The public meeting is the result of Ada Township taking legal action against the Kent County Drain Commission plan to collect stormwater runoff from an area near Knapp Street NE & E Beltline Avenue in the City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Township and transport it to Ada Township’s Cook Drain discharging it into the Grand River.
Environmental experts presented findings of potential harm road salt could have on nearby wells, wetlands and wildlife, stressing the need for more data to determine the extent. Resident Wendy Stock echoed concerns.
“I don’t know how overuns, overflows and failures could impact my property but I’m hearing today that’s going to be my problem if it happens.”
Resident Ginny Seyferth said she’s most frustrated by a lack of transparency by city and county officials.
“There should never be that a township has to sue its county to have a meeting on something like this.”
Engineers discussed previous studies on alternative drainage plans and Grand Rapids City Engineer Tim Berkman supports the current one.
“We certainly agree that finding the least environmentally impactful alternative is what is best and what’s most important to having a sustainable water shed.”
County leaders noted the state would be involved in permitting the project and monitoring water quality.
