Bill > HB5485

This bill significantly updates Michigan's regulations for inland lake dams, aiming to enhance safety and clarify responsibilities for dam owners. Key provisions include establishing new definitions for terms like "additional spillway capacity" and "inflow design flood," which relate to a dam's ability to handle water flow. The bill introduces a staggered registration process for dam owners, requiring them to submit comprehensive asset management plans, inspection reports, and safety plans. It also revises inspection frequencies for dams based on their hazard potential classification, with high-hazard dams needing annual inspections and significant-hazard dams every two years. Furthermore, the bill mandates the creation and maintenance of various plans, including operations and maintenance plans, surveillance and monitoring plans, and safety and security plans, all of which must be submitted to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for review. The DNR is empowered to issue emergency orders for dams in imminent danger and can take direct action if owners fail to comply, recovering costs later. The bill also establishes a dam safety emergency fund to cover remedial actions when owners are unable or unwilling to act, and creates a dam risk reduction grant program to assist owners with repair, alteration, or removal projects, requiring a 10% match from the owner. Finally, it clarifies that federal dam safety regulations may apply to dams licensed under the federal power act, and that certain sensitive information submitted to the DNR may be exempt from public disclosure.