A group of citizens dedicated to the protection of our environment, as they study and make recommendations to the Township on environmental issues. Click here for more information
Local Non-Profit Organizations
These organizations provide education or service and are always in need of tax-deductible donations and routinely seek voluteers:
Click Here to find out, and to find out what to do and not do on an Ozone Action! Day.
24-Hour Environmental Hotline
OAKLAND COUNTY WATER RESOURCES COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE 24-HOUR ENVIRONMENTAL HOTLINE (248) 858-0931
The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner has partnered with the Oakland County Department of Public Safety to offer a 24-Hour Pollution Hotline for the reporting of potential storm drain problems. Please call this number if you witness any of the following:
Failing septic systems (evident by standing sewage on the ground)
Suspicious dumping in storm drain catch basins or waterways
Dead or stressed fish or animals
An unusual or suspicious discharge from a storm drain or in a waterway
Dumping of animal waste
Runoff from storage piles or dumpsters
Construction site soil erosion entering surface waters
Please provide the following information when you call:
Your name and phone number (you can remain anonymous if you choose)
The source of pollution and what was spilled
Quantity of soil
Body of water impacted
When spill occurred
Major cross roads of spill or known address
There are many ways you can help stop pollution from entering our waterways through the local storm drains by:
Becoming more aware of what may be causing storm water pollution in your area, through the Township newsletter, Township and local websites and getting involved in the community.
Report to your municipal officials: * Any dumping of inappropriate materials (i.e. oil or antifreeze) into storm water drains. * Construction sites that do not have erosion or sediment controls. * Suspicious looking materials or discoloration of storm drains or in local streams, lakes or river.
Using good housekeeping practices with lawn care chemicals, oil, gasoline, pet wastes, etc.
Helping to start or participate in programs to recycle and safely dispose of used oil and household hazardous wastes and containers.
Telling others about pollution from storm water runoff and what they can do to help.
Illicit Discharge Telephone Complaint System
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT – PHASE II REQUIREMENTS In 1999, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) published Phase II regulations for storm water discharges. Smaller communities and public entities that are a part of a contiguous urban area and have separate storm sewer systems such as the Charter Township of Orion are subject to these requirements. (The Phase I regulations took effect in 1990 and applied to communities with a population greater than 100,000).
As part of the Phase II regulations, Orion Township was required to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit (NPDES). One of the conditions of the NPDES permit is to develop a Public Education Program. Therefore, the Township will periodically advertise events concerning storm water management on its website. The Township will also be working with the Clinton River Watershed Council and other local communities on various educational programs concerning storm water management. Please visit the Clinton River Watershed Council website or call (248) 601-0606 for event updates and educational materials.
TELEPHONE COMPLAINT SYSTEM FOR ILLICIT DISCHARGES A telephone complaint system has been coordinated through the Township Supervisor’s Office for residents, business owners, and developers to call to report illicit discharges.
Illicit discharge is the discharge of untreated sanitary wastewater or other polluting materials into a water body. Some common examples are: sanitary sewage being improperly connected and discharged to the storm sewer, improperly designed or functioning septic systems, sanitary sewer over flow, improper dumping of waste products (ex: emptying a mobile home into a catch basin or pouring motor oil into an open body of water).
Please call (248) 391-0304, ext 101, to report any illicit discharges.
DRAIN OFFICE/OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE DIVISION The Operations & Maintenance Division (O&M) of the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office operates and maintains municipal water systems, storm drains and sewage disposal systems, wastewater treatment and retention facilities, and provides information resources on water and sewer systems. Various municipalities have requested O&M Division services.
To notify them of water or sewer emergencies, call (248) 624-6366 (available 24 hours a day).
Many communities in Michigan, including Orion Township, are required to have a stormwater permit from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). This requirement is part of the Federal Clean Water Act and is referred to as the Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) stormwater discharge permit. An MS4 is a system of drainage (including roads, storm drains, pipes, and ditches, etc.) that is not a combined sewer or part of a sewage treatment plant. During wet weather, pollutants are transported through MS4s to local water bodies. The goal of the MS4 program is to reduce the discharge of pollutants to surface waters of the State.
If you have any questions or comments on this permit, please contact Planning and Zoning Director, Tammy Girling, at 248-391-0304, ext. 5000 or email her at tgirling@oriontownship.org.
