Green Infrastructure Plan for the Upper Rouge Tributary Area · 01-08-2013 · presentation of...

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN for the

UPPER ROUGE TRIBUTARY AREA

DETROIT WATER AND SEWERAGE DEPARTMENT

PURSUANT TO REQUIREMENTS UNDER

NPDES PERMIT NO.

MI0022802

Prepared for:

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

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Table of Contents

1.0 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................ 1

2.0 Upper Rouge Tributary (URT) Area Overview ................................................................... 3

3.0 Green Infrastructure Plan Approach ................................................................................... 3

3.1 Adaptive Management Approach ......................................................................................... 4

4.0 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................................. 4

4.1 Land Cover, Land Use and Stormwater Runoff ................................................................... 4

5.0 Prioritization Criteria ............................................................................................................. 9

5.1 CSO Drainage Areas ............................................................................................................. 9

5.2 Vacancy Classifications ........................................................................................................ 9

5.3 Public Land Ownership....................................................................................................... 10

6.0 Green Infrastructure Opportunities ................................................................................... 11

7.0 Analysis and Results ............................................................................................................. 13

7.1 Runoff Analysis Approach ................................................................................................. 13

7.2 Summary of Results ............................................................................................................ 13

7.3 Vacant Property: Greening Vacant Land ............................................................................ 15

Background: Vacant Property ............................................................................................... 15

Individual Lot Greening Opportunities ................................................................................. 16

Large Scale Greening Opportunities ..................................................................................... 16

Diverting Road Runoff to Vacant Lots ................................................................................. 17

Potential Next Steps for Consideration ................................................................................. 20

7.4 Roads................................................................................................................................... 20

Roads Background ................................................................................................................ 20

Street Trees ........................................................................................................................... 21

Excess Roadway Capacity .................................................................................................... 21

Diverting Road Runoff into Vacant Lots .............................................................................. 21

Green Infrastructure Opportunities for Roads ...................................................................... 22

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Roadways ............................................. 24

Green Infrastructure Opportunities along Roads for Potential Consideration (2017) .......... 24


7.5 Residential........................................................................................................................... 26

Street Trees ........................................................................................................................... 27

Downspout Disconnection .................................................................................................... 28

Demolitions ........................................................................................................................... 29

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Green Infrastructure Opportunities for Residential Parcels .................................................. 29

Residential Green Infrastructure Opportunities for Potential Consideration (2017) ............ 30


7.6 Municipal Properties ........................................................................................................... 31

Parks ...................................................................................................................................... 31

Schools .................................................................................................................................. 32

Other Municipal Properties ................................................................................................... 32

Municipal Green Infrastructure Opportunities for Potential Consideration (2017) .............. 34


8.0 Public Outreach and Public Participation .......................................................................... 35

8.1 Street Trees ......................................................................................................................... 35

8.2 Individual Vacant Lot Program .......................................................................................... 35

8.3 Downspout Disconnection .................................................................................................. 35

8.4 Large Scale Greening .......................................................................................................... 35

9.0 Partnerships and Stakeholders ............................................................................................ 36

9.1 Governmental Agencies ...................................................................................................... 37

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ................................................................. 37

Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) .................................................. 37

Wayne County and Michigan Department of Transportation ............................................... 37

City of Detroit General Services Department (GSD) ........................................................... 37

City of Detroit Recreation Department and Wayne County Parks Department ................... 37

City of Detroit Planning and Development Department ....................................................... 38

City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSE&ED) 38

City of Detroit Department of Public Works ........................................................................ 38

Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority .......................................................................... 38

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation ................................................................................ 38

9.2 Not-for-Profit Agencies ...................................................................................................... 38

The Greening of Detroit ........................................................................................................ 38

9.3 Community Organizations .................................................................................................. 39

Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation .................................................................. 39

Joy Southfield Development Corporation ............................................................................ 39

Brightmoor Alliance ............................................................................................................. 39

9.4 Other Stakeholders .............................................................................................................. 39

Green Infrastructure Implementation Contractors (DWSD Contract No. CS-1522) ............ 39

10.0 Maintenance & Sustainability ........................................................................................... 40

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10.1 Ensuring Maintenance is Key ........................................................................................... 40

10.2 Utilizing Public Land ........................................................................................................ 40

10.3 Other Options for Increasing the Amount of Green Infrastructure ................................... 41

10.4 Green Infrastructure Implementation Tracking ................................................................ 41

10.5 Financing........................................................................................................................... 42

11.0 Conclusions and Next Steps ............................................................................................... 43

11.1 Greening Vacant Land ...................................................................................................... 43

11.2 Roads................................................................................................................................. 43

11.3 Residential......................................................................................................................... 44

11.4 Municipal Properties ......................................................................................................... 44

11.5 Public Outreach and Partnerships ..................................................................................... 44

11.6 Maintenance & Sustainability ........................................................................................... 44

11.7 Financing........................................................................................................................... 45

List of Tables

Table 1. Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Rouge River District ....................................... 2 Table 2. Total Area by Land Cover Type in URT and Rouge River District ................................ 4 Table 3. URT Land Use Area and Existing Runoff Conditions ..................................................... 7

Table 4 Rouge River District Land Use Area and Existing Runoff Conditions ............................. 8 Table 5. Potential Green Infrastructure Opportunities within the Rouge River District .............. 11

Table 6. Curve Numbers Representing Land Cover Classifications ............................................ 13 Table 7. Runoff Reduction Estimates for Green Infrastructure Opportunities ............................. 14

Table 8. Vacant Property Summary .............................................................................................. 15 Table 9. Vacant Property: Green Infrastructure Opportunities by Vacancy Classification .......... 18

Table 10. Greening Vacant Property Estimated Runoff Reductions ............................................ 18 Table 11. Potential Large-Scale Greening Opportunities for 2017 .............................................. 19 Table 12. Roadway Ownership, Area and Estimated Runoff ....................................................... 20 Table 13. Roadway Ownership and Impervious Cover ................................................................ 21 Table 14. Green Infrastructure Opportunities along Roads .......................................................... 22

Table 15. Estimated Runoff Reduction from Selected Green Infrastructure Opportunities along

Roads............................................................................................................................................. 23 Table 16. Carbon Forest Runoff Reduction Benefits for MDOT Highways ................................ 24

Table 17. Estimated Runoff Reduction Benefits from Roadway ................................................. 26 Table 18. Residential and Vacancy Classification Areas ............................................................. 27 Table 19. Residential Green Infrastructure Opportunities ............................................................ 30 Table 20. Residential Estimated Runoff Reduction Benefits ....................................................... 30

Table 21. Estimated Runoff Reduction Benefits for Potential Residential Green Infrastructure

Priority Projects ............................................................................................................................ 31 Table 22. Municipal Property within Vacancy Classification Areas ............................................ 32 Table 23. Municipal Property Green Infrastructure Opportunities ............................................... 33 Table 24. Municipal Property Estimated Runoff Reduction Potential ......................................... 33

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Table 25. Municipal Property Estimated Runoff Reduction for Potential Green Infrastructure

Priority Projects ............................................................................................................................ 34

List of Figures

Figure 1. Land Cover Composite in URT Area. ............................................................................. 6 Figure 2. Upper Rouge Tributary Drainage Areas .......................................................................... 9

Figure 3. Vacancy Classification and Employment Centers ........................................................ 10 Figure 4. High Vacancy Areas in Rouge River District: Potential Large-Scale Greening

Opportunity ................................................................................................................................... 15 Figure 5. Vacant Lots along Roadways: Potential Roadway Runoff Management Opportunity . 15 Figure 6. Michigan Land Bank Properties in Moderate Vacancy Area ........................................ 17

Figure 7. Publicly-Owned Lot for Potential Roadway Green Infrastructure ................................ 17

Figure 8. Above: Large Scale Green Infrastructure Opportunity #1. Below: Large Scale Green

Infrastructure Opportunity #2. ...................................................................................................... 19 Figure 9. Dave Tree Service Sample Street Tree Inventory ......................................................... 21 Figure 10. Green Infrastructure Opportunities along Roads ......................................................... 23 Figure 11. Outer Drive Aerial with Median.................................................................................. 25

Figure 12. High School Students from Detroit are Hired to Assist in Tree Maintenance ............ 27 Figure 13. Street Tree Planting in Cody Rouge Neighborhood .................................................... 27

Figure 14. Downspout Connected to Combined Sewer ................................................................ 28 Figure 15. Downspout Disconnection Display and Brochure ..................................................... 28 Figure 16. Demolition Information ............................................................................................... 29

Figure 17. Limited Maintenance Parks Provide Green Infrastructure Opportunities ................... 31 Figure 18. Green Infrastructure Interactions and Coordination .................................................... 36

DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan

August 1, 2013

Page 1

The DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan (Plan) has been prepared pursuant to the requirements of

the NPDES Permit No. MI0022802 and consistent with the report, Evaluation of CSO Control

Alternatives, dated December 15, 2009. The Plan establishes a process for comprehensive

approach to incorporating green infrastructure into DWSD’s CSO Control Program, and thereby

reduce or retain wet weather flows that may otherwise flow into the tributary sewer system and

contribute to combined sewer overflows.

DWSD is in the final stages of selecting an engineering consultant for DWSD Contract No. CS-

1522, Green Infrastructure Program. This contract provides for 14.5 million dollars to assist the

Department with the evaluation, design and implementation of green infrastructure

improvements over the course of the next five (5) years. Most significant, the selected consultant

will assist DWSD in establishing green infrastructure program policies and procedures, including

a defined process by which green infrastructure alternatives will be identified, evaluated,

selected, funded, implemented, monitored and tracked. Once finalized, we intend to supplement

this Plan with DWSD’s defined policies and procedures for evaluating and selecting green

infrastructure projects. While the policies and procedures are being developed, DWSD is

continuing to implement programs focused on tree planting, demolition and greening vacant lots,

downspout disconnection, education and public involvement, and support for urban gardens and

related greening activities.

DWSD intends to leverage the work completed by SEMCGO under its 205j grant funding from

the MDEQ, which comprises the majority of the remainder of this document. Further, in

accordance with the NPDES permit, the DWSD will employ adaptive management to assess and

reevaluate the policies, procedures and decision processes to allow for continual improvement in

the implementation of the GI program.

