain at least several times the orifice area as the inner standpipe over the entire
height of the standpipe, such that the head loss across the outer standpipe orifices is
negligible. (See example Double Standpipe Details in Appendix M.)
8. The outlet pipe extending from the standpipe to the receiving watercourse shall be
sized to convey the calculated 10-year peak inflow to the detention basin.
9. The location of the outlet pipe extending downstream of the standpipe shall be
indicated on a profile drawing of the receiving watercourse, whether or not the
receiving watercourse is an established drain. The receiving watercourse profile shall
extend at least from the upstream end of the site to the downstream end of the site.
L. A sediment sump shall be provided within the basin, below the lowest orifice elevation
but above the groundwater table, to provide for sediment accumulation.
1. The volume of the sump shall be equivalent to the first flush volume, or one inch of
runoff over the contributing site area. (Sump Volume, cf = V
ff
= 3630 x A x C)
45
2. Appropriate precautions shall be taken to protect public safety and to ensure that the
sump does not constitute a nuisance.
M. All detention basins must have standpipe overflow grates and spillways in berms for
emergency overflow at the high water level.
1. The standpipe overflow grate and spillway must provide adequate capacity to
overflow the peak 10-year basin inflow with no more than one foot of head (i.e. water
level must not exceed the one foot of freeboard).
2. Downstream of the overflow spillway, the stormwater overflow must be directed
(either by overland flow or via a swale or ditch) to the receiving watercourse.
N. A minimum of one-foot freeboard shall be provided above the design high water
elevation.
O. The side slopes shall not be steeper than 6 ft. horizontal to 1 ft. vertical unless fenced in
accordance with local township or city requirements. Slope protection shall be provided
as necessary. Basin side slope elevation contours shall be shown on the plans.
P. Unless the detention basin contains a permanent pool, the bottom of all detention basins
shall be graded in such a manner as to provide positive flow to the outlet. A minimum
bottom slope of 1% should be provided.
Q. A 12-ft. wide minimum access easement shall be provided for all detention basins, as
measured from the top of bank.
R. A 25-ft. wide minimum setback from property lines shall be provided for all detention
basins, as measured from the top of bank.
S. Detention basin configurations where stormwater must “back-up” into the basin (i.e.
stormwater enters the conveyance system downstream of the basin) will not be permitted.
T. Multiple detention basins serving a single development should function independently. If
the outflow from one basin passes through another basin before being discharged to the
receiving watercourse, a full hydraulic analysis (i.e. a computer model simulation) will be
required to ensure that the system functions satisfactorily.
U. If at any time the detention basin is to function as a sediment basin (for use during the
construction phase), an outlet filter shall be provided. Such an outlet filter is to be
designed in accordance with criteria established by the St. Clair County Department of
Public Health for Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control. Such use of a detention pond
shall be considered a temporary measure only. The proprietor shall be responsible for
sediment removal upon completion of construction.
V. Detention basins shall meet all local ordinances and/or requirements for “ponds.”
4.8.2 Underground Storage
46
Underground storage is a form of detention storage where the stormwater is detained in
underground pipes. Like a detention basin, the water is released at a controlled rate to a
receiving watercourse.
In addition to the general requirements indicated above in Section 4.8, underground detention
facilities shall meet the following requirements:
A. Detention volume in an underground detention facility shall be located above the
elevation of the dry weather baseflow in the receiving watercourse and above the
elevation of the groundwater table. Soil boring data used to determine the groundwater
table shall be submitted with the plans.
B. To minimize sedimentation in the downstream drainage district, sediment shall be
removed from the stormwater before water enters the underground storage facility (e.g. in
first flush forebay or within the catch basins using removable filtration inserts).
C. The pipe material used for the underground storage facility shall have an expected life of
at least 50 years.
D. Access manholes shall be provided along the underground storage facility to allow for
maintenance.
E. A minimum of one foot of freeboard shall be provided between the design hydraulic
grade line in the underground storage facility and the rim elevations of all access
manholes.
F. A 25-ft. wide setback from property lines shall be provided for all underground storage
facilities.
G. An access easement shall be provided to and above the underground storage facility.
H. No permanent structures shall be constructed above the underground storage facility.
4.9 Retention Basins
A “Retention Basin” is a facility with no engineered outlet (other than an emergency-type outlet)
designed to hold runoff for a considerable length of time. The water in a retention basin is not
discharged to a natural watercourse, although it may be consumed by plants, evaporate, or
infiltrate into the ground. A Retention Basin should not be confused with a “Detention Basin,” a
facility designed to detain runoff for a short period of time and then release it to a watercourse.
A. On-site retention (or detention See section 4.8 Detention Storage Facilities) is required
of all new developments or redevelopments to prevent an increase in peak flows
downstream in the drainage district.
47
1. Retention basins are an acceptable stormwater management practice on sites where
the soil has an infiltration rate of at least 0.52 inches per hour and a clay content of
less than 30% (per recommendations in Guidebook of Best Management Practices for
Michigan Watersheds). The required storage volume of a retention basin is that of
the runoff from a 100-year design storm as determined using the SCS Method. On
sites with soils having a lower infiltration rate and/or higher clay content (hydrologic
soils groups C or D, for example), the Drain Commissioner may allow retention
basins with storage volume for the runoff from two consecutive 100-year design
storms.
2. Retention basins shall accommodate runoff from off-site areas that drain onto/across
the developing site. (An exception to this rule would be if off-site runoff were to be
routed around the site to a receiving watercourse, if done in a manner such that runoff
from the developing site would not contribute to this off-site flow. If the off-site flow
were to be concentrated from overland flow to a point discharge into a receiving
watercourse without valid rights-of-way, written agreement from the affected
property owners would have to be obtained per Common Law Natural Flow Rights
and the Michigan Drain Code.)
B. One foot of freeboard shall be provided above the design high water elevation.
C. Retention volume must be provided above the elevation of the groundwater table. Soil
boring data used to determine the groundwater table elevation shall be submitted with the
plans.
D. All retention basins must have a spillway for emergency overflow at the high water level.
1. The spillway must provide adequate capacity to overflow the peak 10-year basin
inflow with no more than one foot of head (i.e. water level must not exceed the one
foot of freeboard).
2. The plans must identify where the overflow would be directed to flow or stored in the
event of an overflow.
E. The side slopes shall not be steeper than 6 ft. horizontal to 1 ft. vertical unless fenced in
accordance with local township or city requirements. Slope protection shall be provided
as necessary. Basin side slope elevation contours shall be shown on the plans.
F. A 12-ft. wide access easement shall be provided to and around all retention basins.
G. An agreement for acceptance and maintenance of the retention basin system, if executed
by the proprietor, shall be submitted to the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner prior to
plat approval. The agreement both as form and content shall be subject to the approval of
the Drain Commissioner's legal counsel.
H. If at any time during the construction period the retention basin is to function as a
sediment basin, the proprietor shall be responsible for sediment removal prior to
completion of construction. (See St. Clair County Department of Public Health for
requirements regarding Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control during construction.)
48
I. Under no conditions shall a retention basin be located within the flood plain of a stream,
creek or lake.
4.10 Wetlands and Low Lying Areas
A. In order to help in analyzing site hydrology and the pre-development runoff rate, soil
types, the normal groundwater table, and an accurate delineation of wetlands must be
provided as part of preliminary plats/plans. The Drain Commissioner may require
confirmation of the absence or presence of regulated wetlands from the Michigan
Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) through its wetland
assessment program. Construction activities to be performed within a regulated wetland
may require a permit from EGLE and/or local municipalities.
B. Any regulated wetlands or other wetlands that will be part of the drainage system shall be
designated as a common area and placed within a conservation easement.
C. If existing wetlands or low lying areas are to be used for stormwater storage, all
requirements under either section 4.8 Detention Basins or section 4.9 Retention Basins
would apply, depending on whether the wetlands/area would have an outlet.
D. If any disturbed or impervious surfaces will drain into an existing wetland or low lying
area, calculations may be required to be submitted indicating that the wetland will
accommodate runoff from a 100-year design storm without exceeding the finished grade
elevation of any adjacent existing or proposed structure.
E. If a wetland will be used for stormwater storage, a sediment forebay shall be provided
upstream of the wetlands to reduce the stormwater velocity and encourage sedimentation.
Additionally, a permit from EGLE and/or local municipalities may be required.
4.11 Oil Separators
Oil must be removed from stormwater as appropriate prior to discharge to a receiving
watercourse. Examples of acceptable Best Management Practices for low oil applications
and for high oil applications can be found in Appendix O. The Drain Commissioner will
consider other means of oil removal on a case-by-case basis.
4.12 First Flush Basins and Sediment Collection Units
Stand-alone, permanent first flush basins and prefabricated sediment collection units are
stormwater Best Management Practices not generally required for developments by the Drain
Commissioner. However, when such BMPs are proposed or required for a specific site, the
following design standards shall apply:
A. A first flush basin or pre-fabricated sediment collection unit shall contain storage volume
for the first one inch of runoff from the on-site impervious tributary area. The storage
volume of a first flush basin can be calculated as:
49
V
ff
(cf) = A x C x 3630 cf/ac-impervious
B. The outlet of a first flush basin or sediment collection unit shall be designed to release the
first flush volume over 24-36 hours. This will achieve the goal of 80% sediment removal
or not to exceed 80 mg/L TSS.
C. The outlet of a first flush basin or sediment collection unit shall not be submerged by the
receiving watercourse at a 10-year design level.
D. The first flush basin or sediment collection unit shall contain a bypass structure and/or
berm to allow the 10-year peak flow to bypass without hydraulic interference.
4.13 Design Reference Material
Additional material regarding stormwater design can be obtained from the sources below.
Low Impact Development Manual for Michigan, A Design Guide for Implementers & Reviewers
https://www.semcog.org/Reports/LID/files/assets/basic-html/page-1.html
NOAA ATLAS 14 POINT PRECIPITATION FREQUENCY ESTIMATES: MI
http://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/
Technical Guidance on Implementing the Stormwater Runoff Requirements for Federal Projects
under Section 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act, EPA 841-B-09-001
December 2009
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-08/documents/epa_swm_guidance.pdf
Claytor, R. and T. Schueler. December 1996. Design of Stormwater Filtering Systems. The
Center for Watershed Protection. Ellicott City, MD.
