Senate Enrolled Act No. 217 - Summary

• Amends the definition of "underground storage tank" to clarify that connected underground pipes are part of the tank system, and that tanks with separate compartments are included in the definition, effective July 1, 2014.

• Removes the requirement for federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concurrence for certain regulatory actions by the state commissioner if the EPA has granted the commissioner independent authority under the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act.

• Changes the annual registration fee requirement deadline from July 1 to January 1 for underground storage tank owners, and establishes separate fees of $90 per petroleum tank and $245 per non-petroleum tank, with a transition provision allowing single $90 fee for multi-compartment tanks in use before July 1, 2014.

• Requires county surveyors and drainage boards conducting regulated drain reconstruction or maintenance projects to request onsite field reviews from the Department of Natural Resources within 14 days, with written summaries of conditions provided within 30 days.

• Prohibits the Department of Natural Resources from requiring deed restrictions, conservation easements, or tree planting/retention as permit conditions for regulated drain maintenance projects, with limited exceptions for vegetation filter strips on one side of the drain.