It is anticipated that the green infrastructure opportunities identified in this Plan may be further

refined and prioritized, as part of the overall Plan refinement, with more detailed engineering

analysis that strategically directs DWSD’s limited resources. Until such time, this Plan serves as

a conceptual list of project opportunities and potential runoff reduction benefits.

This Plan prioritizes green infrastructure opportunities based on the following:

1. CSO Drainage Areas: The Rouge River District is the primary area within the Upper

Rouge Tributary Area for green infrastructure implementation.

2. Vacancy Classifications: The 2012 Detroit Strategic Framework Plan identified Low

Vacancy, Moderate Vacancy and High Vacancy areas within the Rouge River District.

3. Publicly-Owned Property: With the exception of downspout disconnection, initial

planning has focused on publicly-owned land use types, including Residential, Roads,

Municipal Property and Vacant Property.


August 1, 2013

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Subsequently, this Plan identifies general green infrastructure opportunities by each of the above

land use types and within each vacancy classification. A key component of this Plan is the 2010

land cover data utilized to identify large land use contributors to the combined system. Using the

prioritization criteria, land use data, parcel data and land cover data, a menu of green

infrastructure opportunities was developed that includes, but may not be limited to, street trees,

demolitions, downspout disconnection, road diets, large-scale greening and individual lot

greening.

The Runoff Curve Number methodology was utilized to estimate existing runoff conditions and

proposed runoff conditions based on the above listed green infrastructure opportunities. Given

this prioritization process and analysis approach, Table 1 provides an estimate of runoff

reduction potential given implementation of the opportunities identified in this Plan.

Table 1. Green Infrastructure Opportunities in the Rouge River District

Priority

Land Use

Type

Green Infrastructure

Opportunity

Runoff

Reduction

Estimate:

Low

Vacancy

Runoff

Reduction

Estimate:

Moderate

Vacancy

Runoff

Reduction

Estimate:

High

Vacancy

Total

Runoff

Reduction

Estimate

Residential

Residential Demolitions 0.7 1.3 4.5 6.5

Residential Downspout

Disconnection 3.4 0.9 N/A 4.3

Roads

Roadway Traffic Capacity

Reduction & Decommissioning 1.0 1.4 5.7 8.1

State Highway Carbon Forest

Buffer

I-96 and M-39 500' Carbon Forest

Buffer 1.3

Municipal

Property

Municipal Property (municipal

buildings; parks; schools) 1.4 0.4 0.3 2.1

Schools Greening Opportunities 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.9

Vacant Vacant Property Greening

Opportunities 0.4 1.1 6.7 8.2

Total Estimated Runoff Reduction (20-year

Plan) 7.2 5.5 17.4 31.4

All estimates are represented in million gallons (MG) for a single 2-year; 24-hour rain event.

In the low vacancy area, green infrastructure opportunities focus around supporting

neighborhood stabilization efforts through tree planting, demolition and greening vacant lots.

Additionally, downspout disconnection is also a priority in low vacancy areas given the higher

occupancy rates and fewer needed demolitions. The high vacancy areas, primarily located in

Brightmoor, include large areas of needed demolitions. Numerous opportunities are evident to

collaborate on converting large open areas to green infrastructure measures that significantly

reduce runoff volume to the combined system. While road diets may be available in low or


August 1, 2013

Page 3

moderate vacancy areas, some roads in the high vacancy areas may be evaluated for “rubblizing”

feasibility due to the large swaths of existing and anticipated vacant land. Moderate vacancy

opportunities represent a transition between the extent of implementation between low and high

vacancy areas.

The remainder of this Plan describes the methodical approach utilized to identify these green

infrastructure opportunities, the runoff analysis and estimated benefits and an initial list of

opportunities for consideration in working towards the 2017 runoff reduction permit goal.

The URT area is approximately 24,000 acres (37.5-square miles) and contains over 100,000

individual parcels. The largest land use coverage is single-family residential followed by roads,

alleys and respective rights-of-way. The URT area is comprised of three sewer districts: Rouge

River, Hubbell, and Southfield. The stormwater runoff from Hubbell and Southfield districts

entering the combined sewer system, is primarily conveyed to and treated at the Hubbell-

Southfield retention treatment basins. For this reason, the methodology, approach and

presentation of green infrastructure opportunities contained in this Plan are focused within the

Rouge River district.

This Green Infrastructure Plan (Plan) is designed to serve as an framework for further evaluation

for moving forward with implementation. The methodology utilized in developing this Plan is

briefly listed below. More detailed explanation is described throughout this Plan.

1. Determined existing land use and land cover conditions within the URT area and the

Rouge River district, the primary district tributary to the Rouge River;

2. Estimated existing stormwater runoff conditions by land use and land cover type within

both the entire URT area and the Rouge River district. All runoff estimates were

estimated based on the Runoff Curve Number methodology as described in Chapter 9 of

the Low Impact Development Manual for Michigan.

3. Overlapped Detroit Future City vacancy classifications to evaluate the extent of land use

and land cover types within the Strategic Framework priorities;

4. Reviewed 2012 Detroit Strategic Framework Plan to identify those recommendations

consistent with green infrastructure implementation that are potentially transferrable to

DWSD’s Green Infrastructure Plan;

5. Developed list of potential green infrastructure opportunities by Detroit Future City

vacancy classifications.

6. Within each vacancy classification and land use type, estimated the change in land cover

type based on potential green infrastructure opportunity.

7. Using the Runoff Curve Number methodology as described in the Low Impact

Development Manual for Michigan land cover change from #8, estimated the potential

future runoff conditions;

http://www.semcog.org/lowimpactdevelopmentreference.aspx


http://detroitworksproject.com/for-detroit-to-work-we-need-action-today/


August 1, 2013

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8. Calculated the estimated runoff reduction based on existing conditions from #4 and

potential future conditions from #8.

It is important to note that this Plan presents a compendium of green infrastructure opportunities

with estimated benefits based purely on a single 2-year; 24-hour event. While this approach has

been supported by staff and regulators, the opportunities presented in this Plan will be further

evaluated with potentially more detailed continuous simulation modeling to determine the most

cost-effective approach to achieving the permit target. The potential project opportunities

identified in this Plan are consistent with the 2012 Detroit Strategic Framework Plan and are

currently available to participate as a contributing collaborative partner with other agencies and

departments.

3.1 Adaptive Management Approach

The Green Infrastructure Plan employs adaptive management, an iterative decision making

process where incremental measures are matched with feedback mechanisms. Better decisions in

successive rounds lead to a process and culture of continual improvement. This learning-by-

doing framework is appropriate for contexts where there is considerable uncertainty. Adaptive

management is a necessary approach to address green infrastructure due to: the uncertainty of

various jurisdictions and stakeholders involved, detailed infrastructure existing conditions, labor

costs, material costs, and new technologies. This Plan provides guidance for a 20 year planning

horizon, with specific projects listed for consideration by 2017. This learning-by-doing approach

will lead to continual improvement and revisiting of the Green Infrastructure Program along with

an evolving list of proposed projects.

4.1 Land Cover, Land Use and Stormwater Runoff

GIS and geospatial data were fundamental in the analysis. City of Detroit parcel data and 2010

land cover data were utilized as the basis for green infrastructure opportunities. This approach

was used to estimate both the existing runoff conditions as well as the potential opportunities for

stormwater runoff reduction benefits.

First, the land cover for the area was developed from 2010 leaf on imagery and includes tree

canopy, impervious surfaces, open space, water and bare ground. Table 2 summarizes the

breakdown of the land cover classification types utilized in analysis described in this Plan.

Table 2. Total Area by Land Cover Type in URT and Rouge River District

Land Cover Classification URT Rouge

River

Impervious Cover: Buildings (rooftops) 3,112 1,050

Impervious Cover: Paved: Drains to Sewer (roads, parking

lots) 8,778 3,207


August 1, 2013

Page 5

Open Space - Grass/Scattered Trees 4,706 2,075

Trees with Grass/Turf Understory > 75% 647 296

Trees with Grass/Turf Understory 50-75% 5,230 2,686

Trees with Impervious Understory 1,212 479

Urban: Bare (soil) 301 66

Water 24 21

Figure 1 depicts the extent of land cover types across the URT area.


August 1, 2013

Page 6

Figure 1. Land Cover Composite in URT Area.


August 1, 2013

Page 7

Secondly, benchmarking stormwater runoff consisted of using both the land use and land cover

with the Runoff Curve Number Methodology to estimate runoff by land use/land cover type and

tributary drainage area. This methodology is described further in this report. Table 3 and Table

4 summarize the land area and contributing runoff conditions by land use type in the entire URT

and the Rouge River district areas.

Table 3. URT Land Use Area and Existing Runoff Conditions

Land Use Type Acreage

% of total

acreage in

URT

Runoff

Volume (2-

yr; 24-hr)

MG

% of total

runoff in

URT

Residential 10,813

90%

391

88%

Roads 6,684 283

Municipal Properties (municipal buildings;

parks; schools) 2,639 78

City Vacant (TE) 300 8

State & Wayne County Vacant Land 267 7

Vacant Non-Tax Exempt 820 22

Commercial 883

10%

41

12%

Industrial 992 47

Institutional (Churches/Universities) 354 14

Hospital & Medical 42 2

Civic 17 1

State & Federal Buildings 7 -

Totals 23,818 893

The results of the analysis depict that the priority land use types that make up both the largest

area as well as the largest quantities of runoff include Residential, Roads, Municipal Properties

and Vacant Property. This is further evident in the Rouge River district contained within the

URT area.


August 1, 2013

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Table 4 Rouge River District Land Use Area and Existing Runoff Conditions

Land Use Type Acreage

% of total

acreage in

NWI

Runoff

Volume (2-

yr; 24-hr)

MG

% of total

runoff in

NWI

Residential 4,021

91%

141

89%

Roads 2,429 102

Municipal Properties (municipal buildings;

parks; schools) 1,826 49

City Vacant (TE) 115 3

State & Wayne County Vacant Land 153 4

Vacant Non-Tax Exempt 362 9

Commercial 353

9%

14

11%

Industrial 362 17

Institutional (Churches/Universities) 107 4

Hospital & Medical 3 -

Civic 10 -

State & Federal Buildings 3 -

Totals 9,744 345


August 1, 2013

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In drafting this Plan, a methodology

was utilized to determine where to

focus green infrastructure opportunities.

