EXTEND AQUATIC NUISANCE CONTROL FEE - S.B. 530: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
Senate Bill 530 (as introduced 4-21-99)
Sponsor: Senator Ken Sikkema
Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Date Completed: 4-26-99
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Public Health Code to extend for four years, until October 1, 2003, the sunset date on permit fees for the suppression of aquatic nuisances.
Currently, the Code requires the application for a permit to be accompanied by a $50 fee for treatment of areas of at least half an acre but less than two acres, and a $150 fee for two acres or more. A fee is not required for owners of a single property treating waters abutting their property where the treatment area is less than half an acre, or for water bodies in single ownership.
Under the Code, the application of necessary chemicals in powder, crystal, or solution form to State waters for the control of aquatic nuisances, such as swimmers' itch and aquatic plants, is lawful and not in contravention of the private or public rights to the use and enjoyment of abutting property by the owners or occupants of that property if the application is made according to the Code and rules promulgated under the Code.
The necessary control work may be conducted by the State or a political subdivision, by an organized lake or improvement association on behalf of its members, by the owner of property abutting on the State waters, or by an aquatic pest control applicator licensed under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act after obtaining a permit from the Department of Environmental Quality. A permit may be obtained by application to the Department. The necessary control work must be conducted at those times, under those conditions, and with those safeguards, as the Department requires. The Department may provide permits, upon application, for the suppression of swimmers' itch and aquatic plants, if applicants provide, at their own expense, chemicals and other equipment and services called for in the rules promulgated by the Department.
MCL 333.12562 - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would extend the sunset on collection of revenue from aquatic nuisance control fees, which generated $95,900 to the State in fiscal year 1997-98.
- Fiscal Analyst: G. CutlerS9900\s530sa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.