DAY 1 - May 10
NOTE: All times in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
9:00-9:35 AM
Welcome and Keynote Presentation
9:50-10:50 AM
Resiliency Planning and Response to Flooding in Southeast Michigan
Southeast Michigan experienced significant rainfall in the summer of 2021, resulting in widespread flooding. The region is responding with further resiliency planning and responses to better address potential impacts of flooding on water infrastructure. This presentation will cover some of these responses and actions.
Combined Session
NOAA - Next Generation: NOAA Atlas 14 Precipitation Frequency Estimates
NOAA Atlas 14 is the national precipitation frequency standard that plays a vital role in the planning and designing of the nation's infrastructure and is referenced in the regulations and design manuals of many federal, state, and local agencies. NOAA proposes to develop a new generation of volumes incorporating climate change considerations and the latest observations. This presentation will discuss product development stages, product uncertainty, and the impact on engineering design applications.
Engineering for a Changing Rainfall
Our climate is changing. The amount of rainfall in the most intense events has increased significantly in the Midwest and is projected to continue to increase. Civil infrastructure systems traditionally have been designed and constructed based on rainfall probabilities derived from historical data which assumed stationarity. While the scientific community agrees that climate is changing there is uncertainty over the details of the change. This presentation will discuss future projected rainfall conditions along with infrastructure implementation strategies and approaches.
11:10 AM-12:10 PM
Region 5 Directors’ Panel - Challenges and solutions across states
Join
Contributing Municipality Collection System General Permit
The State of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Water Resources Division, is developing a Contributing Municipality Collection System General Permit. This presentation will cover the provisions and requirements of the draft general permit and plans for implementation.
1:00-2:00 PM
Water Affordability and Public Engagement
Greater attention is being paid to the need to effectively communicate and engage with the public to build trust, increase transparency, and achieve customer satisfaction. Speakers will share strategies and activities used in public outreach and engagement.
Grand Rapids Stormwater: What a difference a decade makes
Grand Rapids has come a long way in the last 10 years. Learn about how we’ve found money for stormwater and how we’ve incorporated green infrastructure into complete streets to make Vital Streets. We are also on the brink of implementing our new MS4 permit and will tell you what unique things we’ve incorporated to help the City and Developers meet requirements.
2:30-3:30 PM
Regionalization, Working Together to Solve Infrastructure Challenges
A general presentation on the spectrum of regionalization opportunities, what challenges are out there, how regionalization can solve some of those problems and the way forward in Michigan.
Combined Session
Sterling Relief Drain Daylighting and Green Infrastructure Retrofit
The Macomb County Public Works Office completed a grant funded project to transform two miles of the Sterling Relief Drain using green infrastructure to better serve the community. This presentation will focus on the goal of improving water quality and operation of the drain by day-lighting portions and creating a naturalized green corridor.
Reducing Stormwater Runoff through Green Infrastructure in a Built Community
The City of Royal Oak began implementing green infrastructure in 2015 and prioritizes these improvements whenever possible on city projects. Royal Oak is fully developed, which has led to high stormwater runoff volumes that need to be managed, especially as precipitation events intensify. This presentation will discuss the practices used, some lessons learns and future goals.
3:45-4:45 PM
Afternoon Keynote: Bruno Pigott, Deputy Assistant Administrator
Day 2 - May 11
NOTE: All times in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
9:00-9:30 AM
Day 2 Opening Remarks
This session will begin with opening remarks from EGLE Director Liesl Eichler Clark, followed by updates from Michigan's Environmental Justice Public Advocate, Regina Strong, and Clean Water Public Advocate, Kristina Donaldson
9:50-10:50 AM
Great Lakes Water Authority Water Apprenticeship Program-How to replicate in other communities
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) has innovate ways to attract the local workforce. Learn how GLWA improves their workforce issues in order to replicate it in your own community.
How to incorporate Climate Change into Infrastructure Funding
The economy, security and culture all depend on the resilience of our water infrastructure. There are many inherent infrastructure damages related to climate changes such as major storm surges and heavy downfalls, increasing temperatures, etc. These should be factored into an infrastructure improvements project.
11:10 AM - 12:10 AM
Funding infrastructure projects, what municipalities should know about bonds, grants, and timing.
This informative session will discuss various options for grants and financing of all water/sewer projects, including lead service line replacements. All financing options including the State Revolving Fund, USDA Rural Development and open market bond issuance will be covered. Bond issuance timing and processes will also be discussed.
Learn how to engage with your local council to get projects implemented.
Get your council to understand the importance of upgrading your water infrastructure. This session will explore new and engaging ways to connect with your local council to get your projects approved and moving in the right direction.
1:00-2:15 PM
Keynote: Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II
Michigan
EGLE Funding and Financing Programs
EGLE will provide an overview of new funding opportunities available to communities to address water infrastructure needs through the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, American Rescue Plan, State Revolving Fund, and other programs.
Funding Presentation Slides (pdf)
Water Infrastructure Investment in Michigan (pdf)
2:30-3:30 PM
Tap into your Water/ Wastewater Tech Programs in Michigan
The operation of Michigan’s drinking water and wastewater facilities requires highly skilled and knowledgeable operators. Operators must be certified by EGLE and there are Michigan community colleges that offer the educational requirements for the highest level of certifications to operate drinking water and wastewater facilities. We will hear from Bay, Delta, and Grand Rapids Community Colleges about their programs and how they help students prepare for incredible careers in public works.
Lead Service Line Replacement
This session will discuss lead service line replacement, specifically the need to incorporate checks and balances into the process, addressing reporting needs/requirements, and overall best practices.