5.1 CSO Drainage Areas

The highest prioritization category is

the CSO Drainage Areas. Figure 2

highlights the three primary drainage

areas or districts in the URT: Rouge

River, Southfield, and Hubbell.

However, it is the Rouge River

Drainage Area that directly impacts the

CSOs to the Rouge River. The Hubbell

and Southfield areas are low priority

areas for green infrastructure since

these areas are tributary to the Hubbell-

Southfield retention treatment basin.

Therefore, the first level of green

infrastructure prioritization is focused

in the approximate 10,000 acres of the

Rouge River Sewer District, which

primarily consists of residential, roads,

municipal properties and vacant land.

5.2 Vacancy Classifications

Another prioritization criteria utilized is the vacancy classification developed as part of the 2012 Detroit

Strategic Framework Plan. The 2012 Detroit Strategic Framework Plan provides an overall vacancy

classification system throughout the entire City that must be aligned with this strategy and green

infrastructure implementation. Figure 3 highlights the vacancy classifications and employment centers

within the Upper Rouge area. In terms of green infrastructure implementation, vacancy rates and green

infrastructure techniques can be correlated. For example, street tree planting should be implemented in

low vacancy areas as a mechanism to assist in stabilizing the area. Street trees should not be planted in

moderate vacancy areas where there is a probability that the home could become vacant and the street tree

would not be sustained.

Another example is greening of vacant lots. In low vacancy areas, green infrastructure would only be

utilized if it is in concert with economic development goals. Again, it is not recommended to implement

Figure 2. Upper Rouge Tributary Drainage Areas




August 1, 2013

Page 10

green infrastructure in areas where there is a probability that the lot would be redeveloped in the future.

Moderate vacancy areas provide a better option for individual vacant lot programs. High vacancy areas

provide the opportunity for large-scale green infrastructure implementation that will be sustained

throughout time. This may be accomplished through deed restrictions on properties greened by DWSD.

The 2012 Detroit Strategic Framework Plan defines the vacancy classifications as follows:

Low vacancy areas have low land and building vacancy. They have the strongest residential markets

relative to the rest of the city. These areas generally have lower rates of home foreclosure. In some areas,

falling home values and weakening demand have made them vulnerable to future depopulation and

increased vacancy.

Moderate vacancy areas show variation from moderate to high land and building vacancy. The

traditional residential fabric in these neighborhoods is punctuated by interspersed vacant land and

buildings. In some areas, the neighborhoods are on the verge of losing their largely residential character.

Market conditions in most instances are weak, showing vulnerability with low demand and high

foreclosure rates. Areas located near low vacancy areas have the highest potential for stabilization.

High vacancy neighborhoods have very

high rates of both land and building

vacancy. These areas have largely lost

their residential character. Residential

structures are often isolated in a larger

field of maintained or unmaintained

vacant land. These areas have experienced

high rates of illegal dumping and other

forms of neglect. They exhibit very weak

to no market outside of speculative land

purchases adjacent to key city assets. A

very high percent of vacant land in High-

Vacancy areas is in public ownership.

5.3 Public Land Ownership

The third prioritization criterion is

focusing on land in public ownership.

With the exception of the downspout

disconnection program, the green

infrastructure projects will be

implemented on public land. This is one

mechanism to ensure long-term

sustainability of the program.

Figure 3. Vacancy Classification and Employment

Centers


August 1, 2013

Page 11

The process of identifying green infrastructure opportunities incorporated a wide range of information

sources. First, existing activities within the City such as demolitions and street tree planting were

reviewed. Second, targets of opportunity described in the 2012 Detroit Strategic Framework Plan were

evaluated. Additionally, results from SEMCOG’s transportation modeling for the 2040 Regional

Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Plan were considered. Finally, these activities were

reviewed in comparison to the permit requirements to verify all components were addressed.

These green infrastructure opportunities were then listed by priority land use type within each of the

vacancy classifications previously described. The opportunities were then quantified by a transformation

of land cover area in order to establish estimates for future runoff conditions of these opportunities are

implemented. Table 5 summarizes these potential green infrastructure opportunities identified through this

process. Further discussion regarding these opportunities is provided in the respective priority land use

type sections of this report.

It is important to note that these opportunities are intended to represent a wide variety of green

infrastructure implementation scenarios given the vast array of activities currently taking place within the

City of Detroit. The majority of these green infrastructure opportunities require further engineering

evaluation to determine the most cost-effective and strategically beneficial approach.

Table 5. Potential Green Infrastructure Opportunities within the Rouge River District

Priority

Land Use

Type

Low Vacancy Moderate Vacancy High Vacancy

Residential

Street tree planting.

Completed demolitions are

converted to open space.

Residential downspout

disconnection areas with

70 percent compliance.



Residential downspout

disconnection with 50 percent

compliance.

Completed demolitions and

vacant properties are

converted to a mix of

forest/meadow areas.

Estimated an additional

75% of residential area will

be demolished in the long-

term and converted to


Roads

Based on excess capacity

analysis, Evergreen Road

modeled with 1-lane

reduction and road runoff

managed through

infiltration techniques

within right-of-way and

onto available vacant

parcels.

Based on excess capacity

analysis, Plymouth Road

converted from 4- to 3-lanes.

Based on recent traffic counts,

Joy Road converted to 3-lanes.

Roadway runoff from both

roadways managed in infiltration

techniques within road rights-of-

way.

Outer Drive between

Fenkell and Plymouth

reduced to 1-lane in each

direction. Runoff managed

in infiltration techniques

within right-of-way and

onto available vacant

parcels.

Following the 2012 Detroit Strategic Framework Plan, both I-96 and M-39 were buffered with

500’ of forest. An estimate of the currently available vacant parcels and planned demolitions was

utilized to estimate runoff reduction potential across the entire URT area.


August 1, 2013

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Municipal

Properties

(municipal

buildings,

parks,

schools)

Downspout disconnection

of municipal, school and

parks buildings.

Demolition of closed

school buildings and

convert to open space.

Convert turf to mixture of

tree canopy and meadow

areas within limited

maintenance parks.

Demolition of closed school

buildings and convert to mixture

of open space and meadow areas.

Convert turf to mixture of tree

canopy and meadow areas within

limited maintenance parks.

Downspout disconnection

of school buildings.

Demolition of closed

school buildings and

convert to meadow/forest.

Convert turf to

meadow/forest mixture on


Vacant

Property:

Greening

Vacant

Land



Vacant property has all

impervious cover removed

and tree canopy is

increased by

approximately 50%.



Vacant property has all

impervious cover removed and

converted to a mixture of open

space and larger meadow areas.

Completed demolitions and

vacant properties are

converted to a mix of


Estimated an additional

75% of residential area will

be demolished in the long-

term and converted to


Estimated approximately

50% of city roads and 25%

of county roads will be

decommissioned/rubblized.


August 1, 2013

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7.1 Runoff Analysis Approach

The green infrastructure opportunities described above were defined as a conversion of land

cover to estimate runoff reduction based on the proposed future land cover and runoff reduction

typically achieved by technique. As previously mentioned, the Runoff Curve Number

methodology was employed for this approach. This methodology is outlined in detail in Chapter

9 of the Low Impact Development Manual for Michigan. Assumptions utilized for this approach

include the following:

The runoff estimate is based on a single 2-year; 24-hour event statistically defined for the

region (2.25 inches).

Hydrologic Soil Group D soils were assumed in order to demonstrate a more

conservative estimate of runoff reduction.

Slopes were assumed to range from 1 – 2%.

Table 6 lists the curve numbers utilized in the analysis.

Table 6. Curve Numbers Representing Land Cover Classifications

Land Cover Classification Curve

Number

Impervious Cover: Buildings (rooftops) 98

Impervious Cover: Paved: Drains to Sewer (roads, parking

lots)

98

Impervious Cover: Paved: Drains to Open Swales 93

Open Space – Grass & Scattered Trees 84

Trees with Grass/Turf Understory > 75% 79

Trees with Grass/Turf Understory 50-75% 82

Trees with Impervious Understory 86

Urban: Bare (soil) 92

Meadow 78

7.2 Summary of Results

The green infrastructure opportunities previously described were evaluated by land use type:

Residential, Roads, Municipal Property and Vacant Property. The Plan sections following this

summary detail the approach and rationale. Table 7 below provides a brief summary of the




August 1, 2013

Page 14

estimated runoff reductions that may be achieved through implementation of the various

opportunities.

There are three important conclusions with regard to Table 7 and the detailed discussion

regarding each of the priority land use types. First, most of these opportunities do warrant

further engineering analysis prior to final section of projects. Secondly, the estimates are not

based on a detailed computer analysis, but rather a first-step conceptual approach for a single

rain event. A greater level of modeling detail may be utilized to refine these estimates prior to

implementation. Finally, all potential green infrastructure opportunities will be evaluated

pursuant to the defined policies and procedures which will be developed to guide the decision

process for identification, evaluation, selection, funding, implementation, monitoring and project

tracking.

Table 7. Runoff Reduction Estimates for Green Infrastructure Opportunities

Priority

Land Use

Type

Green Infrastructure

Opportunity

Runoff

Reduction

Estimate:

Low

Vacancy

Runoff

Reduction

Estimate:

Moderate

Vacancy

Runoff

Reduction

Estimate:

High

Vacancy

Total

Runoff

Reduction

Estimate

Residential


Residential Downspout

Disconnection 3.4 0.9 N/A 4.3

Roads

Roadway Traffic Capacity

Reduction & Decommissioning 1.0 1.4 5.7 8.1

State Highway Carbon Forest

Buffer

I-96 and M-39 500' Carbon Forest

Buffer 1.3

Municipal

Property

Municipal Property (municipal

buildings; parks; schools) 1.4 0.4 0.3 2.1

Schools Greening Opportunities 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.9

Vacant Vacant Property Greening


Total Estimated Runoff Reduction (20-year

Plan) 7.2 5.5 17.4 31.4


August 1, 2013

Page 15

7.3 Vacant Property: Greening Vacant Land

Background: Vacant Property

The amount of vacant property provides a

significant opportunity to reduce runoff into

the DWSD system. The Rouge River district

consists of approximately 1,070 acres of

vacant property and 340 acres of planned

demolitions. The primary opportunities for

greening vacant property, including areas

where demolitions are completed include:

Greening individual vacant lots, including

those lots designated through the City’s

side lot adoption program;

Land assembly and large-scale green

infrastructure implementation; and

Diverting road runoff onto assemblages of

vacant lots.

