The Department of Environmental Quality announced the availability of $470,000 in state funding to identify and require the correction of illicit connections to separate storm sewer systems. Illicit connections are physical connections to the storm sewer drainage system that introduce anything other than storm water or uncontaminated groundwater to the system.

Grant funding is available to implement corrective programs for illicit connections. The DEQ is accepting proposals from owners or operators of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s), including sub-state units of government: counties, cities, townships, and villages; and public and private colleges and universities.

Applications are due November 17. Full text of the Request for Proposals RFP, as well as forms and instructions, can be found on the DEQ's Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/deqnps. This information is also available from Robert Sweet at 517-335-6967.

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 October 17, 2008 by Pat Watson