This bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to enhance the safety and management of dams in Michigan. It introduces new definitions such as "additional spillway capacity," "emergency action plan," and "inflow design flood," while modifying existing terms like "dam" and "owner." The legislation requires that any construction, enlargement, repair, alteration, or removal of a dam must follow specified procedures to ensure structural integrity and safety. It also outlines the responsibilities of dam owners, including the provision of information previously submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission if the dam comes under state jurisdiction.

Additionally, the bill revises the permitting process, establishing a tiered fee structure based on dam height, with specific fees for various activities and a waiver for certain nonprofit organizations and state agencies. It mandates a staggered registration process for dam owners, requiring them to submit an asset management plan and conduct regular inspections. The bill also introduces stricter safety standards for significant and high hazard potential dams, requiring them to pass a new flood capacity standard. Furthermore, it establishes a dam safety emergency fund and a grant program to assist dam owners with safety-related expenses, ensuring that the management and oversight of dam safety are significantly improved.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.31502