Figure 4 is an example of the extent of vacant

property potentially available for large scale

greening opportunities. Figure 5 is a snapshot

of vacant property located adjacent to

roadways. Table 8 highlights the acreage and number of parcels of vacant property within each

of the vacancy classifications, as defined in the 2012 Detroit Strategic Framework plan. The

purpose of this table is to highlight the amount of property potentially available for various green

infrastructure opportunities described in this section.

Table 8. Vacant Property Summary

Greening Vacant

Property Details

Low

Vacancy

Moderate

Vacancy

High

Vacancy Total

Total Area by Vacancy

Classification (Acres) 4,373 2,415 1,017 7,805

Vacant Property (Acres) 104 224 291 619

Identified Demolitions

(Acres) 86 175 78 338

Estimated Future

Demolitions (Acres) N/A N/A 192 192

Figure 4. High Vacancy Areas in Rouge River

District: Potential Large-Scale Greening

Opportunity

Figure 5. Vacant Lots along Roadways: Potential

Roadway Runoff Management Opportunity


August 1, 2013

Page 16

Greening Vacant

Property Details

Low

Vacancy

Moderate

Vacancy

High

Vacancy Total

Total Area Available for

GI (Acres) 190 399 560 1,149

% of Total Vacancy

Area 4% 17% 55% 15%

Total # of Parcels

Available for GI

(Demolitions & Vacant)

1,453 3,622 3,977 9,052

Greening vacant lots, including large-scale greening, was evaluated based on the following sets

of data and assumptions:

2012 Detroit Strategic Framework Plan and defined vacancy classifications;

Planned demolitions as of November 2012 provided by City of Detroit Buildings, Safety

Engineering and Environmental Department;

Parcel data and ownership based on City of Detroit assessor’s data; and

In the high vacancy classification, an additional 75% of demolitions was estimated for

long-term future green infrastructure opportunities.

Additionally, vacant property was analyzed by combining all ownerships for simplification

purposes, including City of Detroit Vacant Tax Exempt, State Land, Wayne County Land and

Vacant Non-Tax Exempt.

Individual Lot Greening Opportunities

In areas of low and moderate vacancy within the URT, there are over 3,000 individual vacant

lots and over 2,000 identified demolitions that can be greened to reduce runoff. Currently,

Greening of Detroit was contracted and completed 10 pilot sites within the Rouge River Sewer

District.

Defining ownership of the “greened” properties is currently being explored through a potential

partnership with the Michigan Land Bank. Greening properties under their ownership will

include an agreement to keep the lots in public ownership in the long-term. The 10 lots selected

for individual lot greening are lots from the Michigan Land Bank properties.

Large Scale Greening Opportunities

In areas of high vacancy, there is an opportunity to assemble vacant lots and implement larger

green infrastructure techniques. Brightmoor neighborhood, in the Rouge River district, is the

high vacancy area. These techniques would manage nearby roadway runoff, implement large

forests/meadows, and decommission or “rubblize” some local roads. Presently, there are

approximately 700 parcels planned for demolition and approximately 3,300 vacant parcels in this

area consisting of over 500 acres of the 1,017 acres in the high vacancy classification.


August 1, 2013

Page 17

In addition to Michigan Land Bank

owning land for both individual lot

and large-scale green infrastructure,

DWSD is exploring the possibility

of the Michigan Land Bank

assembling additional properties to

allow for contiguous implementation

of large-scale green infrastructure.

In high vacancy areas, the issue of

land assembly comes to the

forefront. For example, vacant

property could be under private

ownership or public ownership,

including the Michigan Land Bank,

Wayne County Treasurer, Detroit

Land Bank, City of Detroit, Detroit

Public School, or Detroit Housing

Commission. Figure 6 shows

Michigan Land Bank properties in

the moderate vacancy area.

Diverting Road Runoff to Vacant Lots

Roads comprise the largest impervious surface

in the URT and Rouge River District. As such,

vacant lots along major roadways provide

opportunities to divert road runoff into these

areas. This diversion of roadway runoff can be

part of large-scale greening, but can also occur

on individual or small grouping of lots along

major roadways in moderate or low vacancy

areas. Large-scale greening opportunities are

discussed in this section while diverting runoff

to vacant parcels for selected road projects is

discussed in the Roads section. Figure 7 shows

a potential opportunity to redirect road runoff to a publicly-owned lot.

Figure 6. Michigan Land Bank Properties in

Moderate Vacancy Area

Figure 7. Publicly-Owned Lot for Potential

Roadway Green Infrastructure


August 1, 2013

Page 18

Table 9. Vacant Property: Green Infrastructure Opportunities by Vacancy Classification

Vacancy

Classification

Vacant Property Green Infrastructure Opportunities

Low Vacancy

Completed demolitions are converted to open space.

Vacant property has all impervious cover removed and tree canopy

is increased by approximately 50%.

Moderate Vacancy


Vacant property has all impervious cover removed and converted to

a mixture of open space and larger meadow areas.

High Vacancy

Completed demolitions and vacant properties are converted to a mix

of forest/meadow areas.

Estimated an additional 75% of residential area will be demolished

in the long-term and converted to forest/meadow areas.

Estimated approximately 50% of city roads and 25% of county

roads will be decommissioned/rubblized.

Note that demolitions are also discussed in the Residential section; however, for continuity with

Greening of Vacant property, the results are also incorporated into this section. Runoff diversion

from roadways to adjacent lots is discussed in the Roadways section applicable to targeted road

projects. Priorities for greening vacant property are focused within the Rouge River district and

in each of the three (3) main vacancy classifications, including low, moderate and high

vacancies. Runoff reduction estimates based on the potential scenarios described in Table 9

above, are shown in Table 10.

Table 10. Greening Vacant Property Estimated Runoff Reductions

Scenario Detail Low

Vacancy

Moderate

Vacancy

High

Vacancy Total

Vacant Property Greening


Demolition Greening Opportunities 0.7 1.3 4.5 7.0

Roadway Decommissioning

Estimates N/A N/A 4.2 4.2

Total Estimated Runoff Reduction 1.1 2.4 11.2 15.2

Green Infrastructure Opportunities for Priority Consideration (2017)

In order to work towards the runoff reduction goal described in the permit, the following

potential implementation opportunities associated with this priority land use type should be

evaluated in more detail:

1. Continue implementation of an individual lot greening program focusing on moderate

and low vacancy areas. Approximately 500 vacant parcels should be targeted for

greening by 2017 with average implementation at about 125 lots per year.


August 1, 2013

Page 19

2. Assemble and implement a large-scale green infrastructure program in the high vacancy

area of Brightmoor. Two priority areas have been identified for consideration based on

proximity to open schools, existing churches and neighborhood interest. Table 11 depicts

estimated runoff reduction for the two categories of projects described above. Figure 8

shows potential locations for large scale greening opportunities.

Table 11. Potential Large-Scale Greening Opportunities for 2017

Project Description Runoff Reduction

(MG)

Green 500 Vacant Parcels in Low & Moderate Vacancy

[120 Acres] 0.9

Large Scale Greening in High Vacancy [2 areas: 44 Acres] 0.5

Total 1.4

Figure 8. Above: Large Scale Green Infrastructure Opportunity #1. Below: Large Scale

Green Infrastructure Opportunity #2.

Church

Post Office

Church

School


August 1, 2013

Page 20

Potential Next Steps for Consideration

In order to meet these 2017 priority considerations, the following needs to occur:

1. Finalize process for ownership, assembly and maintenance of large-scale green

infrastructure.

2. Implement pilot project for individual lot greening.

3. Begin selection process for individual lot greening at 125 lots/year through 2017.

4. Evaluate vacant lot and demolition data for large-scale greening opportunities.

5. Develop list of targeted demolition needed for large-scale greening projects.

6. Assign consultant to begin conceptual evaluation of large-scale pilot areas.

7. Evaluate the opportunity for decommissioning utilities in large-scale greening areas.

7.4 Roads

Roads Background

Roads, including those under the jurisdiction of the City of Detroit, Wayne County and the

Michigan Department of Transportation, represent the largest amount of impervious surfaces

within the Upper Rouge Tributary area. The entire contributory area, which includes the entire

road right-of-way, is approximately 6,800 acres, of which approximately 4,600 acres is paved

(impervious) surface. Table 12 identifies the contributing area and estimated runoff volume

from roads within the Rouge River District.

Green infrastructure along roadways can include a variety of techniques such as street tree

planting, vegetated curb extensions, bioswales in the right-of-way, tree trenches, redirecting road

runoff to adjacent properties or porous pavement along parking lanes. The 2012 Detroit

Strategic Framework Plan outlines these types of opportunities along roadway corridors in

addition to road decommissioning within the high vacancy areas.

Table 12. Roadway Ownership, Area and Estimated Runoff

Jurisdiction

Rouge River

District

(Acres)/(% of total

Rouge River area)

Rouge River

District Runoff

(MG) / (% of total

Rouge River

District Runoff)

Total URT Area

(Acres) / (% of

total URT area)

City Roadways 1,872 79 5,363

County

Roadways 341 15 783

State Roadways 217 11 592

Total Roadway

Contribution 2,429 / (25%) 105 / (30%) 6,738/ (28%)

Table 12 highlights the level of impervious cover attributed to roads within both drainage areas.


August 1, 2013

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Table 13. Roadway Ownership and Impervious Cover

Jurisdiction NWI IC

(Acres)

Total URT IC

(Acres)

City of Detroit Roadways 1,198 3,460

Wayne County Roadways 244 600

State Roadways 192 530

Other Jurisdiction 12 25

Total Roadway Contribution 1,646 4,615

Street Trees

Davey Tree Service received grant funds to inventory street trees throughout most of the city,

including all of the URT area. The inventory notes whether or not a street tree is present; the

condition of the tree; the tree species; and whether or not the existing structure is occupied. A

sample plot of this data is shown in Figure 9.

