WHAT WE DO
WATER RESOURCES
LRE has successfully completed more than 100 projects for drain commissioners in over 25 counties throughout Michigan. We strive to develop holistic solutions to managing storm water on a watershed scale. Our firm has been awarded Innovation and Excellence Awards from the Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners in 5 of the last 7 years.
AT WORK IN YOUR COMMUNITY
COUNTY DRAINS
We have a deep knowledge of the Michigan Drain Code (Public Act 40 of 1956, as amended) and applicable environmental regulations. In addition, four of our team members have successfully completed courses in fluvial geomorphology and natural channel design conducted by renown expert, Dr. Dave Rosgen. As a result, we are able to guide our clients through complex county drain projects that require unique strategies in not only the design process but also implementation in terms of funding, easement acquisition and environmental permitting.
We offer a full range of services from preliminary study through engineering design and construction administration. Below are a few of the services we provide county drain commissioners:
DRAIN SERVICES
- County drain inspections including geomorphic assessments and developing maintenance plans.
- Engineering studies for both county drains and intercounty drains.
- Establishment of new drains pursuant to Chapters 3 and 4 of the Michigan Drain Code.
- Petition projects including the design of both open channel and enclosed storm water management systems using both natural channel design and traditional engineering approaches.
- Drainage district revisions pursuant to Section 197 of the Michigan Drain Code.
- Permit applications including not only the preparation of environmental permits but also identifying exempt county drain activities that do not require environmental permits
- Drainage easements including the preparation of easement agreements and exhibits as well as negotiations with property owners to acquire easements.
- Funding strategies including the preparation of assessment rolls, negotiating supplemental benefits, and securing grant funds to help offset project costs.
AT WORK IN YOUR COMMUNITY
LAKES + SHORELINES
Michigan has more freshwater than any other state in the continental US. LRE is committed to preserving the ecological value of our lakes while providing recreational opportunities.
Our team are proficient in Part 307, Inland Lake Levels, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Public Act 451 of 1994, as amended (NREPA). We have completed numerous lake studies, including establishing legal lake levels through Part 307 of NREPA and designing outlet control structures to maintain water levels.
LRE has designed dredging projects of ponds, inland lakes and navigable channels. Our survey team utilizes multibeam hydrographic survey equipment mounted to our flat bottom boat, which is capable of generating bathymetric surface models of lakes and channels. This information is vital for determining areas that need to be dredged, estimating quantities, and ensuring that construction contractors are accurately completing the work.
Rising water levels on both inland lakes and the Great Lakes have led to an influx in shoreline stabilization. While we prefer to design natural shoreline restoration projects using native vegetation and materials, we understand this is not always feasible. As a result, LRE has expanded our services to include the design of seawalls and riprap revetments on both inland lakes and the Great Lakes