Livingston, E.H., H.E. Shaver, J.J. Skupien and R.R. Horner. August 1997. Operation,
Maintenance, & Management of Stormwater Management Systems. In cooperation with U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Watershed Management Institute. Crawfordville, FL.
Schueler, Thomas R. and Richard A. Claytor. 2000. Maryland Stormwater Design Manual.
Maryland Department of the Environment. Baltimore, MD.
50
A-1
APPENDIX A
APPLICATION FOR DRAIN COMMISSIONER REVIEW
A-2
A-3
Application for Drain Commissioner Review
ST. CLAIR COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER
21 Airport Drive, St. Clair, Michigan 48079
The undersigned hereby requests the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner review plans for:
_________________________________________________________________________
Name of project
Please indicate the type of development or construction activity for which plans are being submitted
for review:
Platted Subdivision (Pursuant to Land Division Act, Act No. 288 of 1967, as amended, M.C.L. §§ 560.101
560.293)
___ Pre-preliminary Plat
___ Preliminary Plat
___ Construction Plans
___ Final Plat
Is a Drainage Permit required? _____ Yes _____ No (Check one)
Condominium Development (Pursuant to Condominium Act, Act No. 59 of 1978, as amended, M.C.L. §§
559.101 559.276; the general authority of Drain Commissioners under the Drain Code including Drain Code
Sections 425 and 433; and Local Ordinances)
___ Preliminary Plans
___ Master Deed
___ Construction Plans
Is a Drainage Permit required? _____ Yes _____ No (Check one)
Private Road or Land Split Development (Pursuant to the general authority of Drain Commissioners under
the Drain Code, including Michigan Drain Code Sections 425 and 433, and Local Ordinances)
___ Preliminary Plans
___ Construction Plans
Is a Drainage Permit required? _____ Yes _____ No (Check one)
Manufactured Housing Community / Mobile Home Park (Pursuant to Mobile Home Commission Act,
Act No. 96 of 1987, as amended, and the general authority of Drain Commissioners under the Drain Code,
including Drain Code Sections 425 and 433)
___ Preliminary Plans
___ Construction Plans
Is a Drainage Permit required? _____ Yes _____ No (Check one)
Commercial or Industrial Development (Pursuant to the general authority of Drain Commissioners under
the Drain Code, including Drain Code Sections 425 and 433, and Local Ordinances)
___ Preliminary Plans
___ Construction Plans
Is a Drainage Permit required? _____ Yes _____ No (Check one)
Direct Discharge to an Established Drain (Pursuant to the general authority of Drain Commissioners
under the Drain Code, including Drain Code Sections 425 and 433, and Local Ordinances)
___ Application for Drainage Permit
A-4
Drain Widening, Deepening, or Relocation (Pursuant to the general authority of Drain Commissioners
under the Drain Code, including Drain Code Sections 425 and 433, and Local Ordinances)
___ Application for Drainage Permit
Drain Crossings, Culverts, Tiling, and/or Enclosing an Established Drain (Pursuant to the general
authority of Drain Commissioners under the Drain Code, including Drain Code Sections 425 and 433, and Local
Ordinances)
___ Application for Drainage Permit
Adding or Subtracting Land to/from a Drainage District and/or Construction of a Drain for
Ascription as an Established Drain (Pursuant to the general authority of Drain Commissioners under the
Drain Code, including Drain Code Sections 425 and 433, and Local Ordinances)
___ Draft Section 433 Agreement
Attached are initial review fees in the amount of: ____________
(See Review & Permit Fees Schedule)
I hereby grant permission to the Drain Commissioner, his employees, agents, or consultants, to enter and
inspect the site under review. I am the owner of the property or the owner’s agent and am authorized to
grant this permission. I also understand and agree that I am obligated to and will reimburse the St. Clair
County Drain Commissioner for all out-of-pocket consulting, engineering, site inspection,
administration, and/or legal expenses incurred by the Commissioner in connection with review of this
site and plans.
______________________________________________________ ___________________________
Signature Date
______________________________________________________ ___________________________
Name printed Date
Send copies of reviews to:
_______________________________________ _ ________________________________________
Name Name
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Address Address
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
B-1
APPENDIX B
REVIEW & PERMIT FEES
B-2
B-3
ST. CLAIR COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER
REVIEW & PERMIT FEES
Initial Fees Due with Application
Pre-preliminary Plat Review $ 100
Preliminary Plat or Site Plan Review $ 550
Construction Plan Review (Stormwater Facilities) $ 600
Plus $10 for each residential lot, or
Plus $50/acre for commercial sites
Final Plat Inspection and Review: $ 200
Re-submittal Review Fees: 50% of Initial Fees
Drainage Permit–Development/Construction Activities, $250
Direct Discharge, Widening/Deepening/
Relocation
Drainage Permit–Residential, Agricultural, Utility Crossing, $175
Culverts, Tiling, Enclosing
Inspection Fees: $ 50/hour
In addition to these fees, there may also be additional costs if the project requires the relocation, clean-
out, tiling, extension or establishment of a county drain, pursuant to Sections 425 or 433 of the Michigan
Drain Code.
B-4
C-1
APPENDIX C
DRAINAGE APPLICATION AND PERMIT FORM
C-2
C-3
St. Clair County Drain Commissioner Permit No.: ______________
21 Airport Drive
St. Clair, Michigan 48079 Fee Deposit: _____________
Phone: (810) 364-5369
Fax: (810) 364-7240
DRAINAGE PERMIT
Application and Permit Authorizing Development
or Construction Activities Affecting Drainage Pursuant to Section 2.0
Of the Rules of the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner
Pursuant to applicable provisions of the Rules of the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner and
the Michigan Drain Code, Public Act No. 40 of 1956, as amended, the undersigned landowner(s)
has petitioned the Drain Commissioner (or Drainage Board) for permission to undertake
development or construction activities which will affect drainage conditions or drainage patterns
within a legally established Drainage District, which would require additional drainage to an
established Drain, or which would potentially increase contaminant levels within an established
Drain. Such activities include, but are not limited to, tapping into, adding new or additional
discharges to, or changing the magnitude, concentration, or frequency of runoff discharges to any
established Drain, creek, river, ditch, or other natural watercourse in St. Clair County.
This permit is granted for _________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________ in accordance
with the plans labeled____________________________________________________________
______________________________ and dated _____________________________, which have
been approved by the Drain Commissioner and are hereby made a part of this permit. All
underground lines must be buried a minimum of 5 feet below the bottom and side slopes of the
drain unless a written agreement is reached between both parties stating otherwise.
The permitted activity will affect drainage to ______________________________________
(drain or watercourse) as part of the _____________________________________ Drainage
District. The proposed drain is located in the municipality(s) of _________________________.
1. The undersigned landowner(s), their heirs and assigns, agree to construct and maintain the
stormwater facilities so that they function as designed in the approved plans and as approved by
the Drain Commissioner or Drainage Board on behalf of the Drainage District.
2. The landowner(s) certify that consent in writing has been obtained from all owners of land to
be traversed by the proposed drain, and that they have supplied the Drain Commissioner with
true copies of that consent.
3. The undersigned contractor agrees to perform construction in a good workman-like manner
according to the approved plans and specifications. The county or inter-county drain shall be
restored to the same or better condition as existed prior to construction. Drainage shall be
maintained and left unobstructed during construction so as to prevent backing up of water which
could cause flooding of other lands.
C-4
4. The undersigned contractor agrees to notify the Drain Commissioner at least 48 hours prior to
the beginning of the construction performed under this permit so that the Drain Commissioner
may have an inspector present during construction.
5. The landowner(s) or contractor agree to pay all costs to the Drain Commissioner for review of
the plans and issuance of permit, including engineering fees, legal fees, and inspection fees.
Inspection fees will be charged at the rate of ________ per hour. An estimate for fees and costs,
based on the complexity of the project, shall be deposited with the Drain Commissioner in the
amount noted at the top of this form. This deposit is non-refundable if the contractor fails to give
notice prior to construction as required above.
6. The landowner(s) and contractor agree to repair any damage they might cause to the county or
inter-county drain as a result of this construction. The Drainage District, Drainage Board, Drain
Commissioner and St. Clair County shall be kept free and harmless by the landowner and
contractor from all loss, cost, or damage sustained by any person or property as a result of
operations performed under this permit.
7. This permit does not relieve the landowner(s) or contractor of responsibility to secure any
additional local, state, or federal permits required and to meet any other permit requirements of
law or other public bodies or agencies.
8. This permit is subject to additional terms and conditions as
follows:_______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Signed by:
_____________________________________ ____________________________________
Landowner or authorized agent signature Contractor signature
_________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
Name printed Name printed
_________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
Address Address
_________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
City City
_________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
Phone number Phone number
_________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
Date Date
Permit Issued by St. Clair County Drain Commissioner on: _____________
_________________________________________________
Signature
_________________________________________________
Title
D-1
APPENDIX D
SECTION 433 AGREEMENT APPLICATION:
APPLICATION TO ADD/SUBTRACT LAND TO/FROM A DRAINAGE DISTRICT
D-2
D-3
AGREEMENT TO ADD LANDS TO THE DRAINAGE DISTRICT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 433 OF THE MICHIGAN DRAIN CODE
__________________ Drain Drainage District, St. Clair County
This instrument made and entered into this ____ day of ______________, _______, by
and between Bob Wiley, St. Clair County Drain Commissioner (herein “Drain Commissioner”),
2 Airport Drive, St. Clair, Michigan 48079, acting for and on behalf of the _____________
Drain Drainage District, a public body corporate (hereinafter “Drainage District”) and
__________________________, of ___________________________, landowners and
developers, (herein “Developer”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Drainage District, pursuant to the Michigan Drain Code (Act 40 of the
Public Acts of 1956, as amended), is an established body corporate under the jurisdiction of the
Drain Commissioner, in the County of St. Clair and State of Michigan;
WHEREAS, the Developer, pursuant to Section 433 of the Michigan Drain Code wishes
to add lands to the Drainage District as part of the _______________________________;
WHEREAS, those lands are described as follows:
(See Exhibits ___________ attached)
WHEREAS, stormwater drainage facilities have been constructed to service those lands
as part of the _________________________________;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 433, the Developer has obtained at his/her own expense
a certificate from a registered professional engineer satisfactory to the first party, to the effect
that the lands to be added naturally drain into the area served by the existing drain or that the
existing drain is the only reasonably available outlet for the drainage from the lands to be added
and that there is existing capacity in the existing drain to serve the lands to be added without
detriment to or diminution of the drainage service provided or to be provided, in the foreseeable
future, to the area in the existing drainage district.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. The lands described above shall be added to the drainage district and shall be
from this date forward liable for their apportioned share of maintenance,
inspection and repair assessments for the __________ Drain as well as
assessments on any county or intercounty drain providing outlet benefits to the
added lands.