As discussed in the Residential section of this

report, street trees have been and will continue to

be a focus in the low vacancy residential areas.

Planting is conducted by Greening of Detroit and

includes one year of maintenance. Locations are

coordinated with SEMCOG staff on an annual

basis. Approximately 3,000 have been planted

since 2010. An additional 4,000 trees are proposed

by 2017.

Excess Roadway Capacity

SEMCOG transportation planners conducted an

excess traffic capacity analysis for the 2040

Regional Transportation Plan and to identify

strategic investment and disinvestment

opportunities to work towards a wider sustainable

infrastructure approach. The traffic capacity of specific city- and county-owned roadways will be

analyzed in the long-term to identify roadways that are significantly over capacity. In other

words, in areas where traffic counts are significantly less than the roadway capacity, boulevards,

bump-outs, non-motorized lanes with green infrastructure techniques can be assessed as

opportunities to manage stormwater runoff.

Diverting Road Runoff into Vacant Lots

Roads are the largest impervious surface in the URT. As such vacant lots along major roadways

provide opportunities to divert road runoff into these areas. This diversion of roadway runoff will

Figure 9. Dave Tree Service Sample

Street Tree Inventory


August 1, 2013

Page 22

be considered as part of large-scale greening and in targeted road projects where vacant property

is adjacent to roadways.

Green Infrastructure Opportunities for Roads

Roadway opportunities identified in this report are based on evaluation of the following data

sets:

Utilize Davey Tree Service data to identify street tree planting locations in the low

vacancy areas.

Evaluate the SEMCOG’s Excess Roadway Capacity Analysis (IA10 model network, E5

TransCad model and 2040 Regional Demographic Forecast) to identify potential excess

capacity roadways in the URT area.

Based on excess capacity data, identify amount of vacant property and limited

maintenance parks within 100 feet of the road right-of-way that could potentially be

available for use in managing roadway runoff.

Understand the City of Detroit Department of Public Services timing for identifying

resurfacing projects so that DWSD may collaborate on these infrastructure improvements

to include green infrastructure as a potential component in the project.

Table 14 identifies potential opportunities to reduce roadway runoff through a variety of

methods.

Table 14. Green Infrastructure Opportunities along Roads

Vacancy

Classification

Roadway Summary Description

Low Vacancy Based on excess capacity analysis, Evergreen Road modeled with

1-lane reduction and road runoff managed through infiltration

techniques within right-of-way and onto available vacant parcels.

Moderate Vacancy

Based on excess capacity analysis, Plymouth Road converted from

4- to 3-lanes.

Based on recent traffic counts, Joy Road converted to 3-lanes.

Roadway runoff from both roadways managed in infiltration

techniques within road rights-of-way.

High Vacancy Outer Drive between Fenkell and Plymouth reduced to 1-lane in

each direction. Runoff managed in infiltration techniques within

right-of-way and onto available vacant parcels.

MDOT Highways

within Entire URT

Area

Following the Detroit Strategic Framework Plan, both I-96 and M-

39 were buffered with 500’ of forest. An estimate of the currently

available vacant parcels and planned demolitions was utilized to

estimate runoff reduction potential.


August 1, 2013

Page 23

Note that all road decommissioning in high

vacancy areas is discussed in the Vacant

Property: Greening Vacant Land section.

Green infrastructure along roadways consists

of a variety of techniques. Road diets, such

as converting from a 4-lane road to a 3-lane

road provides opportunity to convert previous

impervious surface to green infrastructure,

such as vegetated curb extensions, porous

pavement or tree trenches. Additionally,

vacant property, parcels with completed

demolitions or limited maintenance parks

provide opportunity to redirect additional

road runoff to areas that might also be

converted to various green infrastructure

techniques.

Figure 10 shows the potential opportunities

for green infrastructure projects along roads.

Table 15 identifies the estimated runoff

reduction benefits attributed to these

opportunities shown in Figure 11 and

described in Table 14. The amount of

acreage available in vacant lots, planned

demolitions or limited maintenance parks,

located within 100’ of each of the identified

projects is also listed. As these projects are

further evaluated for engineering concepts and traffic analysis, an analysis of the need and

feasibility with redirecting road runoff to available property will also be assessed.

Table 15. Estimated Runoff Reduction from Selected Green Infrastructure Opportunities

along Roads

Road

Location by

Vacancy

Classification

Impervious

Acreage

Reduction

(Acres)

Estimated

Runoff

Reduction

(MG)

Acreage Potentially

Available to Manage

Roadway Runoff

Evergreen Low 6.2 1.0 34

Joy Road Moderate 2.8 0.7 N/A

Plymouth Road Moderate 2.9 0.7 N/A

Fenkell Street High 3.2 0.2 8

Outer Drive High 15.8 1.4 34

Local Road

Decommissioning High

Runoff contribution included in Greening Vacant Property

section.

Evergreen

Fenkell

Plymouth

Joy

Outer

Drive

Figure 10. Green Infrastructure

Opportunities along Roads


August 1, 2013

Page 24

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Roadways

Both Interstate-96 and Southfield Freeway (M-39) are located within the URT area. I-96 travels

east-west and almost bisects the URT area while M-39 travels north-south and almost bisects the

URT area separating the Rouge River district area from the Hubbell and Southfield district areas.

The 2012 Detroit Strategic Framework Plan identifies the areas surrounding both highways as

opportunities for constructing carbon forests with a recommended width of 500 feet.

Presently, approximately 90 acres of vacant property and identified demolitions are available for

potential carbon forests adjacent to I-96 and M-39. Table 16 identifies potential runoff reduction

benefits associated with converting adjacent vacant property to designated carbon forests.

Additional benefits associated with carbon storage and carbon sequestration have not been

estimated.

Table 16. Carbon Forest Runoff Reduction Benefits for MDOT Highways

Highway Area of State

Highway (Acres)

Available Vacant

Property w/in 500’

Distance

Estimated

Runoff

Reduction

(Million Gallons)

I-96 234 46 Acres 0.7

M-39 144 43 Acres 0.7

Green Infrastructure Opportunities along Roads for Potential Consideration (2017)

In order to meet the runoff reduction goals identified in the NPDES permit, the following

roadway green infrastructure opportunities will be considered for further evaluation and

prioritization.

1. Evaluate Outer Drive between Fenkell Street and Plymouth Road for potential road diet

opportunities and modification of the existing median to a bioswale in strategically feasible

locations. Outer Drive capacity analysis indicates potential to go from a 2-lane road to a

single-lane road in either direction. Much of the roadway is designed for runoff to drain

from the center of the road to the median there by allowing runoff to enter media via

potential curb cuts. See Figure 11.


August 1, 2013

Page 25

2. Evaluate Evergreen Road between 8 Mile Road and I-96 for a potential road diet in

addition to utilizing vacant property, such as Stoepel Park #1, for managing road runoff.

3. Continue to collaborate on the Joy Road project between M-39 and Trinity for potential

road diet. Traffic counts conducted by SEMCOG consultants indicate potential for a road

diet thereby creating opportunities for green infrastructure within the road right-of-way.

Additionally, part of Joy Road is planned for resurfacing with federal funding and DWSD

has a proposed watermain replacement project along the route. This opportunity can

additionally demonstrate significant infrastructure collaboration.

4. Coordinate with City of Detroit Roadway Resurfacing projects on an annual basis.

Each year, between late summer and early fall, City of Detroit Department of Public

Services develops a list of City-owned road resurfacing projects. The list, with

quantities and estimates, is provided to MDOT for bid letting and construction

oversight. Potential DWSD collaboration process includes the following:

DPS provide DWSD a draft list of road resurfacing projects;

DWSD review the list for roadways within the URT and primarily the NWI areas;

DWSD review for other planned or needed infrastructure improvements along

selected roads;

DWSD/SEMCOG/Consultant Team review and identify targeted road projects;

SEMCOG review vacant property availability for redirecting road runoff;

DWSD contractor conduct field analysis for feasibility in redirecting road runoff;

DWSD collaborate with DPS on timing for developing a road green infrastructure

plan; and

DWSD consultant draft concept plans in accordance with green infrastructure

contract.

Table 17 highlights the estimated runoff reduction benefits from the projects described above.

Figure 11. Outer Drive Aerial with Median


August 1, 2013

Page 26

Table 17. Estimated Runoff Reduction Benefits from Roadway

Green Infrastructure Opportunities by 2017

Project Description Estimated Runoff

Reduction

(Million Gallons)

Joy Road Infrastructure Collaboration 0.7

Evergreen Road 1.0

Outer Drive median bioswale/lane

reduction 1.4

Coordinate with DPS Annually;

Conduct field assessments for GI

opportunities

N/A unless project

selected

Totals 3.1


In order to work towards 2017 runoff reduction goals, the following tasks will be considered:

1. Evaluate existing traffic counts in conjunction with traffic model and Wayne County to

verify feasibility of road diets.

2. Collaborate on Joy Road infrastructure improvements with Wayne County and DWSD to

tie in green infrastructure design components.

3. Evaluate Stoepel Park #1 design components in relation to potential road diet along

Evergreen Road.

4. Assign consultant to evaluate conceptual green infrastructure opportunities along selected

roadways based on priority timing for other infrastructure and park improvements.

5. Implement strategic demolitions to build upon efforts to assemble property or divert

major roadway runoff.

6. Evaluate feasibility of carbon forest opportunities along I-96 and M-39.

7.5 Residential

Background: Residential

Approximately 50% of the entire URT area and Rouge River district area consists of single

family residential land use. Within the Rouge River district, the 2012 Detroit Strategic

Framework Plan has classified these areas as low, moderate and high vacancy areas.

Opportunities to support neighborhood stabiliziation efforts, large scale greening and targeted

projects are evident throughout these residential areas. Table 18 lists the amount of area and

number of parcels within each vacancy areas. The level of green infrastruture opportunities

varies within each vacancy classificaiton.


