Measures to Implement the League Goals in the Rouge River Basin

Measures to Implement the League Goals in the Rouge River Basin

LWVDDH supports coordinated long-range planning by state, county, and local authorities for the entire River Rouge Basin in both flood control and pollution abatement, with special attention to environmental factors.
Position History: 

This position was originally held by the former Detroit Metropolitan Area LWV and was adopted by the local league when the DMA LWV was disbanded.

MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT THE LEAGUE GOALS IN THE ROUGE RIVER BASIN

1. Coordinated long range planning by state, county, and local authorities for the entire River Rouge Basin in both flood control and pollution abatement, with special attention to environmental factors.

2. Establishment of a basin policy for river basin management at the state level.

3.Legislation that will protect and encourage proper treatment of the River Rouge and its flood plain and sufficient funds and machinery to enforce such legislation.

4. Management and development according to a basic policy and appropriate to the particular environmental needs of the River Rouge area.

5. Machinery that provides for research of alternative flood control and pollution abatement measures and an adequate framework to analyze framework to analyze alternative measures and make intelligent decisions.

6. Procedures to provide ample information and opportunity for citizen participation in planning and policy decisions which will affect the future of the River Rouge Basin area.

7. Termination of future plans for channelization of any portion of the River Rouge Basin area because of channelization:
a. Causes soil erosion as a result of cutting back of river banks and accompanying removal of plant growth.
b. Destroys plant and animal water life from sedimentation from soil erosion.
c. Causes more flooding in adjacent river and floodplain areas due to quicker runoff.
d. Induces pollution because the natural pollutant removal through plant root systems has been eliminated.
e. Destroys nesting and spawning areas of aquatic and small animal life.
f. Depletes ground water due to quick runoff.
g. Does not in any way upgrade the water quality of the river.
f. Is an expensive process for the dubious benefits derived.
 
Issues: 
Water
League to which this content belongs: 
Dearborn-Dearborn Heights