D-4
2. The Developer shall pay or has paid the cost of the drainage facilities and the cost
of engineering, inspection, administration, and legal expenses incurred by the
drain commissioner, pursuant to Section 433.
3. This Agreement shall become effective upon its execution by the parties and shall
be binding upon the successors and assigns of each party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed
by their duly authorized officers.
Witnessed:
______________________________ ______________________________
By:
______________________________ Its:
Subscribed and sworn to before me this
_____ day of _______________, _______.
_______________________________
Notary Public, St. Clair County, MI
Acting in St. Clair County, Michigan
My commission expires:
_____________ Drainage District
Witnessed: Drain Commissioner
______________________________ ______________________________
By: Bob Wiley, St. Clair County
Drain Commissioner
______________________________
Subscribed and sworn to before me this
_____ day of _______________, ________.
_______________________________
Notary Public, St. Clair County, MI
Acting in St. Clair County, Michigan
My commission expires:
Drafted by and return to: Bob Wiley
St. Clair County Drain Commissioner
21 Airport Drive
St. Clair, MI 48079
E-1
APPENDIX E
EXAMPLE PERMIT STATUS TABLE
E-2
E-3
Example Permit Status Table
Permit Agency Reason for Permit Application
Date
Date Issued
Soil Erosion Control
Permit
SCC Dept. of
Public
Health
Soil to be disturbed during construction activities 4/10/18 5/5/18
Road Commission Permit
SCC Road
Commission
Public roads proposed 4/15/18 5/10/18
Inland Lakes and
Streams Permit
EGLE/Army Corp. Proposed culvert has more than 2 square miles
tributary area
5/25/18 6/15/18
Wetlands Permit EGLE/Army Corp. Construction of parking lot will disturb existing
wetlands
5/25/18 6/15/18
Drainage Permit SCC Drain
Commissioner
Proposed discharge of flow to established drain 4/20/18
Drainage Permit SCC Drain
Commissioner
Proposed culvert crossing on established drain 4/20/18
NPDES Phase II Permit EGLE More than 1 acre to be disturbed during
construction
4/15/18
MDOT Permit MDOT Proposed driveway construction in MDOT
R.O.W.
4/30/18
E-4
F-1
APPENDIX F
PRELIMINARY PLAT/PLAN CHECKLIST
F-2
F-3
DEVELOPMENT NAME: DATE:
LOCATION: REVIEWED BY:
ENGINEER’S EMAIL ADDRESS:
CHECKLIST FOR PRELIMINARY PLATS/PLANS
Page No.
Approved
1.
Plat Name
(e.g. Preliminary Plat of “Residential Hills”
________
________
2. Description of Location (Including Section and fractional
portion thereof, Town and Range designation, Township
or City of St. Clair County, Michigan)
________ ________
3.
Location Map
________
________
4.
Name, Address and Telephone No. of proprietor
________
________
5.
Name,
Address and Telephone No. of Engineer/Surveyor
________
________
6.
Scale not smaller than 1”=100’
________
________
7.
Engineer’s Seal, all sheets
________
________
8.
Tentative approval of Governing Body
________
________
9.
North Arrow and
Scale
________
________
10.
Bar Scale
________
________
11.
USGS Benchmark Description
________
________
12.
Legend
________
________
13. Typical Road cross-section (Label road as “Public Road”
or “Private Road”)
________ ________
14.
Lot
Square Footage (Minimum)
________
________
15.
Proposed Improvements
________
________
16.
Plat Boundary
________
________
17. Identification of all adjoining parcels (For subdivisions
show Lot Number, Subdivision Name, Liber & Page
Numbers. For acreage parcels, show Tax roll number &
proprietor name.)
________ ________
The following information shall be included on all Preliminary Plats and Plans submitted for
approval by the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner.
F-4
Page No.
Approved
18. Existing Buildings (Label those under construction with
address)
________ ________
19. Existing Roads (w/Name, R.O.W. width and width and
type of
surface.)
________ ________
20.
Proposed Roads (with Names and R.O.W. widths)
________
________
21. Property Description Metes & Bounds (w/Ties to
government corner.)
________ ________
22.
Lot Dimensions
________
________
23.
Lot Numbers
________
________
24.
Building Setback Lines
________
________
25.
Typical Lot Grading Plan Detail or Statement
________
________
26.
Minimum House Grade for Each Lot
________
________
27.
Basement Elevations for Each Lot
________
________
28. Soil Boring Logs and Locations (to include ground
elevation at each boring log and water table information.)
Logs from site report prepared for Dept of Health are
acceptable.
________ ________
29.
Existing Contours
________
________
30. Easements (w/dimensions, utility and existing drain
easements.)
________ ________
31. Identification of entity to assume ownership of drainage
system (including detention facilities)
________ ________
32. Off-site watershed areas and/or drainage district
(w/boundaries and acreages to be shown on Location Map)
________ ________
33. All existing drainage courses and structures (w/proper
labeling as to type, size, and invert elevations.)
________ ________
34.
Flood Plain Contour (Existing or
Proposed)
________
________
35. Boundaries and acreages of tributary areas of all proposed
and existing inlets, catch basins and culverts.
________ ________
36. Proposed drainage system (Clearly identify all open and
enclosed portions.)
________ ________
37.
Proposed Drainage Easements
________
________
38.
Intercepting Swales
Easements
________
________
F-5
Page No.
Approved
39.
Established Drains (permit required to tap)
________
________
40.
Off
-
site Drain Easements/ ROWs
________
________
41. If established drain involved, note that “All work… in
accordance with… Rules.”
________ ________
42.
Wetlands delineated
________
________
43.
Floodplains
________
________
44.
Proposed stormwater detention/retention basins
________
________
45.
Receiving watercourse(s) identified
________
________
F-6
G-1
APPENDIX G
CONSTRUCTION PLAN CHECKLIST
G-2
G-3
DEVELOPMENT NAME: DATE:
LOCATION: REVIEWED BY:
ENGINEER’S EMAIL ADDRESS:
CHECKLIST FOR CONSTRUCTION PLANS
Page No.
Approved
General Requirements
1. Approved Preliminary Plat included OR plans also
conform to Preliminary Plat Checklist (submit
Preliminary Plat Checklist)
________ ________
2. Agreement re: maintenance of stormwater
management facilities (including existing
watercourses)
________ ________
3. O&M Agreement recorded with Register of Deeds
and Liber
&
Page provided
________ ________
4.
Drainage systems for prior phases shown
________
________
5. Grading Plan with existing and proposed contour
lines shown
________ ________
6. Proposed minimum finish floor or finish basement
elevations
________ ________
7. Existing watercourses shown and preserved,
relocated or accommodated
________ ________
8.
No construction activities in floodplain
________
________
9.
Permit Status Table shown
________
________
10. Note: “All work performed in the right-of-way of
an established drain shall be in accordance with
Drain Commissioner’s Rules.”
________ ________
11.
Engineer’s seal on all sheets
________
________
Established Drains
12. Plans and profiles of established drains in road or
drain easements shown, including base flow profile
and basin outlets
________ ________
13. Min. open drain easement 40’ plus top width, 20’
top of bank to easement
________ ________
The following information shall be included on/with all Construction Plans submitted for
approval by the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner.
G-4
Page No.
Approved
14.
Min. 20’ easement for enclosed drains
________
________
15.
Drains used as outlet improved if necessary
______
__
________
16.
Outlet to Drain enters at 90 degrees max.
________
________
17.
Drain easement cut/fill volume table
________
________
18. Drain re-stabilization in accordance with SESC
APA Manual
________ ________
Storm Sewers
19. Delineated catchment areas for each catch
basin/inlet
________ ________
20. Off-site tributary area included in design, or
rerouted
________ ________
21
.
Storm sewers designed per Rational Method
________
________
22.
Storm sewers designed for 10
-
year peak flow
________
________
23. Storm sewers designed using standard intensity
equation
________ ________
24.
Storm sewer design runoff coefficient reasonable
________
________
25.
Sewer capacities based on Manning equation
________
________
26. Friction losses based on design flows, not pipe
capacities
________ ________
27.
Sewers designed using appropriate Manning n
________
________
28.
Manhole losses included
________
________
29.
Storm sewer capacities meet/exceed design flows
________
________
30.
Min. 12” pipe diameter
________
________
31.
Sewer slopes meet/exceed minimum slopes
________
________
32. Storm sewer design velocities acceptable (2.5 < V <
10 fps)
________ ________
33.
Hydraulic grade line shown on storm sewer profile
________
________
34. Hydraulic grade line 1 foot min. below rim
elevations
________ ________
35. Hydraulic grade line assumes receiving water
elevation (e.g. full detention basin)
________ ________
G-5
Page No.
Approved
36.
Manholes and CBs labeled
________
________
37. Sewer lengths, diameters, slopes, pipe class, trench
details identified
________ ________
38. Manholes spacing 400 ft max for sewers < 30”
(600 ft for larger sewers)
________ ________
39. Drainage structure dia. 48” min, inlet dia. 24” min,
inlet depth 3.5’ to 5’
________ ________
40. Drainage structures brick, block, precast or cast-in-
place
________ ________
41. CB/inlet spacing in street R.O.W. 400 ft. max. or
for 1 cfs max.
________ ________
42. Pipe, manholes, catch basins, inlets meet MDOT
specs
________ ________
43.
No manhole drops over 2 feet
________
________
44.
Joints pointed up with mortar for pipes over 30
-
inch
________
________
45.
Outlets enter receiving watercourse at <90 degrees
________
________
46.
