Public Education
The City of East Lansing, in cooperation with the Greater Lansing Regional Committee (GLRC) has developed and maintained a public education plan (PEP) throughout the 2006 to 2013 MDEQ General Permitting cycle as well as under its 2013 to Current MDEQ Individual NPDES Permitting cycle. The purpose of the PEP is to develop a systematic approach for informing East Lansing residents and businesses of their impact on the water quality of the Red Cedar River and Looking Glass River watersheds.
The template for the PEP has been a product of the GLRC’s PEP Committee and has resulted in a uniform document for all GLRC communities to use and tailor to their specific needs. The PEP has been periodically reviewed updated and approved by MDEQ at each permitting cycle and as the objectives of the overall Stormwater Management Program have progressed.
The most recent Master Public Education Plan dated August 2018 (PDF) was submitted to MDEQ as part of the City’s renewal for its 2020 MDEQ MS4 Permit.
1. Promote Public Responsibility and Stewardship in the Applicant’s Watershed.
The template for the PEP has been a product of the GLRC’s PEP Committee and has resulted in a uniform document for all GLRC communities to use and tailor to their specific needs. The PEP has been periodically reviewed updated and approved by MDEQ at each permitting cycle and as the objectives of the overall Stormwater Management Program have progressed.
The most recent Master Public Education Plan dated August 2018 (PDF) was submitted to MDEQ as part of the City’s renewal for its 2020 MDEQ MS4 Permit.
Education Objectives
The City has committed to pursuing educational efforts focusing on ten objectives. Some of the specific activities undertaken by the City in regards to each of the ten objectives are as follows:1. Promote Public Responsibility and Stewardship in the Applicant’s Watershed.
- Maintain the City of East Lansing’s “Stormwater Pollution Prevention” webpage.
- Establish and maintain watershed signage along roadways as you enter each watershed.
- Provide/distribute the GLRC “Do You Know Your Watershed” brochure.
- Promote and support the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council’s (Mid-MEAC) volunteer stream monitoring efforts.
- Utilize the City’s “We All Live in a Watershed” educational display at various locations and events throughout the City.
- Support the development and continuous improvements to the GLRC’s webpages entitled “Stormwater Basics” and “What’s a Watershed”.
- Support the publication of GLRC’s quarterly newsletters and annual reports and distribute to community leaders.
- Maintain information on the GLRC’s and City’s websites on what is an illicit discharge and how to report it.
- Continue to provide access to brochures and other materials regarding car washing, pet waste, motor oil, and fertilizer reduction.
- Maintain the City’s Best Management Practices regarding the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers on City properties.
- Provide/distribute GLRC brochures and materials related to proper disposal of grass clippings and leaf litter.
- Promote proper disposal of pet wastes and maintain signage at City parks.
- Promote local household hazardous waste collection and recycling events held by the Ingham County Health Department.
- Continuing promoting and holding the City’s annual “Recycle East Lansing” event.
- Continue to promote and provide curbside pickup of yard wastes including special free pickup dates.
- Provide access to GLRC’s brochure on proper septic system care.
- Provide/distribute GLRC’s brochures and other materials on Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development.
- Promote access to WKAR’s “Greening Mid-Michigan” 27 minute video.
- Support GLRC’s efforts to educate the business community on MS4 and pollution prevention and what they can do.
Public Education Publications
The GLRC has developed numerous brochures, guides, quarterly newsletters, annual reports and many other educational materials for homeowners, educators and municipalities. Visit the GLRC website and click on resources.In addition, the city utilizes many of the Pollution Isn’t Pretty materials along with it’s “We All Live in a Watershed” display in public buildings, schools and other events.