State Representative Ron Robinson, representing Utica, has led a coalition of lawmakers urging the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to tackle the ongoing crisis related to untreated discharges from the George W. Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin into the Red Run Drain.
In a communication addressed to EGLE Director Phil Roos, Robinson and his colleagues highlighted deteriorating conditions linked to outdated operations at the facility. The issues include significant erosion, basement flooding, storm drain backflows, and even a fatality resulting from an embankment collapse. These problems have been particularly severe in Macomb County due to overflows originating from Oakland County’s GWK basin.
“This drainage issue is a matter of public safety and environmental fairness,” stated Robinson. He emphasized that “Macomb County residents are paying the price for a facility that is operating under an expired permit and outdated assumptions.” Robinson called for urgent state intervention.
The lawmakers’ letter presented four primary demands: denial of permit renewal until Oakland County provides a comprehensive plan to reduce discharge velocity and frequency; mandatory structural improvements at GWK; coordination of state and regional funding for emergency repairs in Macomb; and updates to operational protocols reflecting modern environmental standards.
“Macomb County cannot be left to shoulder the burden alone,” added Robinson. He insisted that “the damage we’re seeing is the result of inter-county pollution, and it’s time for EGLE and Oakland County to be part of the solution.”
