Visit this section to find out information about our environment and efforts that individuals can make to protect our natural resources.
Recycling:
EYEGLASS RECYCLING
The Township Hall has a drop box for residents who would like to recycle eyeglasses. The program is named "Lions of Michigan Recycle for Sight and Sound."
CELL PHONE RECYCLING
The Township Hall has a drop box for residents who would like to recycle cell phones. Be sure to erase names and numbers in the memory. The program is managed by Clinton County Waste Management.
HOUSEHOLD BATTERY RECYCLING
The Township Hall has a drop box for residents who would like to recycle their household batteries. Types of batteries accepted: nickel cadmium, lead acid batteries, mercuric oxide, button cell batteries, lithium batteries, alkaline/zinc carbon batteries. No auto or marine batteries are accepted. The program is managed by Clinton County Waste Management.
Storm Water Management:
LOOKING GLASS RIVER AND GRAND RIVER - WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLANS
In March, 2006, the DeWitt Charter Township Board of Trustees approved Watershed Management Plans for both the Looking Glass River and the Grand River. Approximately 70% of the land area within the Township flows into the Looking Glass River with the remaining area flowing into the Grand River. The Plans were developed over the last year by working with our neighboring municipalities and local stakeholders through a series of public meetings. Both Plans are available for review by clicking on mywatersheds.org.
CURB MARKER PROGRAM
In an effort to make residents aware of how local actions affect local water quality, the Township has begun a curb marker installation program in local subdivisions. These colorful curb markers stating "No Dumping, Drains to Waterways" are affixed on storm water catch basins to remind people that what goes into these catch basins end up draining into the Looking Glass River and the Grand River. Motor oil, grass clippings, paint, soaps and chemicals from washing cars, excess lawn fertilizer, and animal waste are all examples of pollutants that hurt water quality in our area. Volunteer groups are working with the Township to install the markers, having recently completed Springbrook Hills and Springbrook Hills East subdivisions. If your neighborhood or volunteer group is interested in helping install markers, please contact the Manager's Office at (517) 668-0270 or by email at jcoleman@dewitttwp.org.
WATER QUALITY TIP CARDS
The Township, working with other municipalities in the Lansing region, has developed a series of tip cards for residents and businesses on easy ways they can help improve the water quality in the Looking Glass and Grand Rivers. The colorful tip cards are available for download by topic by clicking below or can be requested from the Township by email at jcoleman@dewitttwp.org.
REPORT ILLICIT DISCHARGE
What is illicit discharge? All water that goes into a storm pipe, catch basin, or drainage ditch within DeWitt Charter Township eventually travels into the Looking Glass or Grand River Watersheds. Illicit discharge is something that travels into these systems that is not just stormwater. Since it is not just stormwater, it could potentially pollute our streams. Examples of illicit discharges that would be typical for a community like ours are septic system overflows, sanitary wastewater, chlorinated pool water, paints, fertilizers, oil or other vehicle fluids, etc.
If you happen to see something entering or exiting a storm pipe, catch basin or drainage ditch that looks, smells or feels like something other than stormwater, please contact the Clinton County Drain Commission at (989)224-5160.
If you want to learn more about keeping our watershed clean, safe and free of pollutants, please visit mywatersheds.org.
Environmental Contacts:
The Michigan Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS) is a 24 hour hotline managed by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The hotline is used to report environmental pollution emergencies. The PEAS hotline is toll free at (800) 292-4706.
Other Agencies to Contact Regarding Illegal Dumping or Illicit Discharges:
Mid-Michigan District Health Department
(989) 224-2195
Clinton County Department of Waste Management
(989) 224-5186
Southern Clinton County Municipal Utilities Authority
(517) 669-8311
Other Environmental Information:
Please check this section for information on environmental issues in DeWitt Charter Township.