Storm sewer easements
shown, min. 40 ft width
________
________
47.
Existing & proposed drainage easements shown
________
________
48. Utilities in drain easements not in conflict with
sewers
________ ________
Open Channels
49.
Open channels designed per Rational
Method
________
________
50.
Open channel design runoff coefficient reasonable
________
________
51. Open channels designed using standard intensity
eqn
________ ________
52.
Open channels 10
-
year peak flow is within banks
________
________
53. Open channel capacities based on Manning
equation
________ ________
54. Open channel designed using appropriate Manning
n
________ ________
55. Open channel velocities acceptable (1.5 < V < 5
fps)
________ ________
G-6
Page No.
Approved
56. Open channels in easements, 40 ft + top width, 20’
top of bank to easement
________ ________
57.
Open channel side slopes not steeper than 3:1
________
________
Culverts
58. Culverts labeled “existing” “proposed” or “to be
extended”
________ ________
59.
Culvert design flow calculated w/ correct method
________
________
60.
Inlet and outlet control nomographs/equations used
________
________
61. Culvert 10-yr headwater is 1 ft min. below
road
way
/driveway
________ ________
62.
Culvert 100
-
yr
headwater does not flood structures
________
________
63.
Reasonable tailwater used
________
________
64. Culvert end sections / head-walls / wing walls
acceptable
________ ________
65.
Culvert data provided
________
________
66.
Culvert
riprap acceptable
________
________
67.
Culverts 18” minimum dia.
________
________
Culverts meet MDOT specs
________
________
Bioretention
69.
Soils and site are suitable for Bioretention
________
________
70.
Bioretention designed for
2
-
year, 24 hour storm
________
________
71. Bioretention water depth 12” max. in swales, 18
max. in structures
________ ________
72.
Bioretention outlet/overflow orifice 2.5” min.
________
________
73. Bioretention 2’ min. above seasonal high water
table
________ ________
74. Bioretention drains water quality storm within 72
hrs
________ ________
75.
Planting bed permeability safety factor of 2 applied
________
________
76.
Planting soil bed acceptable
________
________
G-7
Page No.
Approved
77.
Bioretention Vegetation acceptable
________
________
78.
Bioretention sand layer 12” min.
________
________
79.
Bioretention underdrain is rigid Schedule. 40 PVC
________
________
80.
Bioretention has sufficient overflow capacity
________
________
81.
Tailwater elev. in receiving stream is considered
________
________
82.
Bioretention is off
-
line from County Drain
________
________
Infiltration
83.
Soils and site are suitable for Infiltration
________
________
84.
Infiltration designed for maximum design storm
________
________
85.
Infiltration fully drains within 72 hrs
________
________
86. Infiltration structure 2’ min. above seasonal high
water table
________ ________
87.
Surface infiltration water
depth = 2’ max.
________
________
88. Infiltration structure subgrade compaction is
avoided
________ ________
89.
Infiltration permeability safety factor of 2 applied
________
________
90.
6” sand layer included
________
________
91. Infiltration structure has sufficient overflow
capacity
________ ________
92.
Subsurface infiltration systems include pretreatment
________
________
93. Infiltration structures are off-line from County
Drain
________ ________
94.
Infiltration
design based on Darcy’s Law
________
________
Detention
95.
Detention discharges to valid right
-
of
-
way
________
________
96.
Detention max outflow <0.15 cfs/ac
________
________
97.
Detention volume designed for 100
-
year storm
________
________
98.
Off
-
site acreage included in detention volume calc
________
________
G-8
Page No.
Approved
99.
Appropriate sizing eqns used
________
________
100.
Detention will not increase downstream peak flow
________
________
101. Areas draining unrestricted are undisturbed or
contain only pervious surface
________ ________
102. Concentrated discharge to valid R.O.W. – or --
agreement with downstream property owners
________ ________
103. Disturbed areas draining unrestricted were deducted
from basin outlet design
________ ________
104. If pumped outlet, system curve, pump curves,
profile submitted
________ ________
105. If pumped outlet, discharges first flush over 24
hours, bankfull flood over 24-48 hours, and 100-
year
storm at <0.15 cfs/ac
________ ________
106.
Drainage system / basin maintenance agreement
________
________
107.
Detention is not within 100
-
year floodplain
________
________
108.
Detention is not “in
-
line”
________
________
109. Storage volume provided above orifices, receiving
watercourse baseflow, and groundwater table
________ ________
110.
Standpipe outlet
with multilevel orifices
proposed
________
________
111.
Standpipe at least 36” dia.
________
________
112. Basin outlet is multi-stage for first flush, bankfull
flood, and 100
-
year storm
________ ________
113. Bankfull flood and first flush volumes do not
include off
-
site tributary area
________ ________
114.
Orifice size 1” min., 4” max.
________
________
115.
Standpipe has overflow grate at high water level
________
________
116.
Standpipe encased in stone to high water elevation
________
________
117.
Standpipe has sediment sump, 1’ min. depth
________
________
118. If double standpipe used, outer pipe orifices
adequate
________ ________
119. Outlet pipe from standpipe sized for 10-year peak
flow
________ ________
G-9
Page No.
Approved
120. Profile of outlet pipe and receiving watercourse
shown
________ ________
121. Detention basin sediment sump sized for first flush
vol.
________ ________
122. Standpipe overflow grate and emergency spillway
in berm have combined capacity for 10
-
yr flow
________ ________
123. Emergency spillway overflow directed to receiving
watercourse
________ ________
124.
Basin has 1’ min. freeboard
________
________
125.
Basin side slopes 6:1 or flatter, unless fenced
________
________
126. Detention basin bottom slope 1% min. or permanent
pool
________ ________
127.
12
-
ft access
easement to and around detention basin
________
________
128.
25
-
ft setback from property lines to basin
________
________
129.
Basin is not “back
-
up” configuration
________
________
130.
Multiple detention basins function independently
________
________
131. If detention basin used as sediment basin, outlet
filter provided
________ ________
Underground Storage
132.
Soil boring data submitted for underground storage
________
________
133.
Sediment removed before underground storage
________
________
134.
Underground storage pipe material has 50
-
year life
________
________
135.
Access manholes provided for underground storage
________
________
136.
Underground storage facility has 1’ freeboard
________
________
137. 25-ft setback from property lines to underground
storage
________ ________
138.
Access easement to and above underground storage
________
________
139.
No permanent structures above underground storage
________
________
G-10
Retention
Page No.
Approved
140. Soil infiltration rate for retention > 0.52 in/hr, clay
content < 30%
________ ________
141. Retention basin designed for runoff from 100-year
storm
________ ________
142. Off-site tributary area included in design, or
rerouted
________ ________
143. Rerouted off-site drainage to valid R.O.W. – or --
agreement with downstream property owners
________ ________
144.
Basin has 1’ min. freeboard
________
________
145. Retention above groundwater table, soil borings
submitted
________ ________
146. Emergency spillway in berm has capacity for 10-yr
flow
________ ________
147.
Emergency spillway overflow route shown
________
________
148.
Basin side slopes 6:1 or flatter, unless fenced
________
________
149.
12
-
ft
access easement to and around retention basin
________
________
150.
Retention basin maintenance agreement submitted
________
________
151. If retention basin used as sediment basin, outlet
filter provided
________ ________
152.
Retention is not
within 100
-
year floodplain
________
________
Wetlands
153.
Wetlands delineated, in conservation easement
________
________
154. Drainage into wetland will not raise water surface
above structures
________ ________
155. If wetlands to serve as detention/retention, sediment
forebay provided
________ ________
Oil Separators
156.
Oil removal BMP’s shown (where required)
________
________
157.
Oil/grit separators meet design standards
________
________
G-11
First Flush Basins/Sediment Collection Units
Page No.
Approved
158. First flush basin or sediment collector (FFB/SC) has
storage volume for 1” of runoff
________ ________
159.
FFB/SC release time between 24
-
36 hours
________
________
160. FFB/SC outlet not submerged by receiving
watercourse at 10
-
year design level
________ ________
16
1
.
FFB/SC bypasses 10
-
year peak flow
________
________
G-12
H-1
APPENDIX H
MODEL FORMS OF STORMWATER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS
H-2
H-3
DECLARATION OF DRAINAGE EASEMENT
AND DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
This declaration made this ________ day of _______________, 20__, by
_______________, whose address is ___________________________________________
(hereinafter “Developer”), and on behalf of
_____________________________________________, a Homeowner’s Association to be
formed (hereinafter “Association”).
WHEREAS, the Developer is the owner of all legal and equitable interest in the following
property located in the Township of _______________, County of St. Clair, State of Michigan,
(hereinafter “Development”) described as:
See legal description attached hereto as Exhibit 1.
WHEREAS, the Developer has divided the Development, known as
_______________________________ into Lots for the purpose of residential home sites;
WHEREAS, Developer is constructing a public road on the Development for the purpose of
providing ingress and egress to the Lots and is also providing drainage for the Lots;
WHEREAS, the purpose of this declaration is to provide for the development and maintenance
of easements and other drainage facilities to provide proper drainage for the Development;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual benefits to be derived by the Developer, its
successors and assigns, and all purchasers and future owners of the various Lots comprising the
Development, the Developer, for itself, its successors and assigns, does hereby publish, declare
and make known to all intending purchasers and future Owners of the Lots comprising the
Development, that all Lots in the Development will and shall be used, owned, held and/or sold
expressly subject to the following covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, obligations and
special assessments for the development and maintenance of Drainage Easements and Facilities
as described in this Agreement.
It is further declared that the Drainage Easements and Facilities described in Exhibit __________
attached hereto, together with the drainage maintenance provisions contained herein shall run
with the land and be binding on the Developer and purchasers of all Lots in the Development and
their heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns.