August 1, 2013

Page 27

Table 18. Residential and Vacancy Classification Areas

Residential Areas

Low Vacancy Moderate Vacancy High Vacancy

Acres # Parcels Acres # Parcels Acres #

Parcels

Residential Land Use 2,378 18,372 1,274 11,879 332 N/A

Demolitions (Planned & Estimated

Future in High Vacancy) 86 665 175 1,397 78 701

Note that the demolitions are a subset of the Residential Land Use quantities. About 75% of

additional demolitions is estimated in the high vacancy area.

Street Trees

DWSD initiated a tree planting program with

Greening of Detroit to plant trees along road

rights-of-way, in parks, and on vacant properties.

Greening of Detroit is working in low vacancy

areas of the Upper Rouge Tributary Area to plant

street trees. The process for this includes:

Work with neighborhood groups and

associations on volunteer driven tree

plantings.

Allow for residents to “opt out” of the

program (roughly 10 percent “opt out”).

Utilize local volunteers and citizen foresters

to plant trees.

Species selected based on achieving tree

diversity and maximum stormwater

interception.

Utilize high school student employment

program and adult workforce development

program to ensure 1 year of maintenance,

including watering and corrective pruning.

This process has been highly successful in not

only engaging local residents in the planting and

maintenance of the trees, but also in the overall

sustainability of the trees. Greening of Detroit

currently has a 92 percent survivability rate over

three years.

Davey Tree Service has received grant funds to

inventory street trees throughout most of the city,

Figure 12. High School Students from Detroit

are Hired to Assist in Tree Maintenance

Figure 13. Street Tree Planting in Cody

Rouge Neighborhood


August 1, 2013

Page 28

including all of the URT area. The inventory notes if a street tree is present or not; the condition

of the tree; the tree species; and if the structure is occupied or not.

Downspout Disconnection

DWSD initiated a downspout disconnection

program in response to NPDES permit

requirements. The Upper Rouge Tributary Area has

approximately 83,000 residential buildings requiring

disconnection. One step is ensuring the regulatory

mechanisms align restricting downspouts to be

connected (Currently, the City Code requires

connection). Figure 14 shows a downspout

connected to the combined sewer. DWSD believes

that the change of ordinance is important. First, it

will align City regulations with state law thereby

reducing confusion by City staff and the public.

Second, it will more easily allow for enforcement

through code enforcement unit.

While this change to the code is in process, DWSD

has actively initiated a residential program in the

pilot areas of Cody Rouge and Grandmont Rosedale.

As part of this program, DWSD has partnered

with the nonprofit organization, Greening of

Detroit, to perform downspout disconnection

workshops and staff a help line for those residents

needing additional assistance. Individuals who

attend the workshops receive free disconnection

materials to utilize in completing the

disconnection from the combined sewer system.

Additional materials are being provided to local

neighborhood associations and development

corporations with existing home repair programs

with the intent to assist with disconnection for

elderly and disabled persons. Figure 15 shows

disconnected downspouts and the educational

brochure utilized in this program.

DWSD will gather data to validate and quantify

downspout disconnection in these areas after the

change of code is in effect. Those neighborhoods

that have been included in the educational workshops, will be the first areas inspected.

Figure 14. Downspout Connected to

Combined Sewer

Figure 15. Downspout Disconnection

Display and Brochure


August 1, 2013

Page 29

Demolitions

In order to move forward green infrastructure on vacant lots, additional demolitions may be

needed. To date, DWSD has identified and funded 140 residential structures to be removed to

assist in moving forward green infrastructure opportunities. A limited amount of additional

demolitions may need to be funded as specific project areas are further identified. It is assumed

that other funding sources, such as HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Funding and MSHDA

Funding, will be utilized to remove the majority of these structures in the URT in the long-term

(estimated to be 2793 structures in the Rouge River Sewer District).

Additional demolitions funded by DWSD will comply with permit requirements to include

specifications that “ensure that basements and other impervious surfaces at the sites are

removed, that the site is raked to remove large rocks and construction debris, and that

engineered soils consisting of an appropriate mix of topsoil, compost, and sand is applied

following the demolition to support plant growth and promote infiltration.”

Green Infrastructure Opportunities for

Residential Parcels

Residential areas in the low, moderate and high

vacancy areas within the Rouge River district

present a variety of green infrastructure

opportunities. Those opportunities are based on

the following sets of data:

2012 Detroit Strategic Framework Plan

identifying Vacancy Classifications;

Planned demolitions as of November

2012 provide by City of Detroit

Buildings, Safety Engineering and

Environmental Department

Parcel data and ownership based on City

of Detroit assessor’s data; and

In the high vacancy classification, an

additional 75% approximation of

demolitions was estimated for long-term

potential future scenarios.

Figure 16 shows the extent of demolition

information for the URT area. Table 19

describes the green infrastructure opportunities and scenarios utilized for each of the vacancy

areas.

Figure 16. Demolition Information


August 1, 2013

Page 30

Table 19. Residential Green Infrastructure Opportunities

Vacancy

Classification

Residential Property Summary Description & Green Infrastructure

Opportunities

Low Vacancy

Street tree planting.


Residential downspout disconnection areas with 70 percent compliance.

Moderate Vacancy Completed demolitions are converted to open space.

Residential downspout disconnection with 50 percent compliance.

High Vacancy

Completed demolitions and vacant properties are converted to a mix of


Estimated an additional 75% of residential area will be demolished in the long-

term and converted to forest/meadow areas.

Priorities for analyzing green infrastructure opportunities within the Residential land use are

focused within the Rouge River Sewer district and in each of the three (3) main vacancy

classifications, including low, moderate and high vacancies. Results of the analyses described in

Table 19 above, are shown in Table 20.

Table 20. Residential Estimated Runoff Reduction Benefits

Scenario Detail Low

Vacancy

Moderate

Vacancy

High

Vacancy Total


Residential Downspout Disconnection 3.4 0.9 N/A 4.3

Street Tree Planting 0.1 N/A N/A 0.1

Total Estimated Runoff Reduction by

Vacancy Classification 4.2 2.1 4.5 10.8

Residential Green Infrastructure Opportunities for Potential Consideration (2017)


residential green infrastructure opportunities will be considered for further evaluation and

prioritization. Table 21 summarizes the estimated benefits of these activities.

1. Implement street tree planting in low vacancy areas.

2. Implement residential downspout disconnection program through educational workshops

and follow up inspections.

3. Evaluate potential demolitions for targeted road projects.


August 1, 2013

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Table 21. Estimated Runoff Reduction Benefits for Potential Residential Green

Infrastructure Priority Projects

Project Description

Estimated Runoff

Reduction

(Million Gallons)

4,000 additional street trees planted in low vacancy

areas. 0.1

5,000 residential downspout disconnections completed

and verified in low vacancy areas. 1.0

75 demolitions to set up additional projects such as

roadway projects and large scale greening. 0.2

Totals 1.3



1. Adoption of downspout ordinance change to the City Code.

2. Follow up on ensuring disconnection has occurred in educated area.

3. Continued implementation of downspout educational workshops and distribution of free

materials.

4. Prioritize locations for street tree planting.

5. Review and update, as necessary, demolition specification to meet NPDES permit

requirement.

6. Evaluate demolitions in conjunction with road project evaluations to determine need for

use of adjacent properties.

7.6 Municipal Properties

Background: Municipal Properties

Municipal properties, including parks, school

property and other municipal buildings

provide an opportunity to increased green

infrastructure.

Parks

The City of Detroit has both open and limited

parks located within the Northwest Interceptor

Area.

Open parks have an opportunity for

increased tree canopy and diverting road

runoff around the permiter of the park as

Figure 17. Limited Maintenance Parks Provide

Green Infrastructure Opportunities


August 1, 2013

Page 32

a mechanism to manage runoff and improve the park for residents.

Limited maintenance parks are those parks identified by the City of Detroit that will not be

maintained. These parks provide the opportunity for significant tree canopy and diverting

road runoff throughout the park. Stoepel Park #1 is identified as a Limited Maintenance

Park and presents an opportunity to collaborate with a number of stakeholders to reduce

stormwater runoff on the park property as well as potentially incorporate the Evergreen

Road project described in the Roadways section.

Major parks in the area (Rouge Park and Eliza Howell Park) have limited ability to be

utilized at this point until there is further study as to the drainage system. Since most of the

parks drain directly to the Rouge River, managing runoff from this property would not

impact the sewer system. However, offlining road runoff to these parks could be

investigated.

Schools

The Rouge River district area contains both open and closed schools within its boundaries.

Open schools provide an opportunity for green infrastructure and also an educational

opportunity.

Closed schools provide an opportunity for a reduction in impervious surfaces through

removal of the structure, increased tree canopy throughout the site and off lining road

runoff into the site.

Other Municipal Properties

There are other municipal facilities located within the boundaries. One site is the DPW yard

located near the Southfield Freeway and I-96. While this site is large, there is concern about

potential contamination of the site due to historical uses. Therefore, at this time, other projects

have been prioritized ahead of the DPW yard. In addition to the DPW, there are other smaller

municipal sites (e.g., fire stations, libraries) that are fairly site constrained. However, downspout

disconnection should be at a minimum implemented where feasible.

Table 22 highlights the acreage of each type of municipal property within each vacancy

classification.

Table 22. Municipal Property within Vacancy Classification Areas

Municipal Property Type

Low

Vacancy

(acres)

Moderate

Vacancy

(acres)

High

Vacancy

(acres)

Total

(acres)

Municipal Buildings 3 0 0 3

Open Parks 0 3 0 3

Limited Maintenance Parks 339 57 32 427

Open Schools 63 0 5 67

Closed Schools 11 26 6.8 44


August 1, 2013

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Municipal Property Green Infrastructure Opportunities

Green infrastructure opportunities were identified and analyzed based on the following data sets

of information:

2012 Detroit Strategic Framework Plan identifying Vacancy Classifications;

Open parks vs. limited maintenance parks provided by City of Detroit General Services

Department;

Parcel data and ownership based on City of Detroit assessor’s data; and

Open vs. closed schools data provided by City of Detroit General Services Department.

Priorities for municipal properties are focused within the Rouge River district area and in each of

the three (3) main vacancy classifications, including low, moderate and high vacancies. Results

of the scenario analyses described in the Table 23 are shown in Table 24.

Table 23. Municipal Property Green Infrastructure Opportunities

Vacancy

Classification

Municipal Property Summary Description

Low Vacancy

Downspout disconnection of municipal, school and parks buildings.

