In the interest of not just “passing the buck,” Orion Township will participate as a member of the Upper Clinton Subwatershed Group along with Independence Township, Waterford Township, Clarkston and Lake Angelus in developing a watershed management plan.
Township trustees voted on Oct. 20 to participate in the program and allocate $2,000 for phase II of the plan in 2003, and $13,000 in 2004. Don Wortman, representing township planners Carlisle/Wortman, said the plan is something that is required by the Environmental Protection Agency and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
“Two steps of the of the seven-step process have been completed,” he said. “That includes public participation and watershed management. There is a script for this project, and we really have problems deviating from that script.”
The Upper Clinton Subwatershed Group is reviewing a proposal from Carlisle/Wortman to assist them in developing the Upper Clinton Watershed Plan. Besides the two components completed, the plan includes watershed analysis, watershed goals development, evaluating progress of management plan and compilation of management plan as part of the seven objectives.
“It’s not only mandated by the government…but it is certainly money well spent,” Wortman said.
According to Orion Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk, the township has been represented at all the group’s meetings by clerk Jill Bastian and zoning and planning administrator Beth Brock.
“We want to work together so the township doesn’t have to do all the work, or incur all the expenses,” he added.
Wortman said additional steps will take place in the program through March of 2006.
“There will be annual reports and water testing,” he said as an example.
“So there will be no issue (with additional expenses) for the 2004 budget then,” said treasurer Jim Marleau.
Trustee Richard Tomczak said the board had the option to go into the project alone or buddy up with the other surrounding communities.
“I’m glad we can have a regional approach…I consider this to be very proactive,” he added.
“It is clearly less money to do it on a watershed basis in conjunction with these other communities,” agreed Wortman.