Storm Water System
Mason's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) consists of approximately 231,800 linear feet (43.9 miles) of concrete and plastic drainage pipes ranging from 6 inches to 42 inches in diameter, with some corrugated metal pipes up to 72 inches in diameter.  The system has 1,026 stormwater catch basins that collect stormwater and debris from roadways, parking lots, building roofs, sump pumps, and some low lying areas.  Stormwater enters the system by gravity then flows through a series of pipes that connects to the catch basins.  A catch basin is designed to have a bottom that is lower than the stormwater lines to allow for a settling of the solids and debris before continuing on its journey to creek waters.  The collected stormwater flows into one of the three creeks flowing through the City of Mason, the Sycamore Creek, Willow Creek, or Rayner Drain.

Maintenance of the storm water system is divided between the City and the Ingham County Drain Commission.  The county has designated drains that flow through the City such as the Willow Creek and the Rayner Drain.  The City of Mason is responsible for the stormwater entering the Sycamore Creek through its 47 stormwater outfalls locations.  The stormwater NPDES permit requires that each outfall entering the Sycamore Creek be inspected and monitored for water quality during the permit cycle.

Stormwater Runoffstormwater cycle graphic
Stormwater runoff is created when rain falls on pavement, buildings, and other impervious surfaces that do not allow water to soak into the ground. In developed areas, like the City of Mason, we limit flooding by moving this runoff from our roads, parking lots and neighborhoods through storm drains, which discarge directly into rivers and streams.  Since the discharge from separate stormsewer systems does not get processed at a treatment plant, any contaminant on the gound can "hitch a ride" with runoff and impact our shared surface waters. Pet waste, oil, leaves, and dirty water from cleaning your car can enter storm drains and flow downstream where it harms aquatic habitats and makes water unsafe for swimming, canoeing, and other water-related activities.  The City takes steps to reduce this pollution to improve wtar quality and to meet State and Federal requirements.

 

What You Can Do To Protect Our Water                                      
The stormwater system drains directly into the Sycamore Creek with no treatment, meaning whatever enters the storm sewer system, enters the Sycamore Creek.  We can help protect the Sycamore Creek by doing the following:

  1. Check your sump pump and roof drain connections.  Sump pumps and roof drains should NOT be connected to the Sanitary Sewer System. A sump pump’s discharge should flow into a storm sewer connection, a catch basin, a street curb, or on a grassy area in your lawn.
  2. Keep storm sewer catch basins near your home clear from trash, debris, sticks, and leaves.
  3. Wash your vehicles in a grassy area not in your driveway or street.
  4. Do not dump anything onto the streets, your driveway, or in the catch basins.
  5. Repair vehicle leaks. Any oil or antifreeze that is on the street, in the parking lot, or on your driveway is washed into the storm water system and goes directly to the receiving waters (Sycamore Creek).
  6. Use lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides sparingly.
  7. Report any unauthorized dumping.
  8. Dispose of pet waste in the trash.

Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management  GLRC Logo

Ingham County, Household Hazardous Waste Collection


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