Demolition of closed school buildings and convert to open space.

Convert turf to mixture of tree canopy and meadow areas within


Moderate Vacancy

Demolition of closed school buildings and convert to mixture of

open space and meadow areas.

Convert turf to mixture of tree canopy and meadow areas within


High Vacancy

Downspout disconnection of school buildings.

Demolition of closed school buildings and convert to

meadow/forest.

Convert turf to meadow/forest mixture on limited maintenance

parks.

Table 24. Municipal Property Estimated Runoff Reduction Potential

Municipal Property Type Low

Vacancy

Moderate

Vacancy

High

Vacancy Total

Municipal Buildings & Parks 1.4 0.4 0.3 2.1

Schools (Open & Closed) 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.9

Total Estimated Runoff Reduction by

Vacancy Classification 1.7 0.8 0.5 3.0


August 1, 2013

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Municipal Green Infrastructure Opportunities for Potential Consideration (2017)


municipal green infrastructure opportunities will be considered for further evaluation and

prioritization. Estimated benefits are also shown in Table 25.

1. Implement green infrastructure on limited maintenance parks and closed schools,

including the potential of diverting road runoff into the site. Focus initially on Stoepel

Park #1 within the low vacancy area.

2. Ensure downspout disconnection is implemented on all municipal properties where

feasible.

3. Convert turf grass in limited maintenance parks to open meadow/forest areas.

Table 25. Municipal Property Estimated Runoff Reduction for Potential Green

Infrastructure Priority Projects

Project Description

Runoff

Reduction

(MG)

Stoepel Park #1 (South Parking and West Parking with

outside contributory areas, including approximately 0.25

miles of Evergreen Road)

0.5

Downspout disconnection of municipal properties < 0.1

Limited maintenance parks in moderate and high vacancy

areas converted to combination meadow/forest areas. 0.7

Total 1.2



Complete conceptual review of Stoepel Park #1 Draft plan, resolve outstanding

questions, further evaluate Evergreen Road opportunities in conjunction with Stoepel

Park #1 and prioritize improvements for the park.

Followup with City of Detroit General Services regarding downspout disconnection on

municipal properties.

Evaluate limited maintenance parks for conversion to increased meadow/forest areas.

Identify specific parks to work towards acreage total.

Begin discussions with Detroit Public Schools about utilization of closed properties for

green infrastructure.

Evaluate opportunities on open school properties for downspout disconnection and

increasing green space.


August 1, 2013

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Public outreach and participation has been and will continue to be an important element in both

selecting the site and selecting the green infrastructure techniques. Each green infrastructure

project (whether big or small) contains a stakeholder engagement process. This includes

engaging local neighborhood associations and/or development corporation along with direct

resident engagement through neighborhood meetings. Examples of outreach and participation

include:

8.1 Street Trees

Greening of Detroit utilizes a community engagement process to select streets for street tree

planting. This includes community meetings and engaging residents in planting and

maintenance. In addition, each resident is informed ahead of time of the planting and can “opt

out” of the program.

8.2 Individual Vacant Lot Program

The local neighborhood association and/or community development corporation is initially

engaged in site selection for individual vacant lot greening on properties owned by the Michigan

Land Bank. For example, Neighbors Building Brightmoor and Joy Southfield Development

Corporation have been engaged in select moderate vacancy areas to provide their priorities and

to engage individual citizens on site location and green infrastructure techniques. Both groups

have held meetings with their citizenry, along with Greening of Detroit, to discuss sites and

green infrastructure opportunities. (Greening of Detroit has a suite of techniques for them to

choose from).

Individual neighbors were engaged through a series of neighborhood meetings where residents

ranked the lots to implement the projects on and the techniques to utilize. This process was

follow up with a ribbon cutting ceremony on one of the lots to increase education of the program

to the citizenry at large.

8.3 Downspout Disconnection

DWSD has contracted with Greening of Detroit to engage residents in learning the importance of

downspout disconnection; learning the basics on how to disconnect; the option of building a rain

barrel; and receiving free materials. Greening of Detroit has partnered with the local

development corporations to publicize the events and provide free locations.

8.4 Large Scale Greening

A public engagement process is included in each major green infrastructure construction project,

including the development of large scale green infrastructure on vacant property, implementing

green streets, and incorporating green infrastructure on municipal properties. This will include

engagement of neighborhood associations and/or community development corporations and

general citizens during from the initial design through implementation.


August 1, 2013

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Stakeholders are also engaged through DWSD’s public outreach mechanisms, including their

web site and public education materials.

Numerous departments within the City of Detroit are integral for successful implementation of

the green infrastructure program. In implementing many of the techniques, DWSD does not have

direct jurisdiction of the property. Therefore, partnerships are essential. In addition to the direct

City of Detroit staff, there are other stakeholders that are essential to implementation, including

the Greening of Detroit, Michigan Land Bank, community development corporations, and area

residents.

An example of this coordination is greening of vacant property. For this greening technique,

SEMCOG and DWSD staff are involved for overall coordination of the program. Michigan Land

Bank is involved as the owner of the property. The Greening of Detroit and the Green

Infrastructure contractor will construct the technique on the property. City of Detroit General

Services is involved as performing maintenance of city owned vacant property. Finally, area

residents, neighborhood associations, and development corporations will be providing input

throughout the process. Figure 18 provides a visual summary of the interactions between the

various departments, other stakeholders and the public by green infrastructure technique. A brief

summary of these agencies is also described below.

Figure 18. Green Infrastructure Interactions and Coordination


August 1, 2013

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9.1 Governmental Agencies

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

The MDEQ has been instrumental in supporting green infrastructure planning and

implementation beyond their role in permit writing. The MDEQ awarded SEMCOG with a

water quality planning grant to support and assist DWSD in developing the Green Infrastructure

Plan.

Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG)

SEMCOG was established in 1968 as a regional planning partnership in Southeast Michigan and

is accountable to 158 local government members supporting local planning through its technical,

data, and intergovernmental resources. Under the federal Water Pollution Control Act and the

Clean Air Act, SEMCOG is the designated planning agency for both water and air quality.

SEMCOG is assisting DWSD in the facilitation of the

Green Infrastructure Program and development of

Green Infrastructure Plans.

Wayne County and Michigan Department of

Transportation

The county has jurisdiction over many primary

roadways located within the URT area. Working

with the County to review roadway design, capacity

and existing traffic counts. Additionally, MDOT has jurisdiction over State trunk-line roads and

highways located within the URT area.

City of Detroit General Services Department (GSD)

A significant effort of the green infrastructure program involves greening of properties under the

jurisdiction of the city in addition to street tree planting within the road rights-of-way. This

department coordinates all efforts for street tree planting and removal of dead street trees.

Additionally, this department oversees facility maintenance at municipal buildings and

maintenance of vacant property. Partnership with this department will include assistance on the

downspout disconnection program for municipal properties, tree planting, and greening of vacant

property.

City of Detroit Recreation Department and Wayne County Parks Department

Parks personnel from both the City and Wayne County are partnering on efforts to implement

green infrastructure techniques in parks. Stoepel Park #1 is one example that is bringing together

Wayne County Parks, Detroit Recreation Department, DWSD, SEMCOG, and Grandmont

Rosedale Development Corporation to discuss potential partnerships for implementing various

park improvements.

https://semcog.org/water

https://semcog.org/air


August 1, 2013

Page 38

City of Detroit Planning and Development Department

Working cooperatively with this department will ensure that green infrastructure efforts are

consistent with the City’s long-term vision for planning and development, most specifically as it

relates to uses of the extensive amount of vacant properties.

City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSE&ED)

Coordinating demolitions and the downspout disconnection inspection process with this

department will ensure that the green infrastructure program components are integrated fully

through other areas of the City. Because this department oversees demolitions across the City,

selected demolitions in the green infrastructure program will be routed through this department.

City of Detroit Department of Public Works

This department has jurisdiction over city roadways and road projects and also participates on

the regional Transportation Advisory Committee that oversees development of the Regional

Transportation Plan for Southeast Michigan. As the green infrastructure program moves

forward, retrofitting existing city streets and updating green streets design criteria will be a

collaborative effort.

Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority

The mission of the Michigan Land Bank is to promote economic growth in this state through the

acquisition, assembly and disposal of public property, including tax reverted property, in a

coordinated manner to foster the development of that property, and to promote and support land

bank operations at the county and local levels. DWSD is currently investigating a partnership

with the Michigan Land Bank to hold and assemble property for green infrastructure.

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) is a non-profit organization that works closely

with the City of Detroit and other partners to support existing businesses and to bring new

companies and investments to the city. DEGC currently houses the implementation of the Detroit

Future Cities program and convenes public land stakeholders to coordinate land assembly.

9.2 Not-for-Profit Agencies

The Greening of Detroit

This nonprofit agency was established in 1989 to initially guide reforestation of Detroit. Since

that time, The Greening’s programs have expended to include planting and educational

programs, environmental leadership, advocacy and building community capacity. The Greening

partners with numerous entities including the City of Detroit, federal and state agencies,

neighborhood groups, churches and schools and community foundations. The organization is

successful in obtaining grants to expand these environmental programs and which include urban

agriculture, open space reclamation, environmental education, tree planting and workforce

development programs.

Greening of Detroit is under contract with DWSD to implement the street tree program, provide

downspout disconnection education and workshops, and implement the greening individual

vacant lot program.


August 1, 2013

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9.3 Community Organizations

Three (3) primary stakeholder groups are actively engaged in the green infrastructure program,

including Grandmont Rosedale Park Development Corporation, Joy Southfield Development

Corporation and the Brightmoor Alliance. These groups serve as the conduit with which to

convey information about the green infrastructure program and selected project details.

Additionally, each of these groups assists in the program by including articles in their respective

newsletters, providing lists of demolitions and locations for street trees, and identifying potential

desired greening techniques for individual lots.

Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation

This organization represents the homeowners located in the Grandmont Rosedale Park

Development. With the active homeowner groups, this pilot area was selected as an area to

represent how homeowners can take ownership of green infrastructure techniques within their

own neighborhoods.

