The Kent County Road Commission is dedicated to being a good steward of the environment, balancing efficient practices that help to keep the motoring public safe with responsible use of materials that aid our efforts. The following provides environmental resources related to the right-of-way and opportunities for residents to support our storm water management efforts.
The Grand Learning Network
The GRAND Learning Network is a "stewardship initiative that uses place-based education to give youth, teachers, and communities in Mid-Michigan tremendous opportunities to learn and grow in their appreciation of (their) locale," and provides excellent resources for those seeking to learn more about the Grand River Watershed.
Storm Water Management
A watershed is an area of land that catches rain and snow and is drained by a system of wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds, and rivers. The Grand River Watershed is the second largest drainage system in the State of Michigan, second only to the Saginaw River Watershed in size, and comprises 13% of the entire Lake Michigan drainage basin. The Grand River watershed has a drainage area of 5,572 square miles (14,431 square km) and it drains portions of Muskegon, Newaygo, Mecosta, Montcalm, Gratiot, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Clinton, Shiawassee, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Livingston, and Jackson counties in Michigan. The elevation of the watershed ranges from 1,260 feet (384 meters) in the uplands to 577 feet (176 meters) at its mouth. The river basin is approximately 135 miles (217 km) long and 70 miles (113 km) wide.
Grand River Watershed - Michigan
Recycling/HouseholdHazardous Waste
By reimagining the way we handle waste, we can generate change. Learn more! Visit ReimagineTrash.org, from the Kent County Department of Public Works
Illicit Dumping
Please ONLY RAIN in the DRAIN! Report ANY dumping into storm drains, streams or other water bodies to Kent County Road Commission at 616-242-6900. To report illicit dumping in the cities and villages of Kent County outside the road commission's jurisdiction, please visit Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds.
LGROW: Report Illicit Discharge
Here are a few ways YOU can reduce stormwater pollution from entering the storm sewer system in your community: