EMERGENCY GREAT LAKES PERMIT                                                        H.B. 4399 (S-1):

                                                                                                      FLOOR SUMMARY

House Bill 4399 (substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor:  Representative Al Pscholka

House Committee:  Natural Resources

Senate Committee:  Outdoor Recreation and Tourism

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 325 (Great Lakes Submerged Lands) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to authorize the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to issue a conditional permit before the expiration of a 20-day period during which an objection to the permit may be filed, if emergency conditions warranted a project to protect property or public health, safety, or welfare. 

Part 325 requires a person to obtain a permit from the DEQ before undertaking certain projects.  When the DEQ receives a permit application, it must mail copies of the application to adjacent riparian owners and others, and include a statement that unless a written objection is filed within 20 days, the Department may take action to grant the application.

As noted above, under emergency conditions, the bill would allow the DEQ to issue a conditional permit before the 20-day period expired.  Following the 20-day period and any public hearing that was held on the permit application, the DEQ would have to take into consideration additional information or objections received, and could place additional conditions on the final permit consistent with Part 325.

MCL 324.32514                                                             Legislative Analyst:  Julie Cassidy

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed:  3-20-13                                                     Fiscal Analyst:  Josh Sefton

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.