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
i
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
Potential Next Steps for Consideration ................................................................................. 26
7.5 Residential........................................................................................................................... 26
Street Trees ........................................................................................................................... 27
Downspout Disconnection .................................................................................................... 28
Demolitions ........................................................................................................................... 29
ii
Green Infrastructure Opportunities for Residential Parcels .................................................. 29
Residential Green Infrastructure Opportunities for Potential Consideration (2017) ............ 30
Potential Next Steps for Consideration ................................................................................. 31
7.6 Municipal Properties ........................................................................................................... 31
Parks ...................................................................................................................................... 31
Schools .................................................................................................................................. 32
Other Municipal Properties ................................................................................................... 32
Municipal Green Infrastructure Opportunities for Potential Consideration (2017) .............. 34
Potential Next Steps for Consideration ................................................................................. 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
iii
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
iv
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 2
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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;
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 4
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 6
Figure 1. Land Cover Composite in URT Area.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 8
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 9
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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.
Completed demolitions are
converted to open space.
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
forest/meadow areas.
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 12
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
limited maintenance parks.
Vacant
Property:
Greening
Vacant
Land
Completed demolitions are
converted to open space.
Vacant property has all
impervious cover removed
and tree canopy is
increased by
approximately 50%.
Completed demolitions are
converted to open space.
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
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 13
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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 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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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
Completed demolitions are converted to open space.
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
Opportunities 0.4 1.1 2.5 4.0
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 21
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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
Potential Next Steps for Consideration
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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.
Completed demolitions are converted to open space.
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
forest/meadow areas.
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 Demolitions 0.7 1.3 4.5 6.5
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)
In order to meet the runoff reduction goals identified in the NPDES permit, the following
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 31
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
Potential Next Steps for Consideration
In order to work towards 2017 runoff reduction goals, the following tasks will be considered:
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 33
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
limited maintenance parks.
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
limited maintenance parks.
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 34
Municipal Green Infrastructure Opportunities for Potential Consideration (2017)
In order to meet the runoff reduction goals identified in the NPDES permit, the following
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
Potential Next Steps for Consideration
In order to work towards 2017 runoff reduction goals, the following tasks will be considered:
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 35
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 36
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 37
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 39
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 40
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 41
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
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 42
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 43
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 44
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.
DWSD Green Infrastructure Plan
August 1, 2013
Page 45
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.
Top Related