The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451) by updating definitions and requirements related to environmental assessments and cleanup criteria. It introduces new terms such as "Act of God," "Agricultural property," and "All appropriate inquiry," aligning them with federal regulations. Additionally, it establishes the "Due care plan," which outlines necessary response activities to meet environmental standards, and specifies "Cleanup criteria for unrestricted residential use" to set standards for hazardous substance levels in residential areas. The bill also streamlines existing definitions by removing outdated references, such as previous background soil surveys, and replacing them with updated terminology.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of property owners and operators regarding hazardous substances, mandating timely reporting of facility information and the submission of response activity plans. It establishes a framework for compliance with cleanup criteria, requiring regular reporting and accountability for any violations. The bill also introduces provisions for the approval and appeal processes for no further action reports, ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance environmental protection and public health by improving the management of hazardous substances and ensuring compliance with updated regulations.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.20101