HOME
Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm).
Watershed Managment Plan (Version I)
 


 

Task 2. Designated and Desired Uses
(Version I: March, 2003)
Members of the Steering Committee were able to participate in any of four subwatershed groups established to better utilize stakeholder knowledge and skills. Among the first actions taken by each subgroup was the identification of the "Designated Uses" being met for each creek, as defined by Part 4, Part 31 of PA 451, 1994, revised 4/2/99. Designated Uses are recognized uses of Waters of the State established by state and federal water quality programs. All Waters of the State are to be designated and protected for all of the uses listed below. However, some uses are not met at all, some are met for only part of a watercourse and some do not apply. Each Subwatershed Committee addressed these issues, as well as identification of those designated uses that were "threatened" or "impaired". Threatened uses are defined as the types of activities that may impact a water body currently meeting a designated use such that it will not meet water quality standards in the future. Impaired uses are defined as verified and perceived concerns resulting in a designated use not being met. The designated uses are:
  • Agriculture
  • Industrial water supply
  • Public water supply
  • Navigation
  • Warmwater Fishery
  • Other indigneous aquatic life and wildlife
  • Partial body contact, recreation
  • Total body contact, recreation between May 1 and October 31
  • Note: Certain water bodies are also protected as a coldwater fishery.

The Committees also developed additional "desired uses", those additional uses they would like to protect or improve the subwatersheds to meet. The additional desired uses are:

  • Native vegetation/naturalization
  • Unique habitats/riparian buffers
  • Aesthetic and community amenity
  • Flood control (capacity)
  • Flood capability (transport)
  • Flood prevention/control of storm water
  • Permitted discharge compliance
  • Public water supply, groundwater
  • Public access and education
"Watershed/Water Quality Concerns", reason(s) why designated uses may not be met, and "Broadbased Stakeholder Goals" were also identified for each subwatershed.