1. DEFINITION OF TERMS. The words and phrases following used in this
Agreement are defined as follows:
a. “Agreement” shall mean and refer to this Declaration of Drainage Easement and
Drainage Maintenance Agreement as recorded in the Office of the St. Clair County
Register of Deeds, State of Michigan;
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b. “Association” shall mean and refer to Homeowners’
Association and its successors and assigns;
c. “Developer” shall mean and refer to and its
successors and assigns;
d. “Drain Commissioner” shall mean the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner;
e. “Drainage Easements and Facilities” shall mean those areas of land within the
Development (including the improvements thereto) now or hereafter owned by the
Association or used by the Association or Owners for the drainage purposes as
referenced in this Agreement;
f. Lot” shall mean and refer to any Lot or parcel of land within the Development;
g. “Member” shall mean and refer to those persons entitled to membership in the
Association, as provided in this Agreement;
h. “Owner” shall mean and refer to the record owners, whether one or more persons or
entities, of the fee simple title to any Lot which is a part of the Development. When
more than one person or entity has an interest in the fee simple title to a Lot, the
collective interest of all such persons or entities shall be considered to be that of a
single Owner for purposes of this Agreement. If any Lot is sold on a land contract,
the land contract purchaser shall be considered the Owner. Those persons having any
interest in a Lot merely as security for the performance of an obligation are not
considered to be Owners.
2. DRAINAGE EASEMENTS AND FACILITIES. The Drainage Easements and
Facilities subject to this Agreement are shown and described in Exhibit ___________, attached
hereto. Each purchaser of the Lots in the Development acquires an indivisible property interest
to all the above-described Drainage Easements and Facilities for the purpose of constructing,
operating, inspecting, maintaining and repairing such Facilities. The financial responsibility for
maintenance of the Drainage Easements and Facilities shall be the Association’s and be shared
by the Owners of all of the Lots in the Development pursuant to the terms of this Agreement,
except that minor maintenance of the drainage areas (such as mowing and landscaping along and
around the Drainage Easement and Facilities) shall be performed by the Owners of the Lots
where the Drainage Easements and Facilities are located. All Owners are deemed to have
consented to entry upon their property necessary to construct, inspect and maintain the Drainage
Easements and Drainage Facilities. No buildings or permanent structures may be constructed or
maintained over or on any easement area subject to this Agreement. This Agreement shall be
perpetual and terminable only upon the occurrence of any one of the following events:
(1) The Drainage Easements and Facilities are no longer necessary to service the
Development and are abandoned or replaced with the express written permission
of the Association and the Drain Commissioner; or
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(2) A Municipality or a Governmental Agency with taxing powers expressly
assumes, in writing, the responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the
Drainage Easements and Facilities; or
(3) A county or intercounty drainage district is established to operate and maintain
the facilities and easements in accordance with Act 40 of the Public Acts of 1956,
as amended, and the Rules of the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner.
3. HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION. There is hereby created an Association, which
consists of all the Owners of Lots located within the Development and shall be known as the
_________________________ Homeowner’s Association. Membership in the Association is
mandatory for each Owner. The Owners of each Lot shall have one (1) vote in the Association
(i.e., one vote per Lot, regardless of the number of Owners of the Lot). The Association shall
annually elect a president, secretary, and treasurer, which together shall constitute the Board of
Directors of the Association (hereafter “the Board”). In the event that such officers are not
elected, the existing officers may serve until the new elections take place. In the event that an
officer dies, resigns, or is unable or unwilling to carry out his/her duties during the year, the
remaining offices may appoint a replacement who shall serve until a new officer is elected. The
presence of two (2) members of the Board at a meeting shall constitute a quorum. If only two (2)
members of the Board are present at a meeting, the affirmative vote of both is required to take
action. Upon majority vote of the Owners of all of the lots in the Development (one vote per
lot), the Association may choose to convert the Association to a non-profit corporation or limited
liability company which shall carry out the same functions as the Association.
a. ASSOCIATION MEETINGS. Each year, during the first week of
____________________ (or such other date as a majority of the Association
member shall designate), the Association members shall meet for the purpose
of electing a Board of Directors (the “Board”) and officers and approving a
maintenance program and budge for the coming year for the Drainage
Easements and Facilities. An Owner may vote in person or by proxy
authorized in writing signed by the lot Owners (or one of them). For purposes
of the annual meeting and setting of the budget, it is not necessary that a
majority of Owners be present in person or by proxy in order that a valid
meeting is held. Owners or proxies representing at least fifty percent (50%) of
the Lots in the Development shall constitute a quorum. Questions shall be
approved or disapproved by a majority of Owners present in person or by
proxy and voting at the annual meeting or any special meeting called for
purposes of this Agreement. Written notice of the time and location of the
annual meetings shall be provided to all Owners of record in the
Development.
Special meetings may be called with ten (10) days prior written notice to all
Owners by the President of the Board or upon request of any three (3)
Owners representing (3) separate Lots.
Until such time as all of the Lots in the Development have been sold, by the
Developer, or sooner if the Developer so chooses, the Developer shall
exercise all the powers and duties of the Association and its Board. However,
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all Owners are entitled to attend the annual meeting and give input into the
setting of the forthcoming budget. The Developer may from time to time
designate an agent for the purpose of maintaining and enforcing the
Agreement. Appropriate written notice of such designation, or any other
written notice permitted or required by this Agreement, shall be addressed by
ordinary mail to each Owner.
The Developer may at any time assign and convey all or part of his rights,
powers, privileges and duties, which are reserved to it in this Agreement, to
the Association, and upon the execution and filing of the appropriate
instruments of assignment, the Association shall thereupon have the right and
obligation to exercise all the rights, powers, privileges and duties so assigned
by this document to the Developer.
b. DUTIES: GENERALLY. The purpose of the Homeowners Association is to
manage the Drainage Easements and Facilities in the Development and
matters incidental thereto for the benefit of all owners and to enforce these
restrictions and any by-laws, rules or regulations the Association may adopt.
Adoption of by-laws, rules or regulations shall require the affirmative vote of
those owning a majority of the lots in the Development at an annual meeting
or a special meeting called for that purpose.
c. BUDGET. The Board shall be responsible for drafting a proposed budget for
maintenance and repair of Drainage Easements and Facilities for the coming
year, if any.
d. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR WORK. The President of the Board shall
arrange for such maintenance and repair work as has been approved by the
Association. All bills for approved work shall be paid by the treasurer after
approval by the officer designated for this purpose by the officers. The budget
may include a reserve for future capital expenditures. The Board may
authorize above-budget expenditures for emergency maintenance and repairs
where the failure to do so would result in a threat to health, human safety, or a
risk of financial loss to the Association.
e. ASSESSMENT. Each landowner shall pay an annual assessment for the
maintenance program required pursuant to Paragraph 3, Subparagraph d. of
this Agreement.
f. ASSESSMENT COLLECTION. All assessment payments shall be made
payable to the Association. Payment is due thirty (30) days after the
assessment is mailed by first class ordinary mail. The treasurer shall place all
funds collected in the Association account at a federally insured banking
institution selected periodically by the Board.
g. FAILURE TO PAY ASSESSMENT. If any Owner is in default for any
assessment payment of thirty (30) or more days, the Association may bring
suit to collect the assessment, together with any costs of collection including
H-7
reasonable attorney fees. Additionally, the Association may file a lien against
the land in the public records and foreclose the lien in the same manner as the
enforcement and foreclosure of mortgages in Michigan. For any Lot in the
Development whose dues remain unpaid more than four (4) months after the
dues notices are mailed, the delinquent Lot owner shall lose their right to vote
as a member of the Association and as a member of the Board until such time
as the delinquent dues are paid.
h. REMEDIES. By acceptance of title, Owner vests in the Association and/or
the Drain Commissioner the right and power to take any legal action which it
may deem necessary or advisable to enforce this Agreement or any of its rules
or regulations. Upon violation of any restriction or breach of any covenant,
the Association and/or the Drain Commissioner may enforce it by a suit for
money judgment, by foreclosing of the lien securing payment, or by an action
in equity seeking a mandatory injunction. If an Owner is found to be in
violation of any of these restrictions, covenants, or any duly adopted rules or
regulations of the Associations, the violator agrees to pay the reasonable
attorney fees and other costs incurred by the Association and/or the St. Clair
County Drain Commissioner in such enforcement action and authorizes the
court to enter an order requiring such payment.
In addition to all other remedies, the Association and/or Drain Commissioner
may enter upon any land in the Development for purposes of carrying out the
provisions of this Agreement and neither the Association nor the Drain
Commissioner shall be liable for trespass and shall further be held harmless
for any damage or liability occurred thereon as a result of enforcing this
Agreement.
The St. Clair County Drain Commissioner shall have the right, but not the
obligation, to enforce all provisions of this Agreement and to require
appropriate maintenance of and/or improvements to the Drainage Easements
and Drainage Facilities referenced in this Agreement if the Developer or the
Association fails to adequately maintain the Drainage Easements and
Facilities. All costs incurred by the Drain Commissioner, including but not
limited to engineering and attorney fees, shall be paid by the Developer,
Owners or Association as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Failure of
the Drain Commissioner to enforce any covenant or restriction herein
contained shall in no event be deemed an estoppel or a waiver of the right to
do so thereafter.
4. HOLD HARMLESS PROVISION. In addition to the provisions contained above,
the Owners of all Lots in the Development agree to hold the St. Clair County Drain
Commissioner harmless from any loss, damages or injuries relating to the Drainage Easements
and Drainage Facilities in the Development.
5. SEVERABILITY. If any section, paragraph, clause or phrase of this Agreement is
for any reason held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, it is the intent of the undersigned
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that such decision should not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of the Agreement,
which shall be enforced as if the invalid provision did not exist.
6. RECORDING. Upon signing, this Agreement shall be immediately recorded at the
St. Clair County Register of Deeds office. A true copy of the Agreement, as recorded, shall be
provided to the Drain Commissioner.
7. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may not be amended without the express written
consent of the St. Clair County Drain Commissioner.
Dated this _________ day of ____________________, _______.
DEVELOPER:
___________________________________
State of Michigan )
) SS:
County of St. Clair )
On this _________ day of ____________________, 2023, before me personally appeared
________________, to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing
instrument and acknowledged that he / she / they had authority to execute the foregoing
instrument and executed same as his/ her / their free act and deed.
