Green Stormwater Infrastructure News and Events

This page is a collection of news and events that promote Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) activities throughout Detroit.

The inclusion of any news or events below is not an endorsement by DWSD or the City of Detroit. 

Could turning unused parking lots into greenspace help keep Detroit cooler in the summer?

Could turning unused parking lots into greenspace help keep Detroit cooler in the summer?

The parking lots and pavement across Detroit pose a huge problem as we face extreme weather due to climate change. For decades, scientists have warned of the effects of climate change on Detroit. The two biggest problems are heat stress illness and flooding. Both of which Detroit residents saw this summer -- a lot of it is because of excessive pavement.
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  • Bioretention

Detroit Going Green To Help Slow Flooding During Heavy Rains

Detroit Going Green To Help Slow Flooding During Heavy Rains

Massive amounts of green are being spent to find “green” ways to prevent basements, yards, streets, and freeways in Detroit from flooding during heavy storms like one last month. Of $100 million pumped each year into infrastructure upgrades for the city’s aging water and sewer systems, $10 million goes toward installing detention ponds, bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavement.
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  • Bioretention

Soil hauled from Detroit park as part of storm water project

Soil hauled from Detroit park as part of storm water project

Tons of soil is being removed from a westside Detroit park as part of a storm water retention project to reduce flooding in streets and basements during periods of heavy rainfall. The project at Rouge Park is expected to capture nearly 100 million gallons of storm water each year, alleviating pressure on the city’s combined sewer system, Detroit Water and Sewerage Deputy Director and Chief Engineer Palencia Mobley said.
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  • Bioretention

Mayor, DWSD announce up to $15M program to reduce basement backups in 11 flood prone neighborhoods

Mayor, DWSD announce up to $15M program to reduce basement backups in 11 flood prone neighborhoods

Mayor Mike Duggan and Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) Director Gary Brown announced the Basement Backup Protection Program, and up to $15 million initiative to assist residential homeowners in protecting their property during rainstorms by installing a backwater valve and/or sump pump. Homeowner occupants and landlords in 11 identified neighborhoods are eligible to apply today for the program, which is being paid for with a portion of the city’s share of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
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  • DWSD
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From stormwater to farms, U.S. cities put empty lots to use

From stormwater to farms, U.S. cities put empty lots to use

The Brightmoor neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan was already decaying when the recession hit more than a decade ago, said resident Luis Cuenca, leading droves of people to simply walk out on homes they could no longer afford.
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Gesu Detroit Transformed Its Six-acre Campus into Sustainable and Sacred Ground

Gesu Detroit Transformed Its Six-acre Campus into Sustainable and Sacred Ground

There’s only one way to get to the roof of Gesu Catholic School. You climb a two-story ladder through a trapdoor in the ceiling. You emerge from this portal into a sea of cobalt blue solar panels. A culmination of years of research, fundraising, and collaboration, these panels are an immense source of pride for the students of Gesu’s solar club.
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Detroit homes are being overwhelmed by flooding — and it's not just water coming in

Detroit homes are being overwhelmed by flooding — and it's not just water coming in

"My neighbor across the street called me and asked me if I had been in the basement," says Bonham, 52, who lives in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood of Detroit. She assumed the neighbor had seen someone trying to break in. "So I get up and I open the basement door, and I see a bucket float by. And I'm like, 'Oh my God."
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$40 million Rouge Park stormwater project begins

$40 million Rouge Park stormwater project begins

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department broke ground recently at Rouge Park for a $40 million project to redirect unwanted waters from rain and melted snow throughout the year. We faced unprecedented flooding during summer 2021. Enormous efforts like this are designed to prevent those issues from occurring again with the same intensity and devastation.
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  • City of Detroit
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNzjyyGzoqk

As climate change hits Michigan harder, more residents pay the price

As climate change hits Michigan harder, more residents pay the price

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns an increase in extreme rainfall could be on the horizon. NOAA recently released its 2022 state climate summaries that provide a state-by-state look of historical data and a projected outlook of climate conditions.
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https://michiganadvance.com/2022/09/18/as-climate-change-is-hits-michigan-harde…

Spotlight on the News: UDM's new president & Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit

Spotlight on the News: UDM's new president & Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit

WXYZ's Chuck Stokes talks with new University of Detroit Mercy President Don Taylor, Retired UDM Professor Mike Whitty, current UDM Professor Gail Presbey, and Erma Leaphart of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter to preview the Great Lakes Bioneers Conference and examine the future of green technology in Detroit.
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  • Sierra Club
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https://www.wxyz.com/news/political/spotlight-on-the-news/spotlight-on-the-news…

Spotlight on the News: UDM's new president & Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit

Spotlight on the News: UDM's new president & Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit

WXYZ's Chuck Stokes talks with new University of Detroit Mercy President Don Taylor, Retired UDM Professor Mike Whitty, current UDM Professor Gail Presbey, and Erma Leaphart of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter to preview the Great Lakes Bioneers Conference and examine the future of green technology in Detroit.
Organization
  • Sierra Club
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https://www.wxyz.com/news/political/spotlight-on-the-news/spotlight-on-the-news…

Government, property owners together can address ‘climate resiliency'

Government, property owners together can address ‘climate resiliency'

Rain events are becoming more intense with higher volume. We must invest in climate resiliency and do so in a phased approach to reduce the cost impact on ratepayers. Together, regional and local entities along with private owners can take measures to become more climate resilient.
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  • DWSD
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https://www.crainsdetroit.com/crains-forum-flooding/government-property-owners-…

$40M Detroit Water and Sewerage Department project to increase capacity in the local and regional sewer system

$40M Detroit Water and Sewerage Department project to increase capacity in the local and regional sewer system

Project to keep about 100 million gallons of stormwater annually out of the combined sewer system on the city’s westside, reducing basement backups. Two new detention basins and green paths inside Rouge Park. Lead service line replacement and downspout disconnection included as part of the project
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  • DWSD
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https://detroitmi.gov/news/40m-detroit-water-and-sewerage-department-project-in…