March 2, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality has awarded $333,743 to the Wayne County Department of Public Services to support the development of the International Wildlife Refuge Headquarters in Trenton. The project will protect the area’s water resources by pre-treating storm water before it discharges to Humbug Marsh, and ultimately, the Detroit River.

The Monguagon Drain currently discharges directly into the Detroit River without prior treatment. The project will remove a 600-foot concrete culvert which will recreate a natural streambed, and create a storm water retention pond. The combination of a natural channel, retention pond, and constructed wetlands will treat storm water by settling out suspended sediments, taking up pollutants, and slowing storm water before it enters Humbug Marsh. The marsh will then naturally further treat the storm water before reaching the Detroit River.

“This project is the result of a partnership at all levels to improve Michigan’s environment,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester.

The project is part of a larger plan for the headquarters of the IWR that includes major educational components and the integration of environmental programs from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DEQ, Wayne County Parks, and the city of Trenton schools. Along with the DEQ’s grant, the project has support from a $3.5 million federal appropriation secured by U.S. Congressman John Dingell, and a $1 million grant from the Mott Foundation.

Editor’s note:  DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised March 2, 2006 by Linda Crawford for Pat Watson