The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451) to enhance environmental assessments and cleanup criteria by introducing new definitions and requirements. Key insertions include definitions for "Act of God," "Agricultural property," and "All appropriate inquiry," aligning them with federal standards. The bill also introduces terms such as "Due care plan," which outlines necessary response activities for compliance with environmental regulations, and "Cleanup criteria for unrestricted residential use," establishing safety standards for residential areas. Additionally, the bill streamlines existing definitions by removing outdated references and clarifying language related to hazardous substances and environmental contamination.

Furthermore, the bill establishes new responsibilities for property owners and operators regarding hazardous substance releases, including the requirement to report facility information to the department within 90 days and to submit a response activity plan within 180 business days after reporting. It mandates regular reporting on hazardous substance releases and outlines the conditions under which the department can issue administrative orders for non-compliance. The bill also clarifies liability for contamination, specifying that owners or operators are not liable if they comply with assessment requirements and are not responsible for the contamination. Overall, the bill aims to improve the regulatory framework for environmental protection and public health in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.20101