______________________________
Notary Public, St. Clair County, MI
Acting in St. Clair County, MI
My Commission Expires: _________
Drafted By: When Recorded Return To:
Timothy J. Lozen, Esq. [Developer]
901 Huron Ave., Ste. 4
Port Huron, MI 48060
H-9
Example Maintenance Plan and Budget for Development X*
Component Maintenance Activity Frequency Estimated Cost Annual Budget
Catch Basin Sumps Inspect for sediment accumulation and debris Annually $100 $100
Remove sediment accumulation and debris Every 1-3 years $1000 $500
Storm Sewers Inspect for sediment accumulation Annually $100 $100
Remove sediment accumulation Every 5-10 years $1000 $200
Inspect structural elements and compare to Every 5 years $200 $200
as-built construction plans
Detention Basin Mow At least 3 times/year $200 $200
Inspect for sediment accumulation and debris Annually $100 $100
Remove debris Annually $100 $100
Remove sediment accumulation Every 5-10 years $2000 $400
Replace gravel jacket around outlet structure Every 3-5 years $500 $500
Inspect emergency overflow for erosion Annually $100 $100
Reestablish as-built overflow elevation As needed $1000 / 5 years $200
Inspect banks for erosion Annually $100 $100
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Reestablish vegetation on eroded slopes As needed $500 / 5 years $100
Open Channels Mow At least 3 times/year $200 $200
Inspect for sediment accumulation and debris Annually $100 $100
Remove debris Annually $100 $100
Remove sediment accumulation Every 5-10 years $1000 $200
Inspect banks for erosion Annually $100 $100
Reestablish vegetation on eroded slopes As needed $500 / 5 years $100
Record Keeping Record all inspections and maintenance activities As performed $100 $100
Adjust estimated costs for maintenance activities Every five years $100 / 5 years $20
______________________________
Total Annual Budget: $3800
* Maintenance schedule and budget are for example only. Frequency of maintenance activities and costs will vary for each development.
H-11
Operation & Maintenance Plan for
STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
<name of site>
<Location>
I. Responsibility for Maintenance:
A. During Construction: <name of site> (contractor) has the responsibility to perform the
maintenance
B. Following Construction: <name of site> is responsible to perform the maintenance
C. Routine maintenance of the storm water facilities must be completed on a scheduled basis
by the owner or lessee. All catch basins/manholes/rear yard basins, detention basins, flow
restrictors, or other stormwater structures must be maintained and inspected on a scheduled
basis.
D. If the site is notified by the local DPW, zoning administrator or municipal engineer, either
verbally or in writing, action is required within 10 calendar days of this notification, unless
other acceptable arrangements are made with the <municipality name>. Emergency
maintenance (when there is endangerment to public health, safety or welfare) shall be
performed immediately upon receipt of verbal or written notification. If the <name of site>
fails to act within these timeframes, the <municipality name> or successors may perform the
needed maintenance and assess the cost against the <name of site>, plus an administrative
fee.
II. Funding:
A. The <name of site> is required to pay for all continued maintenance activities.
III. Maintenance Tasks and Schedule:
A. During Construction:
1. Properly plug and abandon existing storm sewer to prevent any sediment from
entering the existing system
2. Establish and maintain ‘BMP’s to prevent sediment from leaving the site.
B. Post Construction:
1. Perform scheduled semi-annual inspections and inspections following major storm
events to check for floatables and debris within the system, especially where the
restrictor is located. Remove floatables and debris as required.
2. Annually inspect for sediment within the catch basin sumps. Removal of sediment
is required if it is within 12 inches (or 50% of sump depth) of an inlet or outlet pipe in
the structure.
3. Every two (2) years inspect the structural elements of the storm system (restrictor,
catch basins, etc.) noting any failures. Correct as needed.
4. If catch basin inserts are in place, inspect every 6 months replace screens, filters,
cloth, as necessary for the particular type of insert.
5. Mow detention basins on a regular basis, no cattails, phragmites or other plants can
grow unrestricted in these basins.
6. Follow manufacturer recommendations for installed devices and structures.
C. Spills:
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1. Identify key spill response personnel and train employees on who they are.
2. Store and maintain appropriate spill cleanup materials in a clearly marked location
near storage areas; and train employees to ensure familiarity with the site's spill
control plan and/or proper spill cleanup procedures.
3. Locate spill cleanup materials, such as absorbents, where they will be readily
accessible (e.g. near storage and maintenance areas).
4. If a spill occurs, notify the key spill response personnel immediately. If the
material is
unknown or hazardous, the local fire department may also need to be
contacted.
5. If the spill gets into the storm drainage system contact the local DPW staff at
_____________________
6. If safe to do so, attempt to contain the material and block the nearby storm drains
so
that the area impacted is minimized. If the material is unknown or hazardous wait
for
properly trained personnel to contain the materials.
7. Spills or leaks from vehicles in parking lots such as oils, antifreeze, or fuels should
be addressed immediately when noticed by staff working at the site. The spill MUST
be cleaned up using adsorbent materials such as Oil Dry or even kitty litter and then
swept up and disposed of. DO NOT hose down and wash into the storm drain
system, these systems drain directly to rivers in our area and eventually the Great
Lakes.
8. Solid materials should be swept up and disposed of properly. DO NOT hose down
and wash into storm drain system, these systems drain directly to rivers in our area
and eventually to the Great Lakes.
IV. Records:
A. The <name of site> shall keep a written log of both preventive and corrective maintenance
activities. At minimum, the log shall contain the date of the inspection, the reason for the
inspection, the conditions encountered and the resulting activities. The log shall be available
for review at the request of the <name of municipality>. If this site is sold to another, this
Operation and Maintenance agreement must be transferred to the new owner and the <name
of municipality> must be informed of the change in ownership within 14 days of the sale.
V. Site Access
A. If there is a drainage issue/problem on the site that has to do with the storm drainage
system, best management practices, or discharge of too much storm water or water that does
not appear to meet water quality standards, the owner shall allow the municipality or
designee onto the property to inspect the system.
I have read this document and agree to implement the operation and maintenance
procedures listed for this site to protect storm water quality leaving this site.
_________________________________________ ____________________________
Authorized Signature Date
Email address of responsible party: ___________________________________________
I-1
APPENDIX I
EXAMPLE STORMWATER HANDLING STRATEGIES
I-2
I-3
I-4
I-5
I-6
J-1
APPENDIX J
REFERENCE TABLES
J-2
J-3
Table J-1. Rational Method Runoff Coefficients
Surface Runoff Coefficient (C)
Impervious (roof, pavement) 0.90
Typical ¼-acre lot subdivision 0.35
Mowed grass 0.25
Undeveloped farmland/meadow 0.20
Forested 0.15
J-4
Table J-2. Storm Sewer Minimum Slopes
Sewer Diameter (in) Minimum Slope (%)
8 0.50
10 0.40
12 0.33
15 0.25
18 0.22
21 0.20
24 0.17
27 0.16
30 0.15
36 0.13
42 0.11
48 0.10
54 0.09
60 0.09
J-5
Table J-3. Manning “n” Roughness Values
Typical Manning “n” Conservative Manning “n”
Sewer Material Roughness Values Roughness Values
Concrete, Clay 0.013 0.014
Corrugated metal 0.024 0.026
Plastic (smooth lined) 0.010 0.011
J-6
K-1
APPENDIX K
EXAMPLE BIORETENTION DETAILS
K-2
K-3
Typical Bioretention System
K-4
Typical Bioretention Section Detail
L-1
APPENDIX L
EXAMPLE INFILTRATION DETAILS
L-2
L-3
Typical Infiltration Basin
Typical Infiltration Section Detail
L-4
M-1
APPENDIX M
EXAMPLE DETENTION BASIN DETAILS
M-2
M-3
M-4
M-5
M-6
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1
APPENDIX N
EXAMPLE CALCULATIONS
N
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2
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3
Example 1: Detention Basin Design
A 10-acre parcel is to be developed into a single-family residential subdivision. A detention
basin will be provided to control the release of stormwater runoff to a nearby established drain.
No off-site area drains onto or across the developing site. The predevelopment runoff coefficient
for the site is 0.20.
A hydraulic analysis of the proposed storm sewer indicates that the design water elevation of the
basin cannot exceed elevation 585.00 ft to maintain the hydraulic grade line in the storm sewer at
least one foot below all catch basin and manhole rim elevations. The bottom of the detention
volume in the basin must be at or above the invert of the storm sewer conveying the basin
outflow to the receiving watercourse. It must also be above base flow elevation in the drain and
above the groundwater table. The receiving watercourse in this case is an existing established
drain, which maintains a dry weather base flow with a depth of approximately 6 inches. At the
location where the detention basin outlet pipe will tap the drain, the drain bottom is at elevation
580.00 ft. The basin outlet will be located 400 feet away from the drain. The groundwater table
was determined by soil borings to be at elevation 578.00 ft.
STEP 1. Size the storm sewer extending from the basin to the drain.
The 10-year peak flow to the basin = Q
10
= C x I x A
C
weighted
= 0.34 C
weighted
= (30% impervious)(0.9) + (70% pervious)(0.2) = 0.41
T = 28 minutes (determined by storm sewer design calculations)
I = 175 / (T + 25) = 3.30 in/hr
A = 10 acres
Q
10
= C x I x A = (0.41) x (3.30 in/hr) x (10 acres) = 13.5 cfs
At slope of 0.17%, a 27-inch concrete storm sewer would have a capacity of 13.8 cfs.
Therefore, use 27-inch storm sewer at 0.17%.
STEP 2. Set basin floor (or permanent pool) elevation.
Sewer invert at basin outlet = Receiving watercourse bottom elevation + (length of
outlet sewer) x (slope of outlet sewer)
Sewer invert at basin outlet = 580.00 + 400 ft x 0.0017 = 580.68 ft
Since the base flow in the drain is at elevation 580.50 ft, and the groundwater table is at
elevation 578.00 ft, the sewer invert at the basin outlet (elev. 580.68 ft) will control the
minimum elevation of the detention volume in the basin.
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4
Set basin floor (or permanent pool) elevation to at or above 580.68 feet, say 581.00 feet.
STEP 3. Determine the required basin volume for 100-year storm.
A = 10 acres
Q
allowable
= Q
a
= 0.15 cfs/ac x 10 ac = 1.5 cfs
Q
o
= Q
a
/ A C = 1.5 cfs / (10 ac x 0.41) = 0.366 cfs/impervious acre
Storage Time = T = -25 + sqrt(10,312.5 / Q
o
) = 143 minutes
Volume per impervious acre = V
s
= 16,500 T / (T + 25) – 40 Q
o
T = 11,952 cf / imp-ac
Required Storage Volume = V
s
x A x C = (11,952) x (10 ac) x (0.41) = 49,003 cf
STEP 4. Design the basin outlet standpipe.
