Artificial intelligence, emergency preparedness, and watershed management will be among the topics featured at this year’s Regional Stormwater Summit. The annual summit is bringing government, industry, and community stakeholders together for the 13th year to explore emerging trends and share ideas for managing stormwater across Southeast Michigan. The summit will take place Friday, October 16, at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield.

“Stormwater management is a shared responsibility, and the Regional Stormwater Summit brings together some of the brightest minds to learn from one another and stay informed about the challenges affecting our region,” said Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash. “If you’re interested in the discussions, decisions, and solutions impacting our communities, I encourage you to register and attend.”

The event is presented in partnership with the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s office, Lawrence Technological University, and Pure Oakland Water. A highlight of the summit will be a keynote presentation from Jay Michels, a senior project manager with Emmons & Olivier Resources, who has 30 years of experience in stormwater management, including low-impact development approaches to managing runoff.

Following the keynote, there will be presentations by:

• Abdullah Hammoud, mayor of Dearborn, and Val Novaes, senior project manager with OHM Advisors, on Dearborn’s Stormwater Capital Improvement Plan
• John Wolf, senior staff engineer with Drummond Carpenter, on AI Applications in Managing Water Resources
• Stephanie Petriello, senior environmental planner with Oakland County Water Resources, and Taylor Warstler, civil engineer III with Oakland County Water Resources, on WRC Road Detention Credit Framework
• A panel discussion on watersheds featuring Jennifer Hill, executive director of the Clinton River Watershed Council, Ashley Flintoff, executive director of Friends of the Rouge, and Rebecca Esselman, executive director of the Huron River Watershed Council
• Todd Bechler, safety and security administrator and state emergency management with the Michigan Department of Transportation, on Emergency Planning: The Cost of Not Managing Stormwater
• Dan DeVaun, senior project manager with GEI Consultants, and Mason Manuszak with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Dam Safety Program, on Risk Prioritization of Dams in the State of Michigan
• Bob Muller, historian and author, on the Ford Fair Lane Estate Fishway

Lunch will be provided, along with networking breaks and an exhibition hall featuring 20 nonprofit, government, and private-sector booths. To register, visit mi-stormwatersummit.com.

About Oakland County Water Resources

The Office of the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner prioritizes public health, environmental preservation, and the delivery of dependable water and sewer services. We are dedicated to maintaining high-quality standards, protecting natural resources, and ensuring the community’s economic well-being. Our office strives to meet and exceed all local, state and federal water quality and environmental regulations. Learn more about our efforts and services at oaklandcountymi.gov/water.

View the press release as a PDF.