The Groesbeck Park Drain (GPDD) Project

The Groesbeck Park Drain (GPDD) project in Lansing, Michigan, addresses complex stormwater management and contamination issues. The area, which includes the Mason Esker and the Groesbeck Golf Course, has faced extensive urban development, leading to increased stormwater runoff that exacerbated contamination from Superfund sites, including the Motor Wheel Superfund Site. This runoff, funneled through a gravel pit once used as a landfill, threatened to push pollution into the nearby Saginaw aquifer, which supplies drinking water to Lansing.

In response, the Ingham County Drain Commissioner (ICDC) initiated a multi-year regional drainage improvement project starting in 1999, which culminated in construction in 2016. The goal was to control stormwater, prevent further contamination of the aquifer, and improve local ecosystems. This included designing a drainage system that could handle a 10-year, 24-hour storm event, and constructing treatment basins to filter pollutants from the first flush of stormwater.

The project involved significant collaboration with local landowners, including businesses like Builders Redi-Mix, and public entities like the City of Lansing’s Parks Department. It required balancing stormwater management with the preservation of Bancroft Park’s natural resources, including rare wetlands and plant species. In addition, over 75 habitat mitigation structures were installed to support wildlife, and the Groesbeck Golf Course underwent improvements using materials from the project, saving time and costs.

The stormwater system includes treatment ponds, culverts, and pumps to manage runoff and improve water quality, preventing further contamination from reaching the aquifer. Vegetation was carefully selected for its ability to filter pollutants and create a diverse habitat. The project, which also included upgrades to local infrastructure and recreational spaces, has been hailed as a success in reducing flooding, mitigating contamination, and enhancing environmental quality.