Available basin depth = 586.00 ft – 581.00 ft = 5.0 ft
Stage-Storage Curve for proposed basin (assume 1:6 side slopes):
Elev (ft) Area (sf) Depth (ft) Volume (cf) Cumulative
Volume (cf)
586.0
18,769
1
17,197
58,865
585.0
15,625
1
14,197
41,668
584.0
12,769
1
11,485
27,471
583.0
10,201
1
9,061
15,986
582.0
7921
1
6,925
6,925
581.0
5929
0
0
0
First Flush
First Flush Storage Volume = 1 in x 10 ac x 0.41 x 43,560 sf/ac x 1 ft/12 in = 14,883 cf
Depth of First Flush Volume in proposed basin:
(15,986 – 14,883 cf) / (15,986 – 6,925 cf) = (583 ft – FF Elev.) / (583 – 582 ft)
FF Elev. = 582.88 ft
Release First Flush Volume over 24 hours:
N
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5
Q
average
= 14,883 cf / 24 hrs x 1 hr/3600 s = 0.172 cfs
Average head on orifice outlet:
H
average
= 2/3 (582.88 – 581.0 ft) = 1.253 ft
Area of First Flush orifices:
A
ff
= 0.172 cfs / 0.62 sqrt(2 g H
average
) = 0.031 sf
Since a 1-inch orifice has an area of 0.00545 sf, use five 1-inch orifices in 36-inch
standpipe at elev. 581.00 ft
Bankfull Flood (Stream Protection)
Bankfull Flood Vol. = 2.30 in x 10 ac x (0.41-0.20) x 43,560 sf/ac x 1 ft/12 in = 17,533 cf
Depth of Bankfull Flood Volume in proposed basin:
(27,471 – 17,545 cf) / (27,471 – 15,986) = (584.0 – BF Elev.) / (584.0 – 583.0 ft)
BF Elev. = 583.14 ft
Release Bankfull Flood Volume over 48 hours maximum.
Determine discharge rate of Bankfull Flood Volume through First Flush orifices:
H
average
= 2/3 (583.14 – 581.0 ft) = 1.43 ft
Q
ff
= 0.62 (5) (0.00545 sf) sqrt(2 g H
average
) = 0.162 cfs
Check detention time for Bankfull Flood Volume:
17,533 cf / 0.162 cfs x 1 hr/3600 s = 30.1 hrs
Since this does not exceed the desired 48-hour maximum detention time, no additional
orifices are required at Elev. 582.88 ft
100-year Flood
Depth of 100-year Flood Volume in proposed basin:
(58,865 – 49,003 cf) / (58,865 – 41,668) = (586.0 – Elev.) / (586.0 – 585.0 ft)
Elev. = 585.43 ft
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6
Determine discharge rate of 100-year Flood Volume through First Flush and Bankfull
Flood orifices:
Q
bf
= 0.62 (0) (0.00545 sf) sqrt(2 g (585.43 – 582.88 ft)) = 0.0 cfs
Q
ff
= 0.62 (5) (0.00545 sf) sqrt(2 g (585.43 – 581.00 ft)) = 0.285 cfs
Determine discharge rate of 100-year Flood Volume through 100-year Flood orifices:
Q
a
– Q
bf
– Q
ff
= 1.5 – 0.0 – 0.285 cfs = 1.215 cfs
Head on 100-year Flood orifices:
H = 585.43 – 583.14 ft = 2.29 ft
Area of 100-year Flood orifices at Elev. 583.14 ft:
A = 1.215 cfs / (0.62 sqrt(2 g H)) = 0.161 sf
Since a 2-inch orifice has an area of 0.022 sf, use seven 2-inch orifices at Elev. 583.14 ft
STEP 5. Verify that at least one foot of freeboard is being provided.
Design water elevation = 585.43 ft
Detention basin banks and surrounding ground elevation = 587 ft +/-
Therefore, more than one foot of freeboard is being provided.
STEP 6. Design overflow spillway.
Peak 10-year flow into basin = 13.5 cfs
Since head over weir must be less than 1 foot so as not to exceed the available freeboard,
Q = C x L x H
1.5
L = Q / ( C x H
1.5
)
L = 13.5 cfs / ( 3 x 1
1.5
)
L = 4.5 ft, say 5 ft
Set length of overflow spillway to at least 5 feet.
N
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7
Example 2: Retention Basin Design
A 10-acre parcel is to be developed into a single-family residential subdivision. A retention
basin will be provided to capture the stormwater runoff from the site. No off-site area drains
onto or across the developing site.
A hydraulic analysis of the proposed storm sewer indicates that the design water elevation of the
basin cannot exceed elevation 585.00 ft to maintain the hydraulic grade line in the storm sewer at
least one foot below all catch basin and manhole rim elevations. The bottom of the retention
volume in the basin must be at or above the groundwater table, which was determined by soil
borings to be at elevation 578.00 ft.
STEP 1. Determine the soil types in the tributary area (from the United States Department of
Agriculture Soil Survey for St. Clair County), and classify these soil types by Hydrologic Soil
Group (per Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s “Computing Flood Discharges for
Small Ungaged Watersheds” by Sorrell, July 2003).
50% Hydrologic soil group A
50% Hydrologic soil group B
The retention basin will be located in an area that (primarily) consists of soils from
hydrologic soil group B.
STEP 2. Determine the weighted Runoff Curve Number for the site (per SCS Method).
For this example, assume initially that the retention basin area will be 10% of the area of
the site.
Hydrologic Percent of Total Percent of Partial
Soil Group Drainage Area Land Use Soil Group RCN RCN
A 59 Single-fam. Res. (1/4-ac) 100 61 36.0
B 41 Single-fam. Res. (1/4-ac) 76 75 23.4
Retention basin 24 100 9.9
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Composite RCN = 69.3
STEP 3. Determine the 100-year, 24-hour precipitation total for the area, P
Per NOAA Atlas 14 (Volume 8, Version 2), the 100-year, 24-hour storm consists of 5.19
inches of rainfall (P = 5.19).
STEP 4. Calculate the storage, S (per SCS Method).
S = 1000 / RCN – 10 = 1000 / 69.3 – 10 = 4.43 in
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STEP 5. Calculate the stormwater runoff for a 100-year, 24-hour storm, SRO (per SCS Method).
SRO = ( P – 0.2S )
2
/ ( P + 0.8S ) = ( 5.19 – 0.2 x 4.43 )
2
/ ( 5.19 + 0.8 x 4.43 ) = 2.12 in
STEP 6. Determine the runoff volume for a 100-year, 24-hour storm from the site.
Runoff Volume = 2.12 in x 10 acres x 1 ft/12 in x 43,560 sf/1 ac = 76,956 cf
STEP 7. Determine stage-storage curve for proposed retention basin.
The available storage must equal or exceed twice the runoff volume for a 100-year, 24-
hour storm: 2 x 76,956 = 153,912
Stage-Storage Curve (assume 1:6 side slopes):
Elev (ft) Area (sf) Depth (ft) Volume (cf) Cumulative
Volume (cf)
586.0
46,208
1
42,704
166,944
585.0
39,200
1
35,984
124,240
584.0
32,768
1
29,840
88,256
583.0
26,912
1
24,272
58,416
582.0
21,632
1
19,280
34,144
581.0
16,928
1
14,864
14,864
580.0
12,800
1
0
0
STEP 8. Determine the design water elevation (DWE) in the retention basin.
(166,944 – 153,912 cf) / (166,944 – 124,240) = (586.0 – DWE) / (586.0 – 585.0 ft)
DWE = 585.69 ft
STEP 9. Check assumption that retention basin area is approximately 10% of total site area.
Design water elevation is 585.81 ft, say 586 ft
Area of basin at elevation 586 feet is 46,208 sf
Basin area is approximately 46,208 sf / 435,600 sf = 10.6% of total area
Assumption that basin area is about 10% of total area is valid.
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STEP 10. Verify that at least one foot of freeboard is being provided.
Design water elevation = 585.69 ft
Retention basin banks and surrounding ground elevation = 587 ft +/-
More than one foot of freeboard is being provided.
STEP 11. Design overflow spillway.
Peak 10-year flow into basin, Q = C x I x A
Q = 0.35 x 175 / (T + 25) x 10 ac, where T is estimated to be 20 minutes
Q = 13.6 cfs
Since head over weir must be less than 1 foot so as not to exceed the available freeboard,
Q = C x L x H
1.5
L = Q / ( C x H
1.5
)
L = 13.6 cfs / ( 3 x 1
1.5
)
L = 4.5 ft, say 5 ft
Set length of overflow spillway to at least 5 feet.
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Example 3: Culvert Design Calculation
A 12-acre parcel is to be developed into an apartment complex. The entrance driveway to the
development will cross an established drain that flows west along the roadside. A 60-ft. culvert
is proposed to allow the flow in the drain to cross the entrance driveway. The proposed
development drains via overland flow south into the drain. Nine acres of undeveloped land just
north of the proposed subdivision drains across the site to the drain. Further upstream in the
watershed, another ten acres of single-family residential subdivision and eight acres of
undeveloped area also drains into drain. (See figure below.)
STEP 1. Determine the peak design flow to the proposed culvert.
A USGS map indicates that the proposed site and upstream off-site area are tributary to
the proposed culvert, as well as a 10-acre residential subdivision and an 8-acre
undeveloped parcel. Since less than 2 square miles of area are tributary to the culvert, the
culvert will be designed for the 10-year peak flow per county standards, rather than for
the 100-year peak flow per state standards.
All the area except the 8-acre undeveloped parcel will pass through detention, so assume
a peak flow from this tributary area of 0.15 cfs/acre.
Q
detention
= (12 + 9 + 10 acres) x 0.15 cfs/acres = 4.7 cfs
Assume that the future use of the undeveloped area is multiple-family residential, but
without detention. Use Rational Method to estimate the 10-year peak flow from this area.
