Local water quality protection forum to be held in Freedom Township
Photo by Dale Fisher Photography of Pleasant Lake from the air – originally appearing in “Pleasant Lake” in The Michigan Riparian – Spring 2015. Used with permission of author.
Are you interested in protecting our water, right here in the Manchester area? On December 10th from 9 am to 1:30 pm, at the Freedom Township Hall located at 11508 East Pleasant Lake Rd, eight groups including Freedom Township, the Pleasant Lake Property Owners Association, Citizens Respecting Our Waters (CROW), Huron River Watershed Council, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Lake and Stream Associations, Washtenaw County Water resource Commission, and Washtenaw County Emergency Management are coming together to host a forum on protecting water quality, and specifically on the role of local government in that process.
During the forum, planning, ordinances, storm water management, as well as woodlands, farm, and water preservation will be discussed by a host of presenters including Evan Pratt, the Washtenaw County Water Commissioner, Monica Day from MSU, who will talk about recent water crises in Toledo and Flint, and other officials and experts. In addition, the safety of the pipelines and CMS Gas Plant will be explored with presentations by Marc Breckenridge, the Washtenaw County Head of Emergency Planning, Michael Riesterer, the Manchester Township Fire Chief, and representatives from CMS and possibly the pipeline firms. Group discussions will provide opportunities for input from all attendees.
Kris Olsson of the Huron River Watershed Council, explained that their role in the forum is part of an ongoing collaboration with Freedom Township to create a plan to protect the water quality in the township. “The Huron River Watershed Council has worked closely with more than a dozen townships in Washtenaw and Oakland Counties to support their water, land protection and planning efforts for more than a decade. We held a Green Infrastructure Planning Session with the Freedom Township Board, Planning Commission and residents in January 2016, provided them with a map and suggested planning concepts and had several follow up meetings,” she said. “Several local government officials (with whom) we have worked in the past will be reporting at the conference about their local challenges and the way each crafted unique solutions to their water and land protection issues. The goal is to share concepts, ideas plus successful and not so successful programs so that we can learn from each others’ efforts.”
Olson elaborated on the pipeline and gas plant safety portion of the forum, stating, “Toward the end of the event the focus will shift to gas plant and pipeline safety. Did you know that today six gas and oil pipelines pass near Pleasant Lake, its wetlands and Mill Creek; and when the ET Rover line is added it will reach seven? The Washtenaw County Emergency Services Division Director and the Manchester Fire Chief will discuss emergency planning.
“Also, representatives from CMS Energy will review their Freedom Compressor station modernization program. Officials from the pipeline firms have also been invited to discuss their safety efforts.”
Organizers have emphasized that in addition to planning commissioners, elected officials, and environmental organizations, residents concerned with safeguarding their local water resources are encouraged to attend. The event is open to all and free of charge; but if attending, please RSVP by Dec. 5 to Kris Olsson by emailing her at kolsson@hrwc.com or calling (734) 769-5123 x-607.
Map showing concentrations of pipelines running through our area. Courtesy of Lon Nordeen.
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