LANSING-This Monday, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced the recipients of 14 water quality grants, totaling $3.5 million. These grants are funded with federal Clean Water Act and state Clean Michigan Initiative funds, and will support projects across the state. Today State Senator Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor) praised the $127,268 grant for the Mill Creek Streambank Stabilization program, which will help fight soil erosion in Washtenaw County.

“Michigan’s abundant supply of fresh water is part of our identity as a state, so we need to do everything we can to protect this precious natural resource,” said Sen. Brater. “This grant will help stabilize the local soil erosion along Mill Creek, which has been a problem for years and negatively impacts ecosystems within the main channel of the Huron River.”

The Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC), which administers the Streambank Stabilization program, is the first and oldest river protection group in Michigan. Since its formation, the Council has grown to be a respected voice for protection of the Huron River and its tributary streams, lakes, wetlands and groundwater.

According to HRWC, streambank soil erosion is problematic for land owners and local waterways. Soil erosion and sedimentation can contaminate drinking water, destroy plant and animal habitats, decrease water clarity, increase risk of flooding from clogged storm sewers, and reduce recreational value and use. It can also be a major source of Phosphorus, which causes algae blooms. You can learn more about HRWC and the Mill Creek Streambank Stabilization program by visiting www.hrwc.org.

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