The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating Section 32512 to clarify the permitting process for certain activities related to waterways in Michigan. It specifies that a permit must be issued by the department for activities such as constructing or dredging artificial waterways, connecting waterways to the Great Lakes, dredging bottomland, or constructing marinas. The bill also introduces new language to define the conditions under which a permit is not required, particularly for activities like leveling sand, mowing vegetation, and removing debris between the ordinary high-water mark and the water's edge.

Additionally, the bill removes previous language that exempted certain activities from regulation and clarifies that the removal of debris, including free-floating vegetation, is not considered dredging if done by mechanical or manual means without impacting the lakebed. This amendment aims to streamline the regulatory process while ensuring the protection of Michigan's waterways and natural resources.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.32512
As Passed by the House: 324.32512