Q
future multiple-family residential
= C I A
Q
future multiple-family residential
= 0.5 x (175 / T + 25) x 8 acres Estimate T = 20 min
Q
future multiple-family residential
= 0.5 x 3.89 in/hr x 8 acres
Q
future multiple-family residential
= 15.6 cfs
Add peak flows:
Q
total
= 15.6 + 4.7 = 20.3 cfs
STEP 2. Estimate tailwater elevation for proposed culvert.
The typical cross-section of the drain is 4 feet deep, with a 1-ft bottom width and 1:3 side
slopes. The typical drain slope downstream of the proposed culvert is 0.002 (0.2%).
Using Manning’s equation, the normal depth of flow for 20.3 cfs in this drain would be
Q = 1.49 R
h
0.67
S
0.5
A / n where R
h
= hydraulic radius of flow
= area / wetted perimeter
S = slope of drain
A = area of flow
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n = channel roughness (assume 0.04)
Solving for the normal depth of flow yields:
y
n
= 1.88 feet = tailwater elevation for culvert
STEP 3. Size culvert so that the headwater remains at least one foot below driveway and
roadway elevations, and the backwater does not extend beyond the limits of the site.
Use a culvert hydraulic analysis program such as the Federal Highway Administration’s
HY-8, or standard inlet and outlet control nomographs. Assume the proposed culvert is a
round, corrugated metal pipe (CMP).
Propose a 30-inch CMP culvert at a slope of 0.2% with upstream and downstream invert
elevations: 800.06 ft and 799.94 ft, respectively.
Per FHWA HY-8, Inlet control headwater elev. = 802.61 ft
Outlet control headwater elev. = 803.00 ft
Therefore, the culverts will be under outlet control with a headwater elev. = 803.00 ft
Since the proposed driveway centerline elevation is 804.0 ft, the headwater elevation is
more than one foot below the banks.
The elevation of the normal depth of flow at the upstream property line is greater than
804.0 ft. The backwater would not extend onto upstream off-site property.
STEP 4. Verify that 100-year peak flow headwater elevation will remain below adjacent
proposed and existing structures.
All the area except the 8-acre undeveloped parcel will pass through detention, so assume
a peak flow from this tributary area of 0.15 cfs/acre.
Q
detention
= (12 + 9 + 10 acres) x 0.15 cfs/acres = 4.7 cfs
Assume that the future use of the undeveloped area is multiple-family residential, but
without detention. Use Rational Method to estimate the 100-year peak flow from this
area.
Q
undeveloped
= C I A
Q
undeveloped
= 0.5 x (275 / T + 25) x 8 acres Estimate T = 20 minutes
Q
undeveloped
= 0.5 x 6.11 in/hr x 8 acres
Q
undeveloped
= 24.4 cfs
Add peak flows:
Q
total
= 24.4 + 4.7 = 29.1 cfs
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Using Manning’s equation to find the tailwater on the culvert yields
y
n
= 2.22 feet = tailwater elevation for culvert
HY-8 (or the culvert nomographs) indicates that the culvert would be under outlet control
with a headwater elevation of 804.04 feet.
The lowest nearby structure has a finished floor elevation of 805.0 feet. Therefore, all
nearby structures would be above the 100-year headwater elevation for the culvert.
Proposed Site
for Apartments
(12 acres)
Proposed Culvert
County Drain
Off-site Area
draining across
Proposed Site
(9 acres)
North
Undeveloped
Area –
Future
Multiple
Family
Residential
(8 acres)
Residential
Subdivision
(10 acres)
Detention basins
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APPENDIX O
EXAMPLE OIL REMOVAL BMP’S (BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES)
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Oil Removal BMP – Low Oil Application
For low oil applications, a typical detention basin outlet may be equipped with an oil skimmer,
consisting of a non-leaching absorbent material, connected to the rim of the standpipe with a
non-degradable line or rope. A typical standpipe would require one 13-inch x 13-inch packet of
absorbent material that converts liquid petroleum hydrocarbons into a manageable solid waste
(i.e. not a hazardous waste). An acceptable product would be the “Smart Sponge® Passive
Skimmer” or equal. The length of the connecting line should be such that the skimmer, when
hanging freely, rests above the crown of the outlet pipe extending from the standpipe. The
skimmer shall not cause an obstruction to the flow exiting the standpipe. Additional information
on the “Smart Sponge® Passive Skimmer” can be found on the following page.
Oil Removal BMP – High Oil Application
For high oil applications, one or more prefabricated oil/grit separator units may be required. The
following design standards shall apply to such units:
Each oil separator shall serve no more than one acre of (impervious) area.
The separator shall be designed to pass the ten-year design storm without hydraulic
interference.
Oil separators shall consist of at least three chambers: a sediment chamber, an oil
chamber, and a discharge chamber.
The first two chambers shall provide at least 400 cubic feet of grit storage, with
permanent pool depth of at least 4 feet.
The first and second chambers (sediment chamber and oil chamber) shall be hydraulically
connected by two 6-inch orifices protected by a trash rack. The orifices shall be located
at least 4 feet above the separator floor.
The second and third chambers (oil chamber and discharge chamber) shall be
hydraulically connected by an inverted elbow at least 18 inches in diameter, 3 feet in
length and at least one foot above the oil chamber floor.
A manhole shall be provided to each chamber for maintenance.
The outlet from the oil separator shall not be submerged by the receiving watercourse
during a 10-year design storm.
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APPENDIX P
GLOSSARY
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Glossary
Best Management Practice Also “BMP”. A practice or combination of practices based on
current, accepted engineering standards that prevent or reduce
stormwater runoff and/or associated pollutants. For example, the
Guidebook of Best Management Practices for Michigan
Watersheds.
Construction Plans Detailed plans showing the existing and proposed features of a
proposed development and engineering calculations supporting the
design of the proposed features.
County Drain A drain which has been designated as an Established Drain wholly
within St. Clair County.
Design Storm A rainfall event of specified return frequency and duration (e.g. a
100-year, 24-hour storm) that is used to calculate peak flows and
/or runoff volumes.
Detention Basin A stormwater management practice that captures stormwater
runoff temporarily and releases the stormwater to a surface water
body or watercourse
Development A residential, industrial, municipal, commercial, or other project
involving the construction of structures and/or paved surfaces on
natural or previously developed land.
Drain The term “drain” as used in these Rules shall have the meaning as
proscribed in Drain Code Section 3 as follows: The word drain”,
whenever used in this act, shall include the main stream or trunk
and all tributaries or branches of any creek or river, any
watercourse or ditch, either open or closed, any covered drain, any
sanitary or any combined sanitary and storm sewer or storm sewer
or conduit composed of tile, brick, concrete, or other material, any
structures or mechanical devices, that will properly purify the flow
of such drains, any pumping equipment necessary to assist or
relieve the flow of such drains and any levee, dike, barrier, or a
combination of any or all of same constructed, or proposed to be
constructed, for the purpose of drainage or for the purification of
the flow of such drains, but shall not include any dam and flowage
rights used in connection therewith which is used for the
generation of power by a public utility subject to regulation by the
public service commission.
Drain Commissioner The Drain Commissioner of the County of St. Clair, Michigan.
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Drainage District The term “drainage district” as used in these Rules shall have the
meaning as proscribed in Drain Code Section 5 as follows: A
Drainage District is any county or inter-county drainage district
legally established pursuant to applicable provisions of the Drain
Code. Drain Code Section 5 provides that each such drainage
district is a body corporate with the power to contract, to sue and
be sued, and to hold, manage and dispose of real property, in
addition to any other powers conferred by law. Generally, a
drainage district is comprised of all lands which drain to a legally
established drain.
Easement Also “Right-of-way”. A legal right granted by a property owner to
another entity, allowing that entity to make limited use of the
property for a specific purpose. The Drain Commissioner secures
easements along established drains, detention and retention basins,
and other stormwater conveyance systems for the purpose of
maintenance access.
Established Drain An open or enclosed stormwater conveyance system that has been
legally established as a county or inter-county drain within St.
Clair County pursuant to applicable provisions of the Drain Code.
Final Plat A map of all or part of a subdivision prepared and certified by the
proprietor’s Engineer or Land Surveyor in accordance with the
requirements of the Subdivision Control Act of 167, Act 288 of the
Public Acts of 1967, as amended.
First Flush During the early stages of a storm, stormwater with a highly
concentrated pollutant load, due to the runoff washing away the
pollutants that have accumulated on the land.
Freeboard The vertical distance from the top of an embankment to the design
water elevation of a detention basin or retention basin, required as
a safety margin.
Headwater The depth of water at the upstream end of a culvert.
Infiltration The absorption of water into the ground, often expressed in terms
of inches per hour.
Inter-county Drain A drain traversing two or more counties that has been legally
established as an established drain.
Invert The interior surface of the bottom of a pipe.
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Pre-Preliminary Plans A sketch plan or informal plan drawn to scale and showing the
existing features of a site and its surroundings and the general
layout of the proposed development.
Pre-Preliminary Plat A sketch plan or informal plan drawn to scale and showing the
existing features of a site and its surroundings and the general
layout of the proposed subdivision.
Preliminary Plans A plan showing the preliminary layout of a development in
sufficient detail to allow review by interested agencies.
Preliminary Plat A plan showing the preliminary layout of a subdivision
development in sufficient detail to allow review by interested
agencies.
Proprietor A person, firm, association, partnership, corporation or
combination of any of them which may hold ownership in land
whether recorded or not. “Proprietor” shall be synonymous with
“Developer” or “Land owner”.
Retention Basin A stormwater management practice that captures stormwater
runoff and does not discharge to a surface water body or
watercourse, but allows the water to evaporate or infiltrate into the
ground.
Redevelopment Additions and/or modifications to an existing development.
Riprap A combination of large stone, cobbles, and boulders used to line
channels, stabilize banks, reduce runoff velocities, or filter out
sediment.
Runoff The excess portion of precipitation that does not infiltration into
the ground or is not captured by vegetation, but flows overland to a
stream, storm sewer, or water body.
Spillway A depression in the embankment of a detention basin used to allow
overflow of stormwater during storm events in excess of the design
storm.
Tailwater The depth of water at the downstream end of a culvert.
Time of Concentration The time it takes for surface runoff to travel from the hydraulically
farthest portion of a watershed to the design point.