Environmental protection: sewage; violations for sewer overflows; modify. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding sec. 3115b.
The bill significantly escalates compliance requirements for large counties, ensuring they take proactive steps in managing and reducing sewage discharge. Should a county fail to submit or implement an approved discharge reduction plan, they face the potential for hefty administrative fines, which could be up to $1,000,000 monthly for ongoing violations. These measures not only elevate environmental protection standards but also aim to enhance accountability among local leaders in managing resources responsibly and sustainably.
House Bill 4035 aims to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, specifically adding Section 3115b to introduce stringent measures for counties with populations exceeding 1,000,000 regarding the discharge of substances in violation of existing permits. Under the new regulations, if such a discharge occurs, the affected county is mandated to submit a discharge reduction plan to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy within one year. This plan must outline strategies the county will employ to reduce the average discharge volume by 50% over the preceding five years.
While the bill addresses critical environmental concerns, there are potential points of contention regarding its implications for local governance. Proponents of HB 4035 argue that it is essential for safeguarding water quality and ensuring that populous counties are held to rigorous environmental standards. However, critics may contend that such stringent requirements could lead to financial burdens on local governments, especially if they struggle to comply with these mandates. This tension between environmental accountability and local jurisdictional autonomy could foster significant debate as the bill progresses.