Bill > SB0947

This bill, amending Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, significantly updates regulations for inland lake dams to enhance safety and environmental protection. Key provisions include establishing new definitions for terms like "additional spillway capacity" and clarifying existing ones such as "dam" and "high hazard potential dam," which now includes specific criteria for population density and road classifications. The bill introduces a staggered dam registration process based on hazard potential, requiring owners to submit comprehensive asset management plans, demonstrate compliance with dam safety regulations, and maintain updated inspection, surveillance, operation, maintenance, and safety plans. It also revises inspection frequencies for different hazard classifications, mandates more detailed inspection reports, and introduces a new requirement for comprehensive evaluation reports every ten years. Furthermore, the bill updates permit application fees, introduces fees for pre-application meetings, and establishes a dam safety emergency fund to cover remedial actions when owners are unable or unwilling to act, with provisions for cost recovery. It also creates a dam risk reduction grant program to assist owners with repair, alteration, or removal projects, requiring a 10% matching contribution. Finally, the bill clarifies when emergency orders can be issued and outlines the process for hearings and appeals, while also emphasizing that owners remain legally responsible for their dams.