There are no federal, state or local regulations that directly address the physical condition of the bed and banks of Huron Creek.   However, erosion and sedimentation issues are of concern nationally, as well as on the state level.   Direct regulation usually comes into play when construction occurs within a certain distance of a “navigable stream.”  Huron Creek meets the State of Michigan definition of navigable stream and is therefore subject to rules aimed at preventing erosion and sedimentation during construction activities. 

Potential improvements such as bank stabilization and sediment removal are usually completed through use of techniques called Best Management Practices (BMPs).   BMPs are a variety of physical or procedural methods for preventing erosion and soil deposition in waterways.   For example, physical BMPs can include stormwater ponds, infiltration basins, silt fence, check dams or erosion matting.   An example of procedural BMPs (generally used for construction) would include sequencing and stabilization practices to minimize total amounts of disturbed ground surface.   Another procedural BMP might be to minimize the amount of original vegetation removed from a construction site.

BMPs that might be employed in bank stabilization or sediment reduction/removal include:

•  Utilization of native plantings on stream banks in possible combination with erosion matting.

•  Employing protection measures such as check dams and spill-way protection in drainages or ditches that discharge to the creek.

•  A suggested modification to the grain size distribution of the sand spread on roads within the watershed

Developing the Huron Creek Watershed Management Plan