Water resources commissioner details growth pressures, drainage work and 2025 accomplishments

Water Resources Commissioner Joe Busch presented the department's 2025 annual report, stressing how rapid growth is driving more development reviews, drain maintenance work and water-quality effort across Ottawa County.

Busch told commissioners the office handled 82 new applications for commercial, industrial or subdivision projects and continues to manage roughly 150–200 plan reviews annually. He said the department coordinated 129 active drain maintenance petition projects in 2025 across 24 local units and reported that roughly 1,000,000 pounds of sediment were removed from about 1,400 catch basins during inspections and cleaning efforts.

The commissioner outlined infrastructure work — maintenance of 13 county drains and four pump stations, expansion of spray programs to address invasive species like phragmites and Japanese knotweed, and plans to add 65 new miles of drain into GIS records. On outreach, Busch promoted an October 23 water-quality forum expected to draw several hundred participants.

On oversight and audits, Busch reminded the board that MS4 (stormwater) duties are mandated and audited by the state and cited strong inspection numbers: he reported more than 3,600 catch-basin inspections and proactive maintenance scheduling for identified problem ponds. When asked about pesticide safety in the spray program, Busch said the county uses certified applicators, partners with the conservation district and avoids spraying near wells or irrigated agriculture.

Busch concluded that coordination with townships and GIS work remains central to managing growth and protecting local waterways.