Joy Southfield Development Corporation

This organization represents the Cody Rouge neighborhood which was selected as a pilot area

for green infrastructure implementation. This area represents a challenge in achieving economic

development while stabilizing existing neighborhoods. The group has an extensive volunteer

base that travels from surrounding areas, including the state of Ohio to assist low income and

senior residents with property owner maintenance. This organization has also been successful in

raising Cody Rouge to the State awareness level with the commercial corridor being selected as

one of seven business districts identified as part of the Downtowns of Promise program through

the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

Brightmoor Alliance

The Brightmoor Alliance is a coalition of nearly 50 organizations dedicated to serving northwest

Detroit's Brightmoor community. Founded in 2000, the Alliance was established in response to

conditions in the community, including poor housing, a high crime rate, and a staggering amount

of vacant land. Community organizations - many of which had partnered with one another over

the years - felt that the time was right to mobilize community resources and focus their combined

efforts to revitalize the area.

9.4 Other Stakeholders

Green Infrastructure Implementation Contractors (DWSD Contract No. CS-1522)

DWSD is in process of hiring a green infrastructure consultant. This consultant will work with

DWSD to define the GI program policies and procedures, including a defined process by which

green infrastructure alternatives will be identified, evaluated, selected, funded, implemented,

monitored and tracked.


August 1, 2013

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10.1 Ensuring Maintenance is Key

Ensuring the long-term sustainability of Green Infrastructure projects is critical and is embedded

into each project, as well as included as a budget item for DWSD. A maintenance process is in

place for existing implementation activities, including street tree plantings and greening of

individual vacant lots.

The cost paid by DWSD to Greening of Detroit for street trees includes 1 year of maintenance to

ensure proper establishment of the trees. The cost for implementing the 10 pilot vacant lot

greening projects includes two years of maintenance. It is understood by DWSD that budgeting

will be utilized to ensure continued maintenance of these practices. Ensuring continued

maintenance is a critical factor for success. Formal agreements, deed restrictions or other

partnerships may provide this continued maintenance function.

Larger green infrastructure projects will include:

1. A process to ensure the contractor correctly installs the green infrastructure and includes

a requirement for the contractor to fix any problems if the practice fails or reduces in

performance within a specified time period.

2. A maintenance plan that will include a maintenance schedule and maintenance activities

that will be followed. DWSD will budget a portion of their green infrastructure

commitment to include ongoing maintenance for a specified period.

One opportunity that is currently being employed and will continue to be reviewed with entities

such as Greening of Detroit and the Michigan Land Bank is the use of Detroiters through their

workforce development program to assist in maintenance of the green infrastructure.

As each Green Infrastructure project is further conceptualized and designed, a detailed

maintenance plan will be developed. Any techniques that include direct management of runoff

from existing land surfaces will include, at a minimum, a detailed annual inspection that ensures

overall functionality and removal of excess accumulated sediment.

10.2 Utilizing Public Land

With the exception of the downspout disconnection program, most of the Green Infrastructure

projects will take place on public land. This allows a greater opportunity to ensure long-term

sustainability of the techniques. As noted above, maintenance of the techniques on public land

will be required, but having the structures on public land allows for additional controls to 1)

ensure the practice is properly maintained; 2) allow for easy access to the site; 3) reduces the

chances of the area being sold to another land owner who may remove the practice; and 4)

provides an amenity for all residents (that are paying for the Green Infrastructure through rates)

to enjoy the quality of life benefits.


August 1, 2013

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Even on public land, agreements will be developed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the

site. The current agreement being drafted with the Michigan Land Bank will include a

mechanism to offset the stormwater benefit received at the site if it is sold for development.

10.3 Other Options for Increasing the Amount of Green Infrastructure

In addition to this Plan, there are opportunities to further the use of green infrastructure in the

City of Detroit. These opportunities include the following:

1. Development of a crediting program for stormwater fees for all users. DWSD is currently

reviewing and updating their stormwater assessment process for all users. This will

include the option to reduce fees if green infrastructure practices are implemented.

2. Other options largely revolve around changes to City Code, which is not in the

jurisdiction of DWSD, but the Detroit Planning Department and Detroit Planning

Commission. As such DWSD is supportive of changes to the code that provides

incentives or requires additional stormwater management largely through green

infrastructure.

The most obvious example of this is including a development/redevelopment requirement to

manage stormwater runoff. DWSD is supporting recent efforts by the City Council Green Task

Force Water Committee to research this opportunity. This Water Committee is also working on

identifying other opportunities within the code, which could include: noxious weed

requirements; parking requirements; landscaping requirements; and planned unit development or

overlay zoning requirements.

10.4 Green Infrastructure Implementation Tracking

A tracking mechanism will be developed for green infrastructure implementation activities. This

tracking mechanism will be developed as part of the consultant activities in the near future. At a

minimum, the tracking mechanism should include both a geospatial mapping component and

database or spreadsheet component. The geospatial mapping application should include analysis

to identify the locations for green infrastructure techniques that are providing runoff reduction

benefits. Specific data that could be utilized include:

City of Detroit parcel information

2010 land cover (leaf on and leaf off)

2010 aerial imagery

Vacant property

Roadways, including roads with excess capacity

Street trees inventory by Davey Tree Service

Green infrastructure implemented to date (street trees, 10 vacant lot greened)

Sewer districts/sewer lines/outfalls

Detroit Future City vacancy classifications


August 1, 2013

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Additionally, a database or spreadsheet linked to the mapping application should tracking project

stages (conceptual, preliminary design, final design, permitting, and construction) as well as

budgeting and runoff reduction benefits.

10.5 Financing

The commitment for implementation of green infrastructure is $50 million over a 20 year

timeframe with the rates structure being utilized through Operation and Maintenance. It is highly

recommended that this financing approach be revisited to determine the ability to fund some or

all of the green infrastructure implementation out of capital funds. Research into other CSO

cities indicates that others are funding green infrastructure through their capital fund.

For example, the New York City Green Infrastructure Plan states, “To implement this Green

Infrastructure Plan, the City is prepared to spend up to $1.5 billion over 20 years, including

approximately $187 million in capital funds over the next four years, to build green

infrastructure.” The City of Philadelphia also includes green infrastructure construction as a

capital cost.

In addition to financing green infrastructure through the rate process, limited grant funds could

be sought to augment the program, including the federal Transportation Alternatives Program

and Section 319 Clean Water Act Funds.


August 1, 2013

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This Plan illustrates that the Green Infrastructure Program can be implemented in a way that

meets multiple outcomes:

1. Reduces stormwater runoff into the combined system.

2. Complies with NPDES permit requirements.

3. Supports the direction of the City as described in the2012 Detroit Strategic Framework

Plan.

4. Reduces excess gray infrastructure.

5. Enhances quality of life to area residents.

6. Stays within the fiscal commitment of DWSD to the State of Michigan.

7. Applies Adaptive Management in the program implementation.

In order to meet these outcomes, the following next steps are proposed for further consideration

and evaluation pursuant to the policies and procedures that will be developed by DSWD in

concert with the GI Program Consultant under CS-1522.

11.1 Greening Vacant Land

1. Finalize process for ownership, assembly and maintenance of large-scale green

infrastructure.

2. Evaluate the successes of the pilot project for individual lot greening.

3. Begin selection process for individual lot greening.

4. Evaluate vacant lot and demolition data for identified large-scale greening opportunities.

5. Develop list of targeted demolition needed for large-scale greening projects.

6. Assign consultant to begin conceptual evaluation of large-scale pilot areas.

7. Evaluate the opportunity for repurposing infrastructure and decommissioning utilities in

large-scale greening areas.

11.2 Roads

1. Evaluate existing traffic counts in conjunction with traffic model and Wayne County to

verify feasibility of road diets.

2. Collaborate on Joy Road infrastructure improvements with Wayne County and DWSD

water to tie in green infrastructure design components.

3. Evaluate Stoepel Park #1 design components in relation to potential road diet along

Evergreen Road.

4. Assign consultant to evaluate conceptual green infrastructure opportunities along selected

roadways based on priority timing for other infrastructure and park improvements.

5. Implement strategic demolitions to build upon efforts to assemble property or divert

major roadway runoff.

6. Evaluate feasibility of carbon forest opportunities along I-96 and M-39.


August 1, 2013

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11.3 Residential

1. Adoption of downspout ordinance change to the City Code.

2. Continued implementation of downspout educational workshops and distribution of free

materials.

3. Prioritize locations for street tree planting.

4. Review and update, as necessary, demolition specification to meet NPDES permit

requirement.

5. Evaluate demolitions in conjunction with road project evaluations to determine need for

use of adjacent properties.

11.4 Municipal Properties

1. Complete conceptual review of Stoepel Park #1 Draft plan, resolve outstanding

questions, further evaluate Evergreen Road opportunities in conjunction with Stoepel

Park #1 and prioritize improvements for the park.

2. Followup with City of Detroit General Services regarding downspout disconnection on

municipal properties.

3. Evaluate limited maintenance parks for conversion to increased meadow/forest areas.

Identify specific parks to work towards acreage total. Coordinate with Recreation.

4. Begin discussions with Detroit Public Schools about utilization of closed properties for

green infrastructure.

5. Evaluate opportunities on open school properties for downspout disconnection and

increasing green space.

11.5 Public Outreach and Partnerships

1. Continue public and stakeholder engagement as part of all green infrastructure

implementation starting during the conceptual phase.

2. Engage the community development corporation, church group, and/or neighborhood

association early in the process to act as the local champion for the project.

3. Engage local stakeholders, City of Detroit staff, and Detroit Future City Program Office

in understanding the Green Infrastructure Plan and the relationship to their priorities and

work.

11.6 Maintenance & Sustainability

1. Ensure DWSD budgeting include a maintenance component for all green infrastructure

elements.

2. Require performance guarantees from contractors to ensure proper installation and

performance of green infrastructure projects.

3. Require a maintenance plan be developed for green infrastructure projects.

4. Support workforce development efforts to allow local residents to assist in maintenance

of green infrastructure.

5. Include green infrastructure credits in stormwater fees.


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6. Support efforts to revise city code to support green infrastructure, including development

of a stormwater ordinance.

11.7 Financing

1. Revisit decision to fund green infrastructure through operation and maintenance.

Consider funding through capitalization.

2. Consider leverage funding with grant opportunities, including the state’s 319 program.

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