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🌍 Environmental Rules/Stormwater Management

Stormwater Management: Dearborn vs Westland

How do stormwater management rules compare between Dearborn, MI and Westland, MI?

Dearborn has fewer restrictions than Westland.

Dearborn, MI

Wayne County

Some Restrictions

Dearborn operates a separate stormwater system discharging to the Rouge River under a state MS4 permit. New construction over 1 acre must meet EGLE Part 91 soil erosion and stormwater standards.

View full Dearborn rules β†’

Westland, MI

Wayne County

Heavy Restrictions

Westland manages stormwater under EGLE MS4 permit requirements. New developments must control runoff, and illicit discharges to storm drains are prohibited with fines up to 10,000 dollars.

View full Westland rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactDearbornWestland
MS4 permitEGLE NPDES permitted-
Receiving waterRouge River watershed-
SESC trigger1 acre (state) or 5000 sq ft (county)-
Illicit dischargeReport to Public WorksFines up to 10,000 dollars
Regulator-EGLE MS4 permit
Watershed-Lower Rouge River
Development trigger-1 acre disturbance
Contact-DPS (734) 467-3200

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Dearborn FAQ

Can I wash my car in the driveway?

Occasional home car washing is allowed, but commercial washing requires runoff capture to avoid illicit discharge violations.

Do I need a stormwater permit for a new deck?

Small residential projects do not trigger state SESC permits, but county rules may apply near streams.

Westland FAQ

Can I wash my car and let soap run into the street?

Not repeatedly. Occasional home car washing is tolerated, but commercial washing runoff is a prohibited discharge.

Where does Westland storm water go?

To the Lower Rouge River via storm drains, untreated. That is why dumping anything into drains is prohibited.

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