Taking care of the environmental side of the street

The need to preserve our environment is widely accepted. It wasn't always. But years before public interest in the environment became widespread, the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) already had many "environmental concerns."

For RCOC, recycling began in the 1960s with the re-use of vehicle oil (today, recycling centers collect paper, batteries, tires and other items used by RCOC).

In 1974, RCOC began addressing the environmental impact of road construction and other work on, or near, county roads. That process, combined with the permit-issuing function evolved into today's Department of Permits and Environmental Concerns.

The department works to ensure compliance with federal and state environmental laws. This involves impact statements, public hearings, and applying for permits from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Community Involvement

RCOC has two programs we encourage you to participate in, Adopt-A-Road and The Natural Beauty Road designation.

The Environmental Concerns Division of the Road Commission helps ensure compliance with state and federal hazardous waste requirements. We also may become involved in spills of hazardous materials in the road right of way. If you suspect an incident has occurred, please contact us at (248) 858-4891.

Adopt-A-Road

Volunteers can apply to "adopt a road" in order to keep the roadside clean and attractive. These community-spirited volunteers have removed tons of roadside trash, saving RCOC funds and allowing workers to meet other needs. After applying to adopt a county road, volunteers get training, safety vests, litter bags, and a trash removal and disposal schedule. Special certificates and road-side signs recognize this community service. Contact RCOC to adopt a road at (248) 858-4891.

The Natural Beauty Road Act

The Natural Beauty Road Act authorizes RCOC to designate unique roads in order to preserve natural surroundings and plant life. After the designation is requested, Environmental Concerns specialists carefully inspect the location, assist in the application process, and conduct the required public hearing.

Historical Preservation

The department works with the History Division of the Michigan Secretary of State's Office to preserve historical sites along roadways.

Permits

Chances are, work to be done in the road right-of-way will need a permit. Each year, more than 5,000 permits are issued by RCOC's Permits and Environmental Concerns Department for:

• Installations in road rights-of-way (drains, power, phone or TV cables, or poles)
• Driveway construction
• Overweight or oversize vehicle road use
• House moving
• Road paving to comply with standards

To avoid problems, call (248) 858-4835 to see if a permit is needed.