Norton Street Innovation Project

Our office submitted a project plan to the EGLE’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program to help improve water quality in the Augusta Drain through a stormwater improvement project. The CWSRF program is designed to provide financial assistance for the construction of water pollution control projects that aid in stormwater treatment through the reduction of nonpoint source pollution. We were granted $1.3 million for this project which will construct bioretention cells to capture and filter stormwater runoff collected from the road prior to entering the Augusta Drain. This project will also reduce the flow into the drain during large storm events by holding back a certain volume of water, improve water quality in the area and improve stormwater management. Additionally, we hope to create a community space for all to gather and enjoy.

Click here to view the Norton Street Innovation interactive project website.

Neighborhood Attributes

5 acres of open area along Norton Street from North Johnson Street to Sanderson Avenue
Owned by the Augusta Drain Drainage District
Maintained by Oakland County WRC

Goals for this Project

Improve water quality by filtering stormwater runoff through newly constructed bioretention cells
Reduce pollutants from entering the Clinton River
Utilize native trees and plants to beautify the area and aid in stormwater management
Create a gathering space for the local community to enjoy

Estimated Project Costs

$1.3 million
Grant administered through EGLE’s CWSRF and the American Rescue Plan

Partners

Special thanks to our many partners, including:

Oakland County
- Parks and Recreation
- Board of Commissioners
- Economic Development
- Treasurer's Office
City of Pontiac
- Mayor's Office
- City Council
  - Districts 2, 4, 7
Nonprofits
- Growing Pontiac
- Pontiac Community Foundation
- Friends of the Pontiac Parks
- Clinton River Watershed Council
Consultants
- Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc.

The largest remaining source of pollution to our rivers, lakes and streams is nonpoint source pollution. Nonpoint source pollution comes from many different sources. It is caused by rainfall or snowmelt picking up pollutants from our yards, driveways and sidewalks and depositing them into lakes, rivers and streams.

Learn more about how you can help prevent water pollution.

A bioretention cell is an excavated area that is filled with a specialized soil media and plants, or grass/sod. It is designed to temporarily hold and filter stormwater.