Detroit's Learning Curve with New Stormwater Regulations

During the first year of Detroit’s stormwater regulations, it was made very clear how important it is to create laws with a triple bottom line approach, encouraging economic growth, while aggressively working towards the goal of eliminating combined sewer overflows. Shifting developers focus to now include dedicated space to manage stormwater has allowed the opportunity for, planners, designers, developers, and city engineers to work together and identify Detroit-specific best management practices. As part of compliance with the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit, the City of Detroit passed its first Post-Construction Stormwater Management Ordinance (PCSWMO) in November 2018. Up until the passage of Detroit’s stormwater regulations, developers in Detroit had no obligation to manage stormwater and instead directed runoff into the combined sewer system. Shifting developers focus to now include dedicated space to manage stormwater has allowed the opportunity for, designers, developers, and DWSD engineers to work together and identify if there is room for improvement based upon existing site conditions.