Department of Environment
River Friendly Partners Program
Mission
The mission of the River Friendly Partners Program is to restore the water quality of our rivers by reducing pollutants that enter our waterways through storm water runoff. Through this voluntary program, businesses are given the opportunity to obtain free information and technical assistance to help them determine ways in which they can prevent storm water pollution.
Why Is The Program Important?
The River Friendly Partners Program helps Wayne County and your local community protect the water quality of our rivers, lakes and streams for the enjoyment of all of our citizens. This program is part of a coordinated effort to help communities comply with the Federal Clean water Act, and meet the requirement of their State of Michigan Voluntary Stormwater Permits. Working together we can restore and protect our rivers.
How Can A Business Become A River Friendly Partner?
- Businesses can request a Pollution Prevention Action Plan from the Wayne County Department of Environment, Water Quality Management Division. This package includes an action plan, self assessment form and best management practice manual that are industry specific.
- The business completes the action plan and self assessment form either by themselves or they can request a visit from a Technical Assistance Team to help them complete the form.
- River Friendly Partner Program Staff schedule a site visit approximately 90 days after the action plan and self assessment form has been completed. This allows the business time to make the environmental improvements identified in their Pollution Prevention Action Plan. During the site visit, staff meet with the business owner/manager to determine if the business has begun implementation of their Pollution Prevention Plan and is eligible for recognition as a River Friendly Partner.
- The business signs a River Friendly Partner Pledge and is awarded a River Friendly Partner Program certificate.
What Are The Benefits of Becoming A River Friendly Partner?
- Free Technical Assistance to help you identify opportunities for pollution prevention
- Improved housekeeping and operational procedures that can prevent pollution and reduce your operating expenses while helping improve the environment.
- Personal Satisfaction that your business is doing something to help protect the environment and the water quality of our rivers, lakes and streams.
- Free advertising, decals, magnets, brochures and artwork to promote your business as a River Friendly Partner.
- Customers prefer to patronize River Friendly Partners
How Can A Business Find Out More About The River Friendly Partners Program?
Call the Rouge Information Hotline at 